A healthy lifestyle calls for consumption of natural foods and drinks rather than man-made or processed foods. Natural or minimally processed foods play a significant role in maintaining overall good health and well-being. They are the best foods for our bodies to survive on. Examples of natural food products include fresh whole fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, coffee, tea, whole grains, seeds, nuts, beans, legumes, and more. Processed foods, which are highly sugared, salted and processed, lack several important nutrients needed for optimal health. They affect mood, fitness levels, as well as overall health.
 
Though the natural food and drink market is relatively new, it has been making rapid strides in the recent years. The growth is supported by several factors such as consumers’ focus toward health & wellness, a rapid growth in obesity and other chronic lifestyle diseases, a change in lifestyle and food preferences, and growing awareness for fresh foods and their benefits. Nonetheless, the relatively high cost of natural food and drinks as well as their short storage life, are likely to impede the market growth.
 
As the market has huge scope for growth, several enterprises are looking for opportunities to expand the possibilities even further. In November 2017, two founders launched Farm&Oven Snacks Inc., a Boulder-based maker of natural snacks. Brain Füd announced the launch of its new natural energy beverages at the end of October 2017. Hochdorf plans to expand its presence in children’s nutrition via the acquisition of Zifru Trockenprodukte and the Snapz brand. In the same month and year, Naturex, the global leader in specialty plant-based natural ingredients acquired Swedish Oat Fiber, a Swedish producer of oat dietary fibers, oat oils, and oat proteins. The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm acquired Kii Naturals, a Canadian manufacturer of all-natural artisan crackers. Hispanica International, a company dealing with exotic brands in the alternative beverage and snack industry, recently acquired Victoria’s Kitchen, a producer of natural beverages.
 
Industry Veterans Launch Farm&Oven Snacks Inc.
Food industry veterans, Kay Allison and Mike Senackerib recently launched Farm&Oven Snacks, Inc., a Boulder-based producer of natural and nutritious snacks. The company’s initial product line is Bakery Bites which includes three bite-sized pieces per serving. Containing one billion probiotics per serving, the product provides about 40% of the suggested daily vegetable intake and about 35 grams of fiber per serving. It is available in four flavors, including Beet Dark Chocolate, Carrot Cinnamon, Pumpkin Maple Pecan and Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed. The presence of vegetables and CFU’s of GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) live probiotics helps support a healthy immune and digestive system.
 
Brain Füd Launches New Energy Beverages
In October 2017, Brain Füd, a British drinks company introduced a line of low-calorie energy drinks in Ocado and Amazon in the U.K. Prepared with still water, fruit juices, and guarana, the range is an alternative to coffee and high-sugar beverages. It is available in three flavors: berry and coconut, pineapple and ginger, and citrus and mint. Free from sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives, the beverages contain seven functional vitamins and minerals designed to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
 
Hochdorf Acquires Zifru Trockenprodukte and Snapz
With the aim to grow its cereals and ingredients business and expand its presence in children’s nutrition, Hochdorf, a Swiss food group acquired Zifru Trockenprodukte and the Snapz brand in November 2017. The acquisition allows the former to focus on the development of novel products with added value.
 
Founded in 1997, Zifru Trockenprodukte produces and markets healthy and long-life fruit and vegetable snacks, such as apple crisps, banana chips, and various berries, grilled zucchini, bell pepper crisps, dried apples, strawberries, blueberries, dried cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, celery, beans, potatoes, and much more.
 
“With the takeover of the production company Zifru Trockenprodukte, the unit will extend its product range to include dried vegetables and fruit. Zifru products have been commercialized for several years in Europe and the USA under the Snapz brand,” Hochdorf noted.
 
Naturex Acquires Swedish Oat Fiber
Naturex recently acquired Swedish Oat Fiber, a Swedish producer of natural oat dietary fibers, oat oils, and oat proteins. The acquisition allows Naturex to accelerate its product portfolio’s development and strengthen its commercial pipeline.
 
Olivier Rigaud, CEO of Naturex said, “We are delighted and proud to integrate Swedish Oat Fiber, a leading company in natural oat ingredients and a pioneer in its field. We are very pleased to welcome its talented employees who have succeeded in achieving such a level of excellence to this day.”
 
The Riverside Company Buys Kii Naturals
The Riverside Company acquired Kii Naturals in November 2017. The former added the latter to its NuStef Baking platform. Kii Naturals offers natural artisan crackers while NuStef is a provider of pizzelle waffle cookies and artisan crackers under the Reko brand.
 
“Kii makes delicious crisps that meet the increasing demand for unique flavors and better-for-you snacks,” said Suzy Kriscunas, managing partner of Riverside. “This addition delivers a great brand and line of products to NuStef in an adjacent market that is poised for continued strong growth.”
 
Hispanica International Acquires Victoria’s Kitchen
Hispanica International, Inc. completed its acquisition of Victoria’s Kitchen in November 2017. The acquisition allows the latter to accelerate its growth and expand national reach via Hispanica’s proprietary distribution system. Based in California, Victoria’s Kitchen is a specialty beverage company. Its beverages are gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy-free, vegan and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
 
“Finalizing the deal and adding Victoria’s Kitchen to our portfolio is something we are excited about,” stated Fernando Oswaldo Leonzo, CEO of Hispanica. “The Victoria’s Kitchen brand already has some name recognition due to its appearance on Shark Tank and product placement on NBC shows. More importantly, the almond water, lemon ginger, and coconut almond water products are all-natural and aligned with the type of company we are looking to build our next generation brands around,” Mr. Leonzo said. Plans are underway to enhance Victoria’s Kitchen brand’s product offerings with organic ingredients, new flavors, and expanded distribution into nationally recognized retailers.