• 🆕 This Week’s Notable New Products
• 🥼 IFT's Product Development Finalists 
• 🍇 Welch’s Will Relocate to Waltham
• 🚚 Distribution: Oat Haus Goes Publix 
• ✅ How She Got Walmart To Say ‘Yes’ In The Pitch Meeting

As consumers continue to adjust to busy post-pandemic lifestyles, products promising easy meal solutions and elevated breakfast routines are in high demand, according to a report released this week by market researcher Circana. 

The top 100 food and beverage launches last year featured in Circana’s 2023 New Product Pacesetters rankings represent $3.4 billion in combined year-one sales, down from $3.5 billion the year before. Here are key findings from the research:

🤝 Co-branding and licensing are capturing shoppers’ attention amid ongoing inflation. Take trusted brands like Oreo and Little Debbie, whose forays into the freezer case generated $126.4 million and $45.3 million, respectively, in year-one sales. 

🤏 Additionally, consumers are embracing new eating experiences offered by familiar brands, specifically within the snacking segment. New Doritos Minis, Cheetos Minis and Sunchips Minis scooped up $104.5 million in sales, while Cheez-It Puff’d raked in $71.7 million and General Mills Minis delivered $63.2 million. 

🍝 Shifting daily routines and work schedules may have pushed the increase in slow cooker and casserole dish sales, reflecting a continued demand for complete meals and meal shortcuts. Kevin’s Natural Foods refrigerated entrees cooked up $82.3 million in sales last year. 

🧇 Consumers are seeking ways to enhance morning meals at home. Starbucks’ branded coffee pods (developed for Nespresso’s Vertuo countertop machines) brewed up $118.2 million in sales. Hungry Jack Frozen Pancakes ($37.6 million) and Pillsbury Funfetti Mini Pancake and Waffle Mix ($14.4 million) also were cited by Circana as notable new breakfast bites.

⚡ A continued focus on well-being is driving demand for functional benefits, particularly in beverages, leading to strong first-year sales for PRIME Hydration ($244.9 million), Ghost Energy ($116.5 million) and Electrolit ($86 million).

💰 According to Circana, the 2023 New Product Pacesetters showcase the “influence of innovation from smaller companies,” noting manufacturers with sales under $500 million represented 59% of the rankings by count, up from 41% the year before. The smaller companies also accounted for 43% of New Product Pacesetters dollars, up from 18% in 2022. 

💬 “In 2023, collaborations with well-known brands, compelling brand narratives, and a dedication to product expansion helped drive brand awareness and increase sales. Products identified as Pacesetters contributed an 18% increase in total multi-outlet sales, compared to an 11% increase in 2022, highlighting the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in achieving sustained growth and market success,” said Joan Driggs, vice president of content and thought leadership at Circana. 

Go Deeper: Nosh Insiders can access our exclusive quarterly data report in partnership with Brightfield Group.

It’s finally Friday, folks! And that can only mean one thing – it’s time for the release of our weekly new product gallery. Here’s a brief overview of what’s in store:

🥒 As further proof that pickles have evolved beyond the jar, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish launched limited-edition Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle crackers. The new offering is currently available at retailers nationwide with a SRP of $3.69 per 6.1 oz. bag.

👀 You’ve heard of beer flights and coffee flights, now get ready for…ranch flights! Meal delivery kit Hello Fresh has introduced its new Ranch Flight in collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch. The new offering features GoGoGochujang Ranch, All Bay Long Ranch, Frankenranch and Goucho Ranch. 

🔥 Just in time for campfire season, Elavi has unveiled its newest dessert cashew spread flavor, Marshmallow. The LTO is currently available on the brand’s website for $15 per 10 oz. jar. 

Check out the full NPG on Nosh later today.

Heading to Chicago next month for the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) annual event IFT FIRST? Nosh will be there and so will the six food technologist finalist teams for the Mars Wrigley Product Development Competition. The university student groups will pitch and present a tasting to a panel of judges.

🧑🏻‍⚖️ The six food innovations will be evaluated on “overall effectiveness, technical problem-solving, process feasibility and, most importantly, taste.

🍌 Last year, Cornell University’s CaféNana — an upcycled, caffeinated coffee-banana sandwich bite consisting of two banana leather pieces and a sunflower butter coffee filling — won the $3,000 prize. Cornell has won the competition 11 times since 1995.

🥳 This year the groups competing are: Bright Bites from University of Florida; Mango Sticky Bites from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Nonna’s Nopales from Cornell University; KimCheer from Oregon State University; SOL – Spice of Life: Vanilla Chai Cognitive Wellness Beverage from Chapman University; and Quinocchis from McGill University.

Fruit-based food and beverage giant Welch’s today announced it will relocate to Waltham, Mass., next year from its previous headquarters just 10 miles down the road in Concord, Mass.

🏭 The new Waltham headquarters will include 60,000 sq. ft. of office and lab space, which Welch’s claims will be the largest office relocation in the Boston suburbs in 2024. 

🔨 Renovations on the new space will begin this summer, with the full relocation slated for next spring. 

💭 “Welch's is at a pivotal point in our journey where we are driven by ambitious growth and innovation goals as an organization. Moving into this new space in the thriving business community of Waltham will offer unparalleled opportunities for our company,” said Trevor Bynum, president and CEO, in a statement. 

The food industry has been busy as the distribution news continues to roll in as delivery trucks roll out. Let’s take a look at who has snagged new shelf space:

🏠 Oat Haus is going Publix. No, not on the NYSE (but check out the brand’s recent social posts for a teaser), but rather nationwide at the Florida-based retail chain with four flavors: Brownie Batter, Vanilla, Original and Cookie Dough. 

🥜 Daily Crunch heads to Target stores nationwide. The sprouted nut snack producer recently announced its Dill Pickle Sprouted Almonds, Pepitas Sprouted Nut Medley and Nashville Hot Sprouted Almonds have secured placement in 453 Target stores.

🐟 Tinned fish producer Fishwife is growing its fin-print with an expansion to all 400 Sprouts Farmer Market stores nationwide alongside a rollout to Wegmans stores. 

Stay tuned for more distribution news on Nosh later today.

How did Harken Sweets, an upstart brand of better-for-you candy bars, land placement in the checkout aisles of thousands of Walmart stores just months after its debut? Founder & CEO Katie Lefkowitz explains how she secured and prepared for her pitch meeting with Walmart and why the category buyer said “yes” almost immediately.

Listen to the episode to understand her strategy.