5@5: Tech investors back vegan brands | Who's behind Trader Joe's popular private label products?

Meet the ‘vegan mafia,’ a secret group of investors betting on the future of food

Technology-focused venture capitalists, financiers and entrepreneurs are stepping outside of their boxes to fund companies and products aimed at taking animals out of the food supply chain by appealing to the masses (think Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat and Geltor, which developed an animal-free gelatin alternative). Some are motivated by health, while others are motivated by the environment. Read more at CNBC…

What brands are actually behind Trader Joe’s snacks?

The popular grocer keeps its lips sealed tight on who supplies its private label products, but FDA and USDA recalls and alerts reveal some clues. Research by Eater revealed that Tribe Mediterranean Foods, ConAgra, Naked Juice and Snack Factory have likely been Trader Joe’s suppliers. Read more at Eater…

Dems push for tough GMO labeling rule

In a letter to Sonny Perdue, a group of House Democrats urged the USDA to finalize the federal standards for GMO labeling—and to make them strong and inclusive. Read more at The Hill…

Pederson’s acquires Nature’s Rancher

Nature’s Rancher is a Whole Foods Market exclusive natural meats brand that makes ready-to-eat snack bacon from humanely raised, vegetarian-fed pork. Pederson’s Natural Farms, which worked with the company on the research and development of the product, has now acquired it. Read more at Meat + Poultry…

Mars Food agrees to acquire maker of Tasty Bite brand of Indian, Asian products

Preferred Brands International and its Tasty Bite brand will join other grain and sauce products including Uncle Ben’s as part of Mars Foods’ portfolio. Read more at Chicago Tribune…