On our latest From the Cold Corner Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa catches up with Ryan Riddle, senior R&D specialist for plant-based meal solutions at Nestlé and its Sweet Earth brand. They talk about why refrigerated and frozen plant-based foods are so popular today, which consumer markets are key targets for plant-based foods, how Nestlé incorporates its plant-based products into the brand’s freezer-aisle favorites like DiGiorno Pizza and Stouffer’s, plus much more.

Nestlé announced it has acquired Freshly, one of the leading fresh-prepared meal delivery services in the U.S. The deal values Freshly at $950 million, with potential earnouts up to $550 million contingent to the successful growth of the business. This transaction was signed and closed on October 30, 2020. Founded in 2015, Freshly delivers a menu of fresh, chef-cooked meals to customers across the country, breaking down the barriers to healthy eating by delivering nutrition and convenience at scale.

Brynwood Partners announced its newly-formed portfolio company, Buitoni Food Company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the North American Buitoni business from Nestlé USA, Inc. The transaction, which includes a 240,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Danville, Virginia, is expected to close within the next 30 days, subject to customary U.S. regulatory review. Terms and conditions of the deal are not being disclosed.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced STOUFFER'S, a leader in frozen prepared entrées, as the "Official Macaroni & Cheese" of MiLB, as well as the "Official Lasagna" and "Official Frozen Prepared Meals" of MiLB. The announcement comes as part of a new, multiyear strategic partnership celebrating communities and providing family-friendly experiences -- both central values to the STOUFFER'S and MiLB brands.