OAKLAND, CA — On the heels of Voyage Foods’ global distribution partnership with Cargill, the food innovation company announced it secured $52 million in a Series A+ round driven primarily by current investors. This brings the company’s current total funding to $94 million. “Voyage Foods was born out of the desire to harness the power of food technology and activate industry-wide change,” said Adam Maxwell, CEO of Voyage Foods. “We’re thrilled our innovations have been embraced within B2B and amongst a rapidly growing consumer base. As a mission-driven food company, it’s especially fulfilling ..read more

BUFFALO, NY — Top Seedz, an organic cracker brand that has grown from a stall in a local farmer’s market to a national brand, has opened a new production plant in Buffalo that is largely staffed by women refugees. The new facility has 10 times the capacity of its previous operation, enabling the company to keep pace with the increasing demand nationwide for organic, gluten-free products. The post Top Seedz opens automated production facility appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

LOS ANGELES — Otis Spunkmeyer, an Aspire Bakeries brand, released its latest innovation in efforts to support in-store bakeries (ISBs). “Supermarket ISBs are facing unprecedented labor constraints, so there’s a significant need for high-quality, delicious desserts that don’t require high labor investment,” said Paul Stippich, director of marketing for Otis Spunkmeyer. “Delivered in frozen, ready-to-bake cookie dough pucks, Otis Spunkmeyer Red Velvet Cookies — which are only available to ISBs — just need to be baked, packaged and sold.” The post Otis Spunkmeyer’s Red Velvet Cookies bolster in-s ..read more

COLLEGEDALE, TN — McKee Foods, the producer of Little Debbie snack cakes, recently announced its partnership with Trust for Public Land to support eight outdoor projects across the US. McKee Foods’ Outdoor Happiness movement (OH!) granted $20,000 for the projects, aiming to advance the work of Trust for Public Land, which includes encouraging outdoor activities that support an active and healthy lifestyle. The post McKee Foods partners with Trust for Public Land appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

CHICAGO — Nutri-Grain, a Kellanova brand, is expanding its portfolio with Nutri-Grain Power-Fulls. The post Nutri-Grain rolls out protein-filled oat bites appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

This column is part of our Last Word series, which invites noted professionals to provide closing thoughts at the end of each issue of Commercial Baking. See the full issue here. KANSAS CITY, KS — Everything I know about bread I learned from my dad. Well … almost everything. My dad taught me the fundamentals: Quality, care and the importance of time. When it comes to sourdough, you just can’t shortcut. The post Opinion: Building Blocks appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

CHICAGO — Kellanova brand Club Crackers teamed up with Mike’s Hot Honey for a limited-edition sweet-and-spicy snack: Club Crisps. The sweet-heat flavor profile is popular among consumers, with its appearance on food menus increasing by 38% in the past year. “We’re always eager to learn what our fans’ new flavor obsessions are so we can create a fun and unique snacking experience,” said Carrie Foose, brand marketing director for Kellanova Crackers. “Working with Mike’s Hot Honey to create this sweet and spicy new crisp for the ever-growing spicy snacker segment is an exciting first-of-its ..read more

TORONTO — Bimbo Canada, a subsidiary of Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo, plans to close its bakery in Lévis, Quebec, this summer. The post Bimbo Canada announces bakery closure appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

KANSAS CITY, MO — Avant Food Media, the parent company of Commercial Baking and Craft to Crumb, announced the addition of Maddie Lambert as associate editor. “It’s always an exciting time when we get to expand the Avant Food Media team,” said Paul Lattan, president and principal of Avant. “Maddie is a welcome addition to the editorial team, and we’re thrilled to continue our growth trajectory.” The post Avant Food Media welcomes Maddie Lambert as associate editor appeared first on Commercial Baking ..read more

EAST HANOVER, NJ — Chips Ahoy!, a Mondelez International brand, introduced a new addition to its lineup: Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookies. The new product, which is a permanent addition to the product portfolio, allows more consumers to experience Chips Ahoy! The Chips Ahoy! team spent over 3,000 hours and went through more than 40 recipes before achieving the desired texture and flavor without the gluten. “When we set out to create our first Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookie, we didn’t want it to be a good gluten-free cookie, we wanted it to be a great cookie that’s also gluten-free,” s ..read more