Can You Own a Sandwich? What the Uncrustables Case Means for CPG & Chefs

In this episode, we dive into the Uncrustables lawsuit against Trader Joe’s and what it signals for the future of food product development, intellectual property, and the battle between CPG giants and private labels. As Smucker’s defends its iconic crustless sandwich, we explore how legal strategies are becoming a new line of defense in a fiercely competitive grocery landscape.We also cover the biggest food and beverage headlines shaking the industry this week:📉 Chipotle’s sales decline among low-income and Gen Z consumers🍗 KFC's shift away from bone-in chicken — is the fried chicken era changing?🥫 Heinz consumer sentiment hits decade lows ahead of a major corporate split🧠 Gen Z’s anti-algorithm movement and how it's reshaping digital food discovery🚨 The evolving SNAP shutdown fallout, with DoorDash, Feeding America, and ABC News sharing critical updates🥑 Whole Foods' 2026 food trend predictions — what's next in natural foods?💼 Whether you're in food tech, brand strategy, or retail operations, this episode unpacks the legal and market shifts shaping tomorrow’s menus and grocery aisles.👇 Explore the full stories below:

• Uncrustables Lawsuit (Reuters)

• Uncrustables & Private Label (Food Dive)

• Chipotle Sales Slump

• Heinz Sentiment Drop (Bloomberg)

• KFC Ditches Bones

• Anti-Algorithm Movement

• Whole Foods 2026 Trends

• DoorDash Waives Fees (SNAP Shutdown)

• Feeding America (Shutdown Impact)

• ABC: How to Help Food Banks

  
  

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