The a2 Milk Co. is featuring Hershey's cocoa in a new 2% chocolate milk product. Hershey's a2 Chocolate Milk will debut in January in 59-ounce refrigerated cartons and a shelf-stable, single-serve size that's also available in six- and 18-packs.

Alternative dairy milks have gained mainstream appeal with oat milk sales up 95% and 40% of US adults regularly purchasing almond milk, according to industry analysts. Dairy milk sales have retreated slightly from pandemic-related gains, but refrigerated traditional dairy remains the biggest seller in the milk category, according to Dasha Shor, global food analyst and registered dietitian at Mintel.

Kraft Heinz raised its full-year adjusted earnings forecast from at least $6.1 billion to more than $6.2 billion as it foresees sustained demand for its packaged goods and counters escalating inflation by raising prices. The company's third quarter net sales fell 1.8% but beat analysts' expectations.

Charcuterie boards are expected to be big sellers this holiday season and ALDI is working to enhance the quest to build innovative seasonal offerings by appointing a seven-member charcuterie board of directors, filled with food and beverage experts. With online searches about charcuterie surging 300% over the past year, the board plans to offer guidance to novices and experts alike using videos, virtual demonstrations and a set of templates available through the grocer's website.

Higher prices, larger average orders and new menu items fueled higher-than-expected sales and earnings growth at McDonald's in the fiscal year's third quarter. Global same-store sales grew 12.7% as restaurants in international markets relaxed pandemic-related restrictions; US same-store sales were up 9.6% year over year and 14.6% compared to the third quarter in 2019.

Giuseppe Citrano, who came to the US from Southern Italy, bought Eddie's Sweet Shop in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens in New York City in 1968. In the 53 years since, the ice cream parlor has remained mostly unchanged, with Citrano's family serving ice cream, shakes and malts in an interior complete with a marble counter and swivel stools.

Registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin says that while the fat in butter is delicious, it is not heart-healthy and must be consumed in moderation. She also notes that butter contains vitamin B12 and some vitamin A, and registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Minchen notes it helps the body to better absorb essential vitamins -- like vitamins A, D, E and K -- from other foods.

With in-store samplings on hold during the pandemic, Rebellyous Foods is betting on upbeat videos and Moms Meet reviews to spread the word about the brand's plant-based Tenders and Patties. Other plant-based meat brands including Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat and Lightlife have created their first ad campaigns to raise brand awareness and grow sales among a growing base of plant-based food consumers.

Netherlands-based Nutreco has invested in Stellapps, a startup based in India that works with rural dairy farmers to help them operate more efficiently. Stellapps' smartMoo platform helps farmers access veterinary care, financial services and nutrition information.

I'm a journalist by day and mom to two milk-guzzling children by night. I edit two marketing briefs and several food and beverage briefs for SmartBrief, mainly focusing on food retail, dairy and the confectionery industry.

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