By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mars, Incorporated has completed its acquisition of Kellanova in a marriage of two food and beverage giants. The completion of the deal, first announced in August, follows completion of required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Mars, a family-owned leader in snacking, food and pet care, agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per … [Read more...] about Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Forming Global Food Giant
Food and Beverages
Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Benihana and licensing agency Surge Brands have just released the first licensed product since the agency signed on with brand owner The One Group. The debut licensed product, Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Crisps from Flock Foods, brings the restaurant’s signature flavors into a high-protein, keto-friendly snack. Available at flockfoods.com, … [Read more...] about Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two of the industry’s top experts in food and beverage licensing are warning of some short-term pain before the sector enjoys a long-term gain. Ross Misher, founder and CEO of Brand Central Group, and Peter Cross, the VP of Strategic Partnerships for Broad Street Licensing Group (BSLG), say that licensees are pulling in their horns as … [Read more...] about Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A fascinating new brand company, Reboot Brands, was just launched by the founders of licensing agencies Surge Brands and Surge Licensing. Reboot is a brand company with a difference, headed by Ari Freedman, CEO of Surge Brands, and father Mark Freedman, CEO of Surge Licensing. The two stalwarts in the global licensing industry said … [Read more...] about Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs
Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
TLL Staff The Original Donut Shop has announced its latest flavor innovation, a Pop-Tarts Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored K-Cup pod. The new signature flavor is perfect for those who can't face the day without a good cup of coffee and their favorite Pop-Tart. Now you get all that morning goodness in your cup, bursting with notes of brown sugar sweetness, cinnamon flavor and … [Read more...] about Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
Here’s Why Parmigiano Reggiano Seeks a Starring Role in TV and Film
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hollywood films are going to get a bit more cheesy, as Italy's Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium has signed with United Talent Agency. The big wheel of cheese, known for its 'grate' performance in kitchens and restaurants worldwide, is now seeking a starring role in television and film. And of course, you don't get far without a good agent, … [Read more...] about Here’s Why Parmigiano Reggiano Seeks a Starring Role in TV and Film
Heinz Releases Some Saucy Luggage in Deal With Herschel
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian lifestyle brand Herschel Supply's latest luggage line is the epitome of good taste ... literally ... thanks to a clever collab with HEINZ. The global leader in condiments announced its first-ever collaboration with Herschel, a Vancouver-based lifestyle brand that has gone global. The partners say their partnership is … [Read more...] about Heinz Releases Some Saucy Luggage in Deal With Herschel
Tillamook and Kewpie Finally Resolve the Debate Over Grilled Cheese
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There are few foods that so simply solve the need for comfort food as the classic grilled cheese. Prepared in minutes, and combining the crunch of crispy toasted bread with the glory of melted cheese, the grilled cheese is a lunch-time staple that anyone could master. Or, could they? In truth, the grilled cheese is a matter of … [Read more...] about Tillamook and Kewpie Finally Resolve the Debate Over Grilled Cheese
Surge Brands: Why Licensing Is The Secret Sauce for Restaurant Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When it comes to restaurant brand licensing, Ari Freedman, CEO of Surge Brands, believes the opportunity is sizzling hot. Freedman isn’t just another brand exec talking up the latest food trend. As the son of licensing legend Mark Freedman, who famously launched the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles empire through Surge Licensing, … [Read more...] about Surge Brands: Why Licensing Is The Secret Sauce for Restaurant Brands
Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kendall-Jackson is popping the cork on its first-ever co-branded wine collection with the National Basketball Association. Kendall-Jackson is the family-owned winery behind America’s top-selling Chardonnay, and has partnered with the NBA on the release of three branded releases. First unveiled during NBA All-Star 2025 in San Francisco, the … [Read more...] about Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration