Magtein Makes Vitafoods Europe Debut
Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate will be making its entry into the EU market with its debut at this year's Vitafoods Europe. The highly bioavailable form for magnesium supplementation received official authorization as a novel food in November 2024, creating a path for its use in the EU. From AIDP and its partner company ThreoTech, Magtein is suitable for a wide range of products, including capsules, Ready-to-Drink beverages, snack bars, gummies, gels and powders. Multiple studies have also shown its impact on improving memory, cognition, calmness, mood and quality of sleep.
Rory Lipsky, Sr. VP Marketing, ThreoTech, commented on how Magtein's success in the U.S. laid the foundation for its launch in the EU: “Magtein is a truly unique product, which overcomes the brain bioavailability challenges associated with magnesium. The enormous success it has enjoyed in the US is testament to the top level of science involved in its discovery and the wealth of clinical research supporting its functions, as well as the scale of demand for effective solutions for cognitive health, mood and sleep. We’re hugely excited that consumers in the EU, where magnesium is already one of the most taken supplements, are now able to enjoy these benefits too.”
King Arthur Baking Launches Podcast
Calling all bakers! Things Bakers Know: The King Arthur Baking Podcast is launching on Monday, April 28. Hosted by King Arthur Baking Company Staff Editor Jessica Battilana and King Arthur's Editorial Director David Tamarkin, the show will feature expert baking tips, techniques, and conversations with special guests discussing the art of baking. During its first season, the show will explore five different fan favorite recipes: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pizza, Birthday Cake, Biscuits, and Sourdough with each episode discussing the history and lore, tips and tricks, trends and takes of each different baked good.
The in-depth looks will also include discussions with King Arthur's Director of the Baking School, Amber Eisler, Baking Ambassador, Martin Philip, and some of the most acclaimed bakers in America including Zoë François, Dan Richer, Cheryl Day, and others. “For me, baking has always been about more than just following a recipe — it's about the stories, the techniques, and the little tricks that make all the difference," shared Battilana. "With this podcast, we’re bringing those insights to life, helping home bakers feel more confident and excited every time they step into the kitchen.”
Listeners can submit their baking questions directly to the show here and check out all episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever else podcasts are available.
AHPA Presents Leadership Award to Nammex
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has recognized North American Certified Organic Functional Mushroom Extracts supplier, Nammex, for its outstanding business practices and efforts towards moving the industry beyond normal business practices. Presented on March 4, 2025, during the annual AHPA member meeting in Anaheim, California, the AHPA Herbal Industry Leadership Award highlighted years of the company's advocacy for best practices in producing, labeling, and marketing mushroom products. Ongoing industry education and advocacy, involvement in trade groups, and calling for action by regulatory agencies continue to remain top priorities for the company.
Skye Chilton, son of Nammex Founder Jeff Chilton, shared his thoughts on the company receiving the honorary award: “It's a great honor to receive this award from AHPA and to be recognized by our peers. This is a concerted effort by the entire Nammex team to carry our vision forward. We pride ourselves on setting the industry standards for the fungi products category and truly appreciate the supportive role that AHPA has served in our quality assurance initiatives.”
Presenting 2025 Setton Pistachio Scholarship Winners
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. has announced the winners of its third annual scholarship program. Focused on sustainability, the Setton Eary Day scholarship contest was created as part of the family-owned company's continuous commitment to helping students reach their educational goals while emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Contest entries were judged on originality, creativity, and how well they incorporated the topic of sustainability and Setton Farms branding into their project. The judging panel was made up of Setton employees, school representatives, and local leaders. 2025 winners were honored at an awards luncheon at Harmony Magnet Academy on Tuesday, April 8th and included:
- First place winner: Alexa Cruz (Strathmore High School)
- Second place winner: Edith Robledo (Porterville High School)
- Third place winners: Hayley Shaw (Harmony Magnet Academy), Leidi Valle (Strathmore High School), Alexandra Salbador (Granite Hills High School), Leticia Flores Coello (Monache High School), and Daisy Aldaco (Strathmore High School); honorable mentions, Aidan Jacobo (Porterville High School), Danny Rodriguez (Harmony Magnet Academy), Alexandra Carino (Harmony Magnet Academy), Linda Astorga (Granite Hills High School), and Agustin Rodriguez (Porterville High School); and special recognition, Marina Navarro-Alvarez (Granite Hills High School).
This year, Setton Farms partnered with Porterville High School, Monache High School, Harmony Magnet Academy, Strathmore High School, and Granite Hills High School in Porterville, California, to award its scholarships. Recipient winners were awarded $5,000 for first-place; $2,500 to the second-place winner; $1,000 each to five third-place winners; $750 each to five honorable mentions; and added a special recognition award of $750. All other students who participated received a participation award of $250. “Our primary goal continues to be supporting local students in pursuing their college degree,” shared Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “We’re grateful for all the students who participated in the contest, creating extraordinary projects that reflect a unique and thoughtful take on sustainability in agriculture.”
MIGHTYLICIOUS Honors Upcoming National Celiac Awareness Month
May has officially been recognized as National Celiac Awareness Month. With over 1.3 million Americans adhering to a gluten-free (GF) diet, often due to celiac disease, companies like MIGHTYLICIOUS, makers of gluten free cookies and gluten free flour mixes are helping spread awareness and support for those living with gluten intolerance and celiac disease. All month long they will be offering customers a special discount code to use on any purchase (Promo code CELIAC15), have special giveaways on Instagram, and be making a donation of 10% of sales to Celiac.com.
Company founder Carolyn Haeler, who was herself diagnosed with celiac disease, spoke on how the diagnosis played a part in her company's launch, “After suffering with celiac disease, I wanted to help others learn to eat gluten free without sacrificing taste and texture. For those diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, adhering to a gluten-free diet is essential. When done correctly, a gluten-free diet can be a lifesaver, but it's easy to make mistakes due to the restrictive nature of the diet, which eliminates wheat, rye, barley, and along with foods that may have come into contact with those grains."
MANE Expands Capacity with New Facility
On April 10, 2025, flavors and fragrances supplier, MANE, opened a brand new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Woodlawn, Ohio. An expansion of the their current Woodlawn campus, the new building will increase the company's manufacturing capacity to handle liquid flavors for beverage, dairy, functional nutrition, pharmaceuticals, bakery and confectionery clients. "The new Woodlawn facility marks a bold strategic move aimed at increasing MANE’s market share in the liquid flavors category in North America and gives us a significant competitive edge, especially in the beverage market,” said Amy McDonald, President of MANE’s North American Flavor Division. “The expansion allows us to uphold MANE’s customer-focused manufacturing strategy, ensuring a reliable supply and even greater agility and responsiveness to customer needs.”
Totaling 100,000-square-feet, the new plant offers:
- Up to 15,000 metric tons of production capability
- An expanded warehouse, with 60,000 square feet available for ambient, refrigerated, and frozen storage
- 25,000 square feet dedicated solely to production
- Advanced robotic technology facilitating an increase in automated capacity to product emulsion-based flavor systems
- Utilization of solar power for 30% of its energy requirements, further emphasizing the company's commitment to sustainability
Black Girl Vitamins Partners with 40+ Double Dutch Club
Black-owned health and wellness brand, Black Girl Vitamins (BGV), has been named the official vitamin sponsor of the 40+ Double Dutch Club (40+ DDC), an organization that invites women over the age of 40 to bond with others through fitness and sisterhood while engaging in activities like double Dutch, hopscotch, line dancing, and hula hooping. Through a combination of movement and nutrition, BGV and 40+ DDC will look to inspire women to embrace aging with confidence and strength. The year-long partnership between the two companies will provide thousands of 40+ Double Dutch Club members, across 30 states and three countries, with supplements to help them maintain the stamina and wellness needed to fully enjoy their active lifestyles.
BGV will also be present at five major 40+ DDC events throughout the year, giving attendees the opportunity to sample products, connect with the brand and its team, and learn more about how targeted nutrition and supplementation can help enhance their health and performance.
PCC Opening New Small Format Store
PCC Community Markets (PCC) will be opening its first-ever small format store in downtown Seattle this July. Designed with the needs of downtown workers and residents in mind, the new store marks PCC's return to downtown Seattle occupying a much smaller footprint than its first downtown location. Located at 4th & Union, PCC Corner Market will offer shoppers a much different experience from their full-service grocery locations. Customers will be able to shop from a curated selection of fresh, hot and prepared foods as well as a limited assortment of grocery and pantry staples.
“With PCC Corner Market, our mission is to offer the same amazing food that PCC is known for in a refreshing new format that is readily accessible and easy to navigate,” commented Krish Srinivasan, PCC’s President and CEO. “We are excited about returning to the city center, and to once again be serving the many residents and workers there who were regulars at our previous store. And, I want to thank our co-op’s incredible staff members for contributing their energy, ideas and humor to the fun process of determining the new store’s name.”
The new store will be open from Monday through Friday offering easy go-to options for breakfast, lunch and after-work grab-and-go items. Guests can also pick up fresh sushi, popular PCC deli items, a variety of snacks, ice cream, beer, and wine, all selected with the intention of elevating breakfast and lunch offerings with convenient grab-and-go items.
Califia Introduces New Creamy Refreshers
Known for their premium, plant-based beverages, Califia Farms has debuted their new dairy-free Coconut and Fruit beverages. Made with almost 60% less sugar than other fruit juice beverages, the new product line features soy-free, gluten-free, simple, plant-based ingredients and will be available in four different options including:
- Strawberry Creme Refresher: Blends real strawberry juice with coconut cream for a smooth and refreshing delight at any time of day. 9g of sugar per serving.
- Key Lime Colada Refresher: A bright, refreshing blend of real key lime juice with smooth coconut cream for a satisfyingly creamy taste. 8g of sugar per serving.
- Piña Colada Refresher: Indulge in the classic and refreshing combination of real pineapple juice with coconut cream for a tropical, plant-based treat. 9g of sugar per serving.
- Orange Creme Refresher: A sweet, citrusy blend of real orange juice and smooth coconut cream for a perfectly balanced and nostalgic treat. 10g of sugar per serving.
“Over the last 15 years, Califia Farms has loved experimenting with the endless possibilities of plants. Creamy Refreshers is a perfect example of how that innovation unlocked something new, delicious, and fresh,” said Suzanne Ginestro, CMO, Califia Farms. “Today’s consumer embraces mindful indulgences and we’re proud to bring a new little sweet treat to retail shelves.”
The latest items from Califia's product portfolio will be available for purchase from Albertsons, Target, and Kroger at an MSRP of $5.99.
Little Bellies Expands its U.S. Retail Footprint
Australian based, baby and toddler food snacks brand, Little Bellies, is now available at Target & Walmart locations across the United States. Known for their natural and wholesome age-and-stage appropriate snacks, the brand has introduced a new 12+ month snacks product line at each retailer. Certified organic and non-GMO, the snacks are gently baked and free from artificial colors or flavors, offering parents peace of mind while nurturing their kids' development with snacks made for maturing tastebuds and growing independence.
New 12+ Month Snacks Now Available at Target:
- Organic Sweet & Salty Softcorn – A delicious, puffed corn snack with just the right touch of a sweet and salty seasoning duo for the perfect staged flavor exposure for growing toddlers.
- Organic Cinnamon Bun Softcorn – Light, airy and sprinkled with a sweet cinnamon seasoning, this delicious snack introduces toddlers to exciting new staged flavors while supporting sensory exploration.
New 12+ Month Snacks Now Available at Walmart:
- Organic Cheesy Tubes – Crispy corn and veggie sticks baked for a crunchier texture and sprinkled with a light dusting of cheese, creating a wholesome and tasty snack for growing foodies.
- Organic Veggie Tubes – Crunchy mixed veggie and corn tubes designed for little hands and curious minds! Their fun shapes and colors encourage tiny tots to explore different textures while developing their motor skills.
- Organic Sweet & Salty Softcorn – A delicious, puffed corn snack with just the right touch of a sweet and salty seasoning duo for the perfect staged flavor exposure for growing toddlers.
- Organic Cinnamon Bun Softcorn – Light, airy and sprinkled with a sweet cinnamon seasoning, this delicious snack introduces toddlers to exciting new staged flavors while supporting sensory exploration.
“We believe that nurturing comes naturally, which is why we create simple, wholesome, age-and-stage appropriate foods that empower parents and support little ones as they explore new tastes and textures,” explained Clive Sher, Co-founder and Managing Director of Little Bellies. “Introducing these products to additional retailers in the US reflects our mission to encourage self-feeding and help toddlers build confidence at snack time, all while ensuring the highest quality and safety for growing tots."
Kensing Recognized Leadership with CDP A List
Kensing LLC has received an A- rating from CDP, the global non-profit in charge of the world's only independent environmental disclosure system for measuring environmental impacts. Emphasizing the company's commitment and transparency to tackling climate, water, and forest-related risks and opportunities, the accolade recognizes Kensing's 2024 Climate Change disclosure and B rating for its more recent water and forest disclosures. In addition to making the A List for Climate Leadership, Kensing has also retained its EcoVadis Gold Rating—a mark that puts the brand among the top 3% of all companies assessed and showcases their consistent performance across environment, labor and human rights, business ethics, sustainable procurement, and carbon management markers.
“We are honored to receive these top ratings from both CDP and EcoVadis – particularly in a year with more stringent reporting requirements,” shared Serge Rogasik, CEO of Kensing. “We’re proud to be among the few private market companies that publicly disclose detailed environmental and sustainability information. Our entire team is deeply committed to embedding sustainability and transparency across our business, and these recognitions validate our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint in partnership with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders."
Study Reveals Americans Consider Stomach Issues Common
Emerging medical food company, mBIOTA Labs, has published the findings from its recent national gut health survey. Conducted by Censuswide in March, the study set out to understand American's views on stomach issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and solutions such as probiotics and mBIOTA's clinically proven palatable elemental diet, which can help manage gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
Data was collected from May 3, 2025 - July 3, 2025. Results from the study included:
- 44% of Americans experience stomach discomfort or bloating within two hours of eating
- 75% (3 in 4) have never heard of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a digestive disorder commonly misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- More than half (51%) of Americans think stomach issues such as bloating, gas and discomfort are normal
- 14% of the 2,000 individuals surveyed said they have been diagnosed with IBS and of those diagnosed with IBS
- 27% feel dismissed when discussing gut health symptoms with their doctor
- 41% say their doctor never mentioned SIBO as a possible cause of their symptoms, which include discomfort, bloating within two hours of eating, urgency/need to run to the bathroom for a bowel movement, frequent belching or flatulence, alternating bowel habits between constipation and diarrhea, chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea
- 1 in 5 (20%) Americans think probiotics alone are enough to fix gut health issues
- Nearly 1 in 4 (72%) have never heard of an Elemental Diet
- 35% of respondents who would not address occasional bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort say they don't know where to begin to fix their gut health issues
- 27% say they don't have the time to address it
- More than half (57%) of Americans suffering from chronic gut issues said they would consider an Elemental Diet instead of antibiotics
- Of those 57%, more than 1 in 4 (26%) said they would prefer a non-antibiotic treatment and nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said they are open to any clinically proven/science-backed treatment, with 14% noting they are desperate for relief.
"An estimated two thirds of IBS patients have SIBO, yet awareness remains remarkably low," said Dr. Ali Rezaie, gastroenterologist and international SIBO expert. "This lack of recognition often leads to years of misdiagnosis, despite the availability of simple, non-invasive diagnostic tests — delaying effective treatment and prolonging patient suffering."
