Inc. Magazineplaced San Diego, CA-basedSuja Juice Co.in the 13th spot on its 35th Annual Inc. 5000, which ranks the nation’s fastest growing private companies. This puts the company in the top 10% of the list and in addition, Suja was awarded top company by the magazine in the competitive “Food and Beverage” category. To qualify for the list, companies had to demonstrate strong percentage revenue growth between 2012 and 2015. Suja achieved 10,511% growth, producing nearly 100 million bottles since launching in 2012. In 2015, the company received a minority investment from Coca-Cola, allowing it to increase distribution.

Since announcing its efforts to help U.S. wheat growers double organic wheat acres last December, Denver, CO-basedArdent Millshas expanded its producer program to seven U.S. states and one Canadian province, as well as adding more organic milling, packaging and storage locations. “This is a significant opportunity for growers to become a part of an emerging market and to create additional value for their crops on the path to organic certification,” said CEO Dan Dye in a prepared statement.

J&J Snack Foods Corp., Pennsauken, NJ, has acquiredCorazonas HEARTBAR Oatmeal Squares, which are high-protein, fiber-rich and non-GMO. The bars use plant sterols as an active ingredient, an amount comparable to 61 tomatoes, according to press release. “We are thrilled to have this brand on board. Corazonas HEARTBARS will expand our assortment of niche products and is well positioned to follow the snacking trends that consumers have shown great interest in,” said J&J Snack Foods Corp. senior vice president, Gerard Law, in a press release.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine October 2016