Michael F. Finete assumed the role of chief executive officer of Mary’s Gone Crackers in July 2023. Since then, he has been laying the groundwork to propel the company towards growth, transitioning from being a category leader in a niche market to achieving greater scale in snacking and, more specifically, the better-for-you snack sector. Mary’s Gone Crackers specialises in manufacturing organic and gluten-free snacks, including crackers, cookies, and thins. Established in 2004, the company was acquired by Kameda Seika Co. Ltd., a Japanese firm with a US presence in Torrance, California, in 2013. Finete joined the company following successful stints…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
The latest iteration of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Food and You 2 survey, conducted between April and July 2023, reveals a notable increase in respondents’ worries regarding the affordability of food, marking the highest level since the survey’s inception. Wave 7 of the survey uncovered that 55% of individuals across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland expressed being ‘highly concerned’ about the affordability of food, up from 48% in Wave 5, which coincided with the same period in 2022. A staggering eighty percent of respondents acknowledged having adjusted their eating habits in the past 12 months due to financial constraints.…
McCain Foods of Canada, renowned for its French fries, has successfully acquired Strong Roots, an Irish enterprise specialising in plant-based frozen foods. This acquisition, the financial details of which remain confidential, follows the 2021 announcement where McCain had initially purchased a minority share in the company. Established in Dublin in 2015 by Chief Executive Samuel Dennigan, Strong Roots offers an assortment of products such as Cauliflower Hash Browns, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, and Sweet Potato Fries. The company’s offerings are available across several markets, including Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Back in 2021, McCain made a $55 million investment…
China’s leading infant formula company, Feihe, has reported a significant downturn in profits, attributing the decline to the nation’s decreasing birth rates. Feihe, which is listed in Hong Kong and commands an estimated 17% of China’s infant formula market, experienced a downturn in its 2023 revenues, “primarily due to [the] low birth rate in China and high competitive pressure in the industry”. The firm’s annual profit fell to 3.29 billion yuan, a 33.5% decrease from 2022. Gross profits were also down by 9.2% at 3.29 billion yuan ($455.1m), with revenues dropping 8.3% to 19.53 billion yuan. Having issued a profit…
Nestlé has announced a significant investment of €472 million ($507 million) into a new pet food manufacturing facility in Northern Italy, as confirmed by the Italian government. Slated for construction in the Valdaro industrial zone within Mantua, the factory will specialise in the production of wet pet food, stated Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, today (10 April). Spanning approximately 180,000 square metres, the development of the site is expected to generate 300 employment opportunities. According to the Italian ministry, the project is scheduled for completion by 2027. “The great teamwork with the ministry has led…
The Canadian Space Agency alongside Impact Canada has conferred the C$380,000 Deep Space Food Challenge’s grand accolade to Ecoation and Maia Farms. Their innovative CANGrow food system was distinguished amongst four contenders in the final, third phase of the contest. “What started out as a starry-eyed childhood dream to grow food on the moon has become reality today,” Gavin Schneider, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Maia Farms, shared. “More ambitious human space exploration will require the use of food production systems in space, and this project addresses a key need to fuel our journey beyond our planetary boundary.”…
The esteemed restaurant chain, Sugar Factory American Brasserie, has unveiled its latest establishment at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. The Aoki Group, a family-run entity overseeing more than seven concepts across 12 venues, will manage this new Sugar Factory branch. Positioned on Ho’okipa Terrace Upper Level 4, the new venue presents a diverse menu encompassing brunch, lunch, and dinner options, infused with unique Hawaiian-inspired culinary creations. The brunch offerings include such delights as Reese’s Pieces French Toast and S’mores Nutella Waffle, while the drinks menu features ornately decorated iced coffees crowned with waffles. The expanded starters and…
The renowned fast-food chain Jollibee has unveiled the comeback of its Ube Pie dessert and introduced two novel chicken sandwich variants in the US, available for a limited duration. Jollibee enthusiasts can now savour the Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich and the Aloha Chicken Sandwich at all outlets across the country. The freshly introduced Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich, retailing at $7.99, boasts the chain’s acclaimed hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, complemented by umami mayo and a brioche bun, and crowned with bacon and cheese. The Aloha Chicken Sandwich, similarly priced, is adorned with Aloha dressing, grilled pineapple, bacon, and lettuce,…
Zalmhuys Group, a leading purveyor of fresh and frozen fish in the Netherlands, has taken a minority stake in fellow Dutch seafood supplier Anova Seafood. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Zalmhuys has acquired a minority interest in Anova’s processing and sales division, which is responsible for its range of fresh and chilled seafood products. In a joint statement, the companies announced that this partnership marks “a new phase of collaboration and growth” and represents “a strategic step to consolidate their leadership in the seafood market”. Founded in 1994 by Constant Mulder and Willem Huisman, Anova is…
Conagra Brands, a leading American food producer, has announced plans to close its Birds Eye frozen vegetables factory in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The decision is set to affect the entire workforce of 252 at the facility, as revealed in a WARN notice submitted by the company on Monday (8 April). Conagra stated its intention to halt operations at the site as part of efforts to “improve efficiencies and effectiveness within its supply chain network”. The cessation of production is scheduled for 10 June, with warehouse activities projected to conclude around 3 January 2025. Out of the total number of employees,…