[me ] & Goji to close

Now that I'm unpacked its time to get back to all things cereal. And, there's no better place to start than with breaking news from a company I have followed with interest over the past for years: [me] & Goji
Today the upstart company announced it will he shutting down at the end of the month. Here's an excerpt from a company email today:

When we decided to launch Me & Goji three years ago, our goal was to take a common product—cereal—and completely rethink it. We aimed to offer the best cereal on the market, from our packaging, to the quality of ingredients to the story and values behind it. We believe we succeeded in doing these things and our amazing customers have been the validation.
Ultimately, what led to our decision was our inability to progress out of the bootstrapping startup phase and into a scalable business.  Having tried everything from creating the first cereal of the month club, to a retail product, to a cobranded line of cereals with a teen pop star, we feel comfortable that we have tested all waters.

This is unfortunate news as [me] & Goji has been an impressive entrant into the crowded cereal marketplace. But, as I've pointed out before, it is difficult to compete in this environment, and especially to break into consumers' minds. The future will be won by those who innovate, but the journey there will not be an easy one. Sadly, there will be casualties along the way.

The Breakfast Bowl is unpacked!

Followers of this blog have probably wondered what happened to me, as I haven't posted here in over two months. In the almost six years of running this blog I have had periods of extreme busyness, but never like the past few months. I apologize to those of you who have been faithful followers of my musings on cereal, and related news and culture.

In short, the primary reason for my hiatus is because of moving to a new house. This has taken far more energy and time than I ever expected, and coupled with that I also recently began a doctoral program. Life has been full!

In any case, I am now settled in my home and looking forward to getting back to sharing my cereal passion with you. Watch for more posts coming very soon!

Technorati Tags: cereal, breakfastbowl

Take-overs

Things have been relatively quiet in the cereal world, but two reports in the last week or so are changing that.

First, some speculation has emerged that Swiss food giant Nestle is interested in a take-over of General Mills. This is not completely surprising, as the two companies have worked together closely in the past, including the recent launch of a new innovation research center.

And, this week ConAgra has made bids to take over Ralcorp, maker of Post and various private label cereals.

On the surface, this just appears to be nothing more than corporate consolidation. But, it does represent the shifting nature in the food business, with a growing bifurcation between large corporations and small niche ventures. I've been observing this in cereal for quite some time, with large mass-market brands, but with increasing opportunities for smaller, nimbler companies that can target specific consumer needs and tastes.

(Source: Bloomberg)

Technorati Tags: cereal, General+Mills, Nestle, Ralcorp, takeovers, breakfastbowl

Choco Zucaritas

This weekend I came across Kellogg's Choco Zucaritas for sale. This are Chocolate Frosted Flakes, but with a twist: Imported from Mexico but packaged for the U.S. market, although predominately with Spanish labeling. This is not the first time a foreign cereal is being sold here to connect with immigrants, but I'm surprised it isn't done more.

As breakfast cereal becomes more global this may be a trend companies may be trying more frequently.

Technorati Tags: cereal, Kellogg, Frosted+Flakes, Mexico, breakfastbowl

How natural are they?

A growing segment of the cereal market is devoted to cereals that are especially healthful and natural. Some brands have targeted this niche specifically.

But, a recent survey conducted by The Organic & Non-GMO Report found that many breakfast cereals labeled "natural" may contain genetically modified ingredients. This includes those from Kashi, Bear River Valley, and Mother's Natural Cereals. Technically companies that do this are not doing anything wrong, but it does irk health food advocates who believe that it is misleading. Unfortunately, what qualifies as "natural" is not highly regulated, leading to confusion and inaccurate assumptions among consumers.

(Source: Eat Drink Better)

Technorati Tags: cereal, GMO, natural, breakfastbowl

Cereal leftovers

Now that we're through March it's time to clear out a collection of recent cereal related items that caught my attention but didn't make the cut for a full blog post:

urlesque provides a fun visual listing of "54 Cereals We Loved and Lost"

KBTX in Texas reports on a young girl who had friends coming to her birthday bring cereal for the local food bank

The Telegraph reports a study on how recycled cardboard may be a health risk when used with food, such as cereal

The Pitch lists possible career paths for five cereal mascots

Twin City Business reported that the Lucky Charms Leprechaun rang the New York Stock Exchange bell on St. Patrick's Day

Betty Crocker has a recipe for a wedding cake (or for any other celebration) using Trix

Technorati Tags: cereal, breakfastbowl

The Cap'n is alive and well!

Cap'n Crunch has been getting lots of attention recently, partly because of the recent social media blast by the Giant Steps. But things really heated up this week when a Daily Finance article speculated that the Cap'n might be heading into retirement, indicative of the inattention he has received from Quaker.

But, the word today is that the Cap'n is in good health and should be around for awhile. Quoted in AdAge, Quaker said that "Reports of Cap'n Crunch's demise are greatly exaggerated". In fact they have launched an official Facebook page, but were quick to point out that they are targeting "adult consumers". (See my previous stories on cereal and cartoon characters).

All of this publicity for one of their brands has to be a pleasant surprise for Quaker, unless they were really trying to eliminate a cereal icon!

Technorati Tags: cereal, Cap'n+Crunch, Quaker, breakastbowl

Cartoon characters on cereal boxes influence children

This is hardly new, but recent research confirms what we've all known for years and what previous research has confirmed: "The use of media characters on food packaging affects children's subjective taste assessment". That is the result of a new study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. In the study children were asked to test a "new" cereal that was in one of four professionally designed boxes. Children rated the cereal's taste higher when the box featured a popular media character. But, on the flip side, on name alone children tended toward the cereal when it was called "Healthy Bits" compared to "Sugar Bits".

Again, this is hardly rocket science, but obviously we need objective research to back what our gut already tells us. Of course, health advocates will be demanding cereal companies to exercise more responsibility, and possibly for more government regulation. The concerns are legitimate to a point, but it does mean even more so now that in the future there will be less fun at breakfast table.

Technorati Tags: cereal, marketing, research, cartoon, breakfastbowl

Which day is it?

Earlier today I pointed out that March 7th is National Cereal Day. Admittedly, these designated "national" days are usually nothing more than arbitrary marketing gimmicks. Hardly sacred, or acts of Congress.

It appears, however, that Kellogg is changing the rules, and declaring tomorrow, March 8th, as the first ever "National Breakfast Day". A big part of this will take place in New York at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall. This is all in conjunction with their Share Your Breakfast campaign to assist children in "food-insecure households". Certainly a worthy cause.

For cereal lovers, we now have TWO consecutive days to celebrate! But, why the confusion, Kellogg?

 Technorati Tags: cereal, breakfast, Kellogg, breakfastbowl

National Cereal Day

Today (March 7th) is National Cereal Day. It's hardly a national holiday, but for true cereal lovers, it should be!

Enjoy a bowl (or two) of your favorite cereal today!

Technorati Tags: cereal, breakfastbowl