Circle Kombucha sales are down 50%, but CEO’s outlook bright
For now—although some restaurants can still sell Circle Kombucha with takeout orders—most of the company’s sales are taking place at about 150 grocery stores in Indiana and the region.
Food manufacturers
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Artificial sweetener might make users fatter, sicker, new study says
The study looked at the common artificial sweetener used in Splenda, which is owned and made by Carmel-based Heartland Food Products Group.
Caito Foods to eliminate Fresh Cut produce division, terminate 333 workers
The Fresh Cut operation at Caito’s main campus at 3120 N. Post Road cuts and packages fresh produce for distribution to retailers.
Best Chocolate in Town acquired, closes Mass Ave store
Longtime local candy company The Best Chocolate in Town has been acquired by Indianapolis-based Newfangled Confections, which is known for it popular signature Frittle candy.
Fresh baby food maker plans first retail shop in Castleton
The shop in Castleton is expected to open in March and will sell fresh baby food plus merchandise for both babies and mothers. The company also offers baby food subscription boxes.
Local chocolate maker SoChatti receives city tax breaks
The tax abatement is for equipment the artisanal, vegan chocolate maker and distributor plans to use at at its new, 12,870-square-foot facility in the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside Ave.
Brewpub named best in America coming to Indianapolis
Hammond-based 18th Street Brewery—which was voted the best brewpub in America this year by readers of USA Today—has officially announced plans to open an Indianapolis location.
Nestle to spend $200M to expand Anderson plant, hire 30 workrs
The company is asking the Anderson City Council for a tax break as part of a plan to install new equipment at the factory along Interstate 69.
Startup chocolate-maker plans to invest $2.4 million, add up to 71 jobs
Six-year-old SoChatti makes artisanal, vegan chocolate that is consumed in melted form.
colate consumption is in melted form. The company says it uses innovative warming methods that capture and preserve the flavors of chocolate.
Primeval Brewing opens taps in Noblesville after long run-up
After nearly two years of preparation, Primeval Brewing co-founders Nathan Compton and Tim Palmer opened their European-style beer hall in Noblesville to a line that wrapped around the block.
No. 1 milk company declares bankruptcy amid drop in demand
Dean Foods, America’s biggest milk processor, filed for bankruptcy Tuesday amid a decades-long drop-off in U.S. milk consumption blamed on changing trends and a growing variety of alternatives.
Beverage companies aim to get bottles recycled, not trashed
Every year, an estimated 100 billion plastic bottles are produced in the U.S., the bulk of which come from three of America’s biggest beverage companies. Only one-third of those bottles get recycled.
Freshly made food is big. What could go wrong? Everything.
Grocery distributor SpartanNash is shutting down Fresh Kitchen, a prepared-meals division of Indianapolis-based Caito Foods Service that once held great promise.
Clif Bar completes $10M bakery renovation, expansion project in Indianapolis
The energy bar giant said it added 24,000 square feet to the 185,000-square-foot building at 7575 Georgetown Road on the city’s northwest side. About 430 people work at the bakery.
Local production bakery plans $25M expansion, 50 new hires
CraftMark Bakery, the baked goods supplier for more than 70,000 restaurants in North America, is planning another expansion that would bring employment up to 446 by the end of 2022.
Caito Foods to close Fresh Kitchen operations, eliminate 53 workers
Produce company Caito Foods LLC is set to shut down its Fresh Kitchen operations in Indianapolis, less than three years after opening the $32 million facility.
Noblesville mom sells gluten-free snack mix nationwide
Jennifer Wiese’s gluten- and dairy-free bakery Bee Free makes Warrior Mix, which can be found in 4,000 stores across the country, now including Walmart.
Local company seeks to make Midwestern fans of kombucha, which is trendy on coasts
Indianapolis-based beverage maker Circle Kombucha wants to sell its signature product—carbonated, fermented tea—throughout the Midwest.
Impossible Burger shortages hit White Castle, Red Robin
The shortages coincide with the arrival of the Impossible Whopper at Burger King. Under terms of a deal inked earlier this year, Impossible Foods patties will be inside Burger Kings nationwide by the end of this year.
Food regulators pushing for clarity on expiration dates
By clarifying terms such as “Sell by” and “Use by,” U.S. regulators are trying to prevent people from prematurely tossing products and to reduce the mountains of food that goes to waste each year.