Natural Grocers Celebrates Another Grand Opening
Natural Grocers is opening a new store in Gunnison, CO, on January 31.
Alkemist Labs Announces Service Expansions
Alkemist Labs has expanded its suite of services. The company now offers microbiological and residual solvents testing which, along with previously launched pesticides and heavy metals testing, enables to Alkemist to provide a full suite of testing services to clients. In addition, Alkemist has added testing for THC Analogs such as delta 8 and 10, Astaxanthin esters, and lower limits of detection for heavy metals. All of the new services except astaxanthin are included in Alkemist Lab’s A2LA ISO 17025 scope of accreditation (3851.01), which has been renewed through February 2026. Previously launched services for psychedelic testing are added to the ISO scope. Alkemist says this makes it the first lab with this many psychoactive compounds from a number of different botanical sources listed on their ISO scope. All of Alkemist’s other accredited services, including Identification by HPTLC, Identification by microscopy, Cannabinoids quantification by HPLC, Terpenes content by GC-FID, and Pesticides content by LC-MS/GC-MS/MS, have also been renewed through February 2026.
Nutrabolt Leads Equity Investment In Bloom Nutrition
Nutrabolt announced a significant minority investment into Bloom Nutrition. The investment provides Nutrabolt with an ownership stake of approximately 20%, making the company Bloom's largest investor. This investment is part of a larger $90 million financing that also includes veteran CPG investor Clayton Christopher and consumer investment firm Amberstone. The investment will provide strategic growth capital to fuel and accelerate many key areas of Bloom's business – namely demand-generation activities, product innovation, and expanding internal capabilities to support the growing business.
Sabinsa Gains First Approval for ANVISA’s IN28 in Brazil for C3 Reduct
Sabinsa announced that Curcumin C3 Reduct has been approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency in Brazil for inclusion on ANVISA’s IN28 list. The company said this approval allows introduction and commercialization of C3 Reduct, the most active metabolite of curcumin, in food and supplements in Brazil. Approval is based on a dossier submitted to ANVISA detailing safety and efficacy of a product. C3 Reduct is the only Tetrahydrocurcuminoids approved in this market. C3 Reduct was given approval at dosage of 120mg/day. According to Sabinsa, Curcumin C3 Reduct is the result of its studies into metabolites of curcuminoids that have unraveled the role of tetrahydrocurcuminoids as not only the major metabolites but also pharmacologically superior to curcuminoids themselves.
Move Nutrition Network Forms Content Partnership with AHPA
Move Nutrition Network announced a strategic content partnership with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Sports Nutrition Committee. Move Nutrition will engage with committee leadership and members on a quarterly basis for insights into the latest issues and market developments affecting the sports and active nutrition industry. This collaboration underscores Move Nutrition Network’s dedication to providing practical insights to its audience of sports dietitians, nutritionists, and trainers. The aim is to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application within the sports and active nutrition sector.
BGG Receives Ecovadis Award for Sustainable Manufacturing
BGG World (BGG) announced that it recently received a silver medal as recognition for its Ecovadis sustainability rating. Ecovadis is the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings. Ecovadis’ staff have rated more than 500,000 companies worldwide, recognizing companies like BGG with medals that demonstrate their efforts in attaining Ecovadis’ goal of improving economies, people’s lives, and the health of the planet.
PearlRock Acquires nutpods
PearlRock announced the acquisition of nutpods. MPearlRock is a partnership between PearlRock Partners and MidOcean Partners, the NY-based alternative asset manager specializing in middle market private equity and alternative credit investments, specifically focused on identifying and backing high-growth, emerging consumer packaged goods brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. In 2019, nutpods received a strategic investment from VMG Partners, an investment firm that backs visionary consumer brands, consumer services, and technology companies. Over the course of their four-year partnership, nutpods more than tripled net sales.
Private Label Hall of Fame: Call for Nominations
PLMA announced a call for nominations for the 2024 Private Label Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted through February 2, 2024. Make a nomination here.
Honorees will be recognized in four categories related to private label:
Lifetime Achievement (individuals with a minimum of 25 years of industry-related experience)
Private Brand Champion
Private Brand Innovator
Next Gen Private Label Leader (individuals 40 years of age and under)
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2024 will be held at a dinner on March 20 as part of PLMA’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in San Antonio. Presented by PLMA and Store Brands, the Private Label Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize high achievers and thought leaders who have made significant contributions in their own organizations, as well as those who have set standards of excellence and accomplishment throughout the industry. Profiles on all inductees will be featured on StoreBrands.com and posted in the Hall of Fame section of plma.com. The Private Label Hall of Fame currently includes more than 80 men and women.
