Arnulfo Ventura

Functional foods are reshaping the CPG industry. It's about to hit half a trillion dollars by 2028, with consumers demanding more from their food. This has brands across the grocery aisle, from yogurt to water, asking: how do we add more function into our products? But here’s what companies are missing: the answers aren't all in the lab. Some already exist in our pantries. We're seeing this shift everywhere—people are gravitating toward nature's original functional foods. Honey. Fermented foods. Clean labels. Whole ingredients that deliver health benefits for centuries, not quarters. That’s what builds trust with modern consumers. Our team sees it first-hand every day. Honey’s inherent function has made it one of the most dynamic ingredients in the food system; once a dusty bear in the back of your pantry, it’s now a $1.5 billion food and wellness force. So, what do I think will define the next twelve months in food? Listening. We must listen to what consumers are already telling us: that innovation and inherent function aren't opposites. They never were! #BigIdeas2026

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What do the protein LEAD test results mean for the CPG Industry? As some may already know, Consumer Reports (CR) released their latest testing on protein powders and found, according to them, high amounts of lead. What this means for the industry is that you may suddenly see an INFLUX of questions from customers and consumers. It is not a time to panic, but a time to take action and strengthen some programs. So here are some key steps to consider and prepare: 1. Develop a STANDARD RESPONSE that is comprehensive yet simple to explain. Use this as a chance to EDUCATE your consumers. 2. Test for heavy metals in your product, not to alarm but to UNDERSTAND potential risks or areas for improvement. This is especially important if you sell in California (where Prop 65 applies). 3. Become familiar with both federal and local REGULATIONS related to heavy metals. 4. Understand CONSENT JUDGMENT LEVELS, which are negotiated safe use levels that take into account real world feasibility. For example: 📌 Protein supplements and powders: Typically around 3 mcg of lead per day 📌 Chocolate and some mass gainers: Up to 4 mcg per day 📌 General supplements with NSF certification: up to 10 mcg per day 📌 FDA interim reference level for adults: 8.8 mcg per day 📌 Consumer Reports target: 0.5 mcg per day, mirroring Prop 65 threshold, and as you can see, mostly unfeasible 5. Test frequently and review results often to spot trends or supplier changes. ADJUST your TESTING PROGRAM based on new seasons, growing regions, and ingredient sources. 6. Consult with a food attorney or regulatory compliance professional for actual guidance or simply a second opinion. Note: This post is not legal advice, just general information and practical guidance you may use. Questions? Comments? Let us know below 👇

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In a challenged beverage alcohol landscape, one category continues to outperform and grab the headlines (see Diageo's recent capital markets day or news on Sazerac Company and Au Vodka) and that's ready-to-drink (RTD). Over the past decade, RTDs have outpaced every other segment globally, and in North America, the gap is nearly 2x.  However, winning in RTDs requires a fundamentally different operating model and approach than other beverage categories. Our AlixPartners quick-take on what that looks like is below. https://lnkd.in/eh_sxzZc Big thanks to Michael Bronstein, Dave McCarthy, Gabriel Sirigni Rosa for their contributions.

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