Champion Foods, New Boston, Mich., partnered with New York Times best-selling author Lisa Lillien to launch the Hungry Girl brand of individual better-for-you frozen pizzas.
Chicago-based The Hillshire Brands Co. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Van’s Natural Foods from private equity firm Catterton Partners, Greenwich, Conn.
San Francisco-based La Terra Fina introduced the next phase of better-for-you refrigerated dips designed to add something special to everything from sandwiches and wraps, to crackers and veggie platters.
Better For You Foods LLC, the Delray Beach, Fla., owner of the Better4U! all-natural brand of gluten-free and thin crust pizzas, is now the owner of A.C. LaRocco, another all-natural frozen pizza brand. Together, Better For You Foods offers 15 varieties of better-for-you frozen pizza.
Think of it as micro meets macro. Some of the industry’s small- to mid-size companies are growing as they address “macro” trends. These Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ “Ones to Watch” honorees are making a name for themselves in food safety, artisan and premium new products, ethnic adventure, at-home convenience foods and better-for-you products.
Jamba Juice Company, Emeryville, Calif., said it signed a license agreement with the Inventure Group, Phoenix, Ariz., to develop a line of a blend-and-serve, frozen-fruit smoothie kits for retail grocery.
Facing recessionary pressure and prospects of more frugal consumer spending, Whole Foods Market Inc. has decided to reemphasize the healthy eating element of its proposition.
