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October 15, 2020
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SNAC International News and Events:
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Upcoming SNAC Webinars: FREE For Members
FSMA Proposed Rule on Recordkeeping and Food Traceability – Oct. 20, 11 AM EST
FDA’s proposed rule for food traceability has the potential to affect the entire food supply system. This proposed rule would impose additional recordkeeping requirements for certain foods on the Food Traceability List, as well as foods used as ingredients. But because FDA proposes to standardize the information across the supply chain, the recordkeeping framework could impact many foods not on the list. In this webinar, you will learn about the foods on the Food Traceability List, the proposed recordkeeping requirements, how they differ from what is required today under the Bioterrorism Act, and how they could influence the records you keep. You also will learn how FDA proposes to facilitate tracebacks by requiring manufacturers to link information for incoming and outgoing products and by encouraging a transition from paper-based to electronic records. This webinar is intended for anyone who wants to understand how their recordkeeping systems could need to adapt in the near future and years ahead. Register here.
Election Forecasting with Charlie Cook – Oct. 22, 3:30 PM EST
SNAC, alongside allied trade associations, is proud to sponsor this upcoming webinar with Charlie Cook, a trusted and accurate voice on all things political. Cook will outline how the current pandemic has impacted the political landscape and race to the White House. Once deemed “the Picasso of election analysis” by the Wall Street Journal, his expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of American politics has been featured on myriad news outlets. Using poll numbers, economic indicators, and historical data, Cook will discuss today’s political and legislative environments in a balanced, non-partisan way. Learn more and register here.
Post-Election Recap with Michael Torrey – Nov. 9, 11 AM EST
SNAC’s legislative consultant, Michael Torrey, will dissect election results and discuss the impact on the U.S. and the snack industry. As 2020 comes to a close, Torrey will discuss what we can expect from a lame duck session, the possibility of additional COVID relief and what to expect from races not yet called. Looking toward the new Congress, Torrey will examine legislative priorities, Committee realignment and leadership jockeying. He will also provide analysis on the possible White House transition, the first 100/200 day issues, and shifts in agency leadership. Learn more and register here.
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Staying Energized and Engaged: Building Pride, Building Resilience – Nov. 18, 1-4 PM EDT
Past participants in SNAC's Emerging Leaders Programs (ELP) are invited to attend the virtual session, “Stay Energized and Engaged: Building Pride, Building Resilience,” featuring ELP star speaker Professor Robert Bies, Professor of Management and Founder of the Executive Master’s in Leadership Program at the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University. Through a highly interactive and engaging session, Bies will discuss creating positive narratives as a key contributor to building a culture of pride, moving through adversity, and building resilience. To register, please contact Christina Briones cbriones@snacintl.org. Registration is limited and only open to SNAC Emerging Leaders alumni.
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ICYMI: SNAXPO 2021 Rescheduled to August 22-24, Charlotte, NC
SNAXPO 2021, the most valued trade show and convention devoted exclusively to the international snacking industry, will now be held August 22-24, 2021 in Charlotte, NC. This new date supersedes the March 28-30 dates announced earlier this year. SNAXPO features a two-day expo-style exhibit floor full of equipment, packaging, ingredients, seasonings, private label manufacturing and all other products and services related to producing and marketing traditional and innovative snacks. Read more.
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Regulatory and Legislative News:
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Berkeley Healthy Checkout Ordinance Passes
Last Friday, SNAC submitted a letter to the city of Berkeley, California raising concerns on a “Healthy Checkout Ordinance” which restricts certain foods and beverages that can be sold in checkout lanes of large retailers to only those that meet specified criteria. SNAC highlighted the confusing definition which relies on examples of products that meet the Ordinance’s “food item” criteria. SNAC also highlighted the wide variety of nutritious snacks that might be disallowed based on our review of the examples provided. Unfortunately, the Berkeley City Council voted to approve the ordinance with an implementation date of March 1, 2021 with enforcement delayed until January 1, 2022.
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FDA to Hold Webinar on The First 100 Days: New Era of Smarter Food Safety
On Monday, October 26, 2020 from 3 to 4 p.m. FDA will host a meeting highlighting milestones from the first 100 days of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety. During this one-hour webinar, Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas and leaders of the four Core Elements of the Blueprint will discuss the new approach FDA is taking to food safety, leveraging technology and other tools to create a safer and more digital, traceable food system. Register for the event here.
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Continued Disconnect on Next Relief Package
The White House, Congressional Republicans and Democrats remain on different pages when it comes to the next COVID relief package. While the White House has predicted that Republicans would ultimately get on board with whatever Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi agree to, Senate Republicans continue to push back. Despite this, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Tuesday that the Senate will vote on a "targeted" relief bill next week that will include more aid for small businesses, schools, hospitals and expanded unemployment insurance. Read on Politico.
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USDA Extends School Lunch Waiver
The Department of Agriculture announced that school lunches will be made available free of charge to students throughout the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. The Department originally extended the child nutrition waivers through the end of 2020, but the recently passed Continuing Resolution allowed for a continuation through the end of the academic year. The waivers will continue to allow parents to collect multiple days' worth of grab-and-go meals, particularly for those students who are distance learning. Currently there are 90,000 locations where parents can pick up these meals.
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SNAC Member News:
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Benestar Brands to Invest $24m in New Snacks Production Plant
Snack food manufacturer Benestar Brands is investing $24 million to establish a new production facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, which provided details of the project, the new site will support Benestar Brands’ expansion plans into new snack categories. Read on FoodBev.
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Heat and Control Reaches Two Milestones in 2020
Heat and Control marks two major milestones in 2020—the 70th anniversary of the company and the 25th anniversary of FastBackr. "We have incredible people in our organization, customers believe in our abilities, and there is respectful collaboration with our global partners," affirms Tony Caridis, Heat and Control President. Company News
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Snyder's of Hanover® and Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. Partner on Pretzel Keg
In a first-of-its-kind innovation, Snyder's of Hanover ® and Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. have teamed up to help bring Oktoberfest celebrations home with the creation of a custom-made, limited-edition Snyder's Pretzel Keg. "Snyder's of Hanover is a brand with a rich heritage, steeped in old-world tradition. This year, it was important for us to bring the spirit of Oktoberfest to consumers in a different way," said Betsy Morreale, Vice President of Marketing, Campbell Snacks. Read full press release.
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Avena Foods Webinar: Healthy Innovation in Snacks, Oct. 21, 2PM ET
With more consumers choosing mindful snack options, the better-for-you snacking category is exploding. These new product innovations offer consumers healthy and nutritious snack alternatives with all the taste and convenience of traditional snacks. Attendees will learn how the healthy snack market is evolving, understand the benefits of pulse ingredients in snack formulations, and learn about processing pulse ingredients on traditional snack manufacturing equipment. Speakers include: Jon Baner, Senior Technical Manager of Extrusion with PacMoore Process Technologies, LLC and SNAC's VP Membership and Communications, David Walsh. Register here.
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American Packaging Corporation - The Impact of COVID-19 on Packaging Sustainability
Has Covid-19 derailed progress in Packaging Sustainability? Prior to COVID-19, sustainable packaging was a top priority for many brands that aimed to eliminate single-use plastics and redesign packaging to be recycled, reused or composted following the guidelines of the New Plastics Circular Economy. While COVID-19 has stalled some momentum, many brands are revamping their sustainability goals and resetting timelines for launching, or relaunching, as early as the beginning of the new year. Learn more about APC's flexible packaging and sustainability options.
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How PepsiCo is Putting 'Green Bond' to Work
PepsiCo has invested $447 million of its $1 billion Green Bond fund in several initiatives such as obtaining rPET plastic for its beverages, transitioning to lower-carbon fleet vehicles and improving water efficiency at plants. The company issued its first Green Bond in October of last year to emphasize "we are focused on accelerating our momentum to further align business and purpose," said PepsiCo chief sustainability officer James Andrew (source - SmartBrief). Read full article on Food Business News (registration req'd).
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Healthy Food Ingredients Announces Addition of Two Specialty Mills Expanding Its Vertical Integration
In support of industry demand for safe, specialty milled ingredients backed by supply assurance, HFI announces the addition of two specialty mills, expanding its vertical integration within its Valley City, North Dakota and Watertown, South Dakota facilities. “With the addition of our allergen-free mill in Valley City, ND, we are meeting the needs of our customers, including micro-reduction processing under our IntegriPure® brand,” notes Jay Johnson, HFI Chief Operating Officer. Company News
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Industry News and Trends:
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This Japanese Snack Box Subscription Recreates the Joy of Travel
A subscription Japanese snack box called Bokksu is a surprise assortment of 20 to 25 artisanal snacks, prized in cities and regions throughout Japan, shows up at your door once a month, or as often as you'd like. Read editorial on Food and Wine.
‘All Natural’ Isn’t Always Healthy — Expert Breaks Down Food Trends
Wellness expert Kyle Buchanan recently told The Morning Show (Canada) that if consumers are thinking about trying a new diet or shopping for more wholesome products, there is key messaging to look out for. Read and listen here.
Food Tech Startup Tackles Stress Through Snacks
Israeli startup myAir uses a proprietary artificial intelligence-based algorithm to arrive at the ideal combination of its botanics-infused snack bars, which are delivered to customers' doors through a subscription service. Read more.
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Blue Diamond® Unveils Bold New Look for Its Nut-Thins® Snack Crackers
Blue Diamond Growers is rolling out a brand new image for one of its most popular brands – Nut-Thins®, a crispy cracker made with almonds and rice flour that was first launched in 1997. "Blue Diamond's continual focus on innovation has led to exciting new uses for almonds and new markets for almond products over the years," said Raj Joshi, Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Division at Blue Diamond Growers. Company News
'Beef Jerky Experience' for Holiday Gifting
Check out the exclusive Beef Jerky Experience gift boxes and expanded flavors on their website. “BJE is pleased to introduce the all-new Beef Jerky Experience Gifting Headquarters,” says Paul Lyons, President of Beef Jerky Experience. “We have thousands of jerky fans who are looking for new and exciting gift options. Company News
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Retailer News:
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Kroger Adds More Than 50 New Items to Plant-based Brand
The Kroger Co. announced the expansion of its exclusive Simple Truth Plant Based collection, unveiling more than 50 new, fresh and flavorful plant-based foods at affordable prices, including non-dairy cheeses, oat milk ice cream and Emerge fresh chicken-less patties and grinds. Company News
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Amazon Unveils Prototype of Rivian-built Electric Delivery Van, with 100,000 on Order
Amazon unveiled a prototype Thursday of one of three electric vehicles being developed in partnership with startup EV truck manufacturer Rivian. The online retail giant expects to have 10,000 of the Rivian electric delivery vans on the road worldwide by 2022, ramping up to the full 100,000 order by 2030.
Prime Day or 'Snack Day'? Snack All You Want with 30% Off Frito Lay, Sun Chips, and More - read editorial on Daily Beast.
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Acme Markets Wins Bid to Buy 27 Kings, Balducci’s Stores
Albertsons Cos.’ Acme Markets plans to acquire 27 Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Markets for $96.4 million in cash under a bankruptcy auction. Read on Supermarket News.
C&S Names Bob Palmer CEO
C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. has appointed Bob Palmer CEO, succeeding Michael A. Duffy in the role. Read on Progressive Grocer.
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ICYMI - In Case You Missed It:
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Executive Livestream Forum Insights Now Available
SNAC's first Executive Livestream Forum featured in-depth education on important topics such as economic impact post COVID-19, reputation management and the American public, artificial intellgence and the CPG industry, and a panel discussion on the political landscape from two of the nation's leading political thinkers. The virtual event brought together over 70 snack industry leaders, including 17 first-time attendees, 42 snack producers and 31 suppliers for two mornings of knowledge and networking. Click here to view exclusive insights and photos from ELF 2020.
“The strength and vibrancy of our association were fully evident in the success of our Executive Livestream Forum. From highly engaging virtual coffee gatherings, to phenomenal speakers covering everything from snacking in the age of COVID to the very dynamic political landscape, and to recounting the continued strong presence of SNAC on Capitol Hill, we continue to effectively fulfill our Three Pillars of Advocacy, Education and Networking,” said Rob Sarlls, SNAC Chairman and President and CEO of Wyandot, Inc. “The survey results show the event far exceeded our expectations. It also reaffirmed for our members and guests that SNAC International continues to demonstrate a consistently high value proposition and is well able to thrive in everchanging environments.”
Registrants may view the recordings and presentations here.
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SNAC International
1560 Wilson Blvd., Suite 550 | Arlington, VA 22209
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