Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy and federal affairs at the Consumer Brands Association, joined the FDA Watch podcast to discuss the association's commitment to food safety, how the FDA's structure is changing and the evolution of GRAS policy. She emphasized the merits of a federal standard rather than a fragmented collection of state food regulations, discussed progress toward front of pack labeling as well as the current Facts Up Front initiative and emphasized the willingness of food and beverage manufacturers to collaborate with the FDA to keep the food supply safe.

Bark Air, a dog-friendly airline created by pet product brand Bark, has served more than 1,000 dogs in its first year, generating over $6 million in revenue. The airline aspires to make pet travel less stressful and more enjoyable, with destinations including Los Angeles, London, Paris and San Francisco.

Consumers are shifting toward premium supplements, influencing Nestle's long-term plans for its mass-market vitamin brands, including Nature's Bounty and Puritan's Pride. Factors such as the fragmented supplement market, regulatory changes and anemic interest from industry rivals may complicate the process, although private equity firms may be interested.

Cambio Roasters, founded by former Keurig executives, is revolutionizing the single-serve coffee market with recyclable aluminum pods that work with Keurig brewers. The pods are currently available in 5,000 stores, with the company planning to triple its retail presence next year and distribute 200 million pods by 2030.

Finding success in ecommerce requires a different strategy than in traditional stores, something Leslie Lee, vice president, digital experience at Hormel, manages as the proportion of digital-native shoppers continues to grow. "[W]e have to be where the digitally-enabled and -native consumers are finding information and buying products," says Lee.

General Mills has introduced Kernza, a perennial grain known for its environmental benefits, to four of its cereals: Honey Nut Cheerios, Blueberry Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms. The addition of Kernza is part of General Mills' commitment to sustainability, as the grain helps improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions.

The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 has dropped for a third consecutive year to $55.18, a 5% decrease from last year and the lowest price since 2021, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Wholesale prices for fresh turkeys have risen compared to last year, but retailer promotions have resulted in significant savings for shoppers seeking a holiday bird.

Every year on November 15, Consumer Brands Association celebrates America Recycles Day as a moment to highlight sustainability as a core priority for the CPG industry. This year, we're excited to share a new study commissioned by the Consumer Brands Association, AMERIPEN and the Consumer Technology Association that shows industry-led source reduction efforts cut packaging volume by about five million metric tons from 2019-2024. For more than two decades, companies have worked to reduce packaging at the source by using fewer resources while keeping products safe and consumers satisfied. The findings highlight growing industry commitment and innovation, from lightweighting to smarter materials and refillable options. Continued progress will take collaboration across the value chain, but by innovating responsibly together, we can build packaging that protects both people and the planet. Read more.