Beyond The Headlines: Food giants release Q1 earnings, Mars launches AI tools for pet health monitoring

This week in industry news, ADM, Ingredion, and Novonesis kicked off 2025 with strong financial performances, highlighting resilience despite economic headwinds. In the pet nutrition space, Mars debuted AI tools for monitoring animal health. Stella & Chewy’s expanded its premium range through PetSmart, and Royal Canin launched a science-backed supplement line in honor of National Pet Wellness Day. Fitness brand C4 introduced AlphaBomb, a high-stimulant pre-workout formula for serious athletes.

Business news

ADM reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, with net earnings of US$295 million and adjusted earnings per share of US$0.70. Despite challenges such as trade tensions and an ongoing accounting investigation, ADM has reaffirmed its full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance in the range of US$4.00 to US$4.75, though it now expects to be at the lower end of this range.

Ingredion unveiled robust first-quarter 2025 results, with reported and adjusted operating income increasing by 30% and 26%, respectively, compared to the prior year. The company also improved its full-year earnings guidance, now expecting reported EPS between US$10.93 and US$11.63, and adjusted EPS between US$10.90 and US$11.60.

Novonesis posted a strong start to 2025 with 11% organic sales growth in the first quarter and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 38.3%. The company experienced double-digit growth across all sales areas and regions, particularly in emerging markets, and has maintained its full-year financial outlook despite current currency headwinds.

Aker BioMarine launched a clinical trial for a next-gen omega-3 supplement capable of crossing the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers.New product launches and R&D

Aker BioMarine signed an agreement with KGK Science to launch its first clinical trial of Lysoveta, a next-generation omega-3 supplement designed to support brain and eye health by delivering DHA and EPA directly across the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers via LPC (lyso-phosphatidylcholine). The randomized, placebo-controlled study will enroll 138 participants aged 50–75 with mild memory complaints, assessing cognitive function, mood, omega-3 status, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels over 112 days. It is expected to run for 18 months, with interim mood results due in early 2026.

Nestlé-owned Garden of Life launched OmeGo Full Spectrum Omegas on Amazon in the US. Branded as “Norwegian Salmon Oil,” it retains fresh Atlantic salmon’s complete balance and nutritional profile in a softgel format. Norwegian Salmon Oil containing OmeGo is gently extracted from fresh, sashimi-grade salmon and provides whole-fish health benefits from its full spectrum of omegas. Differentiated from an omega-3 market that is more focused on two fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid), OmeGo contains omegas 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11, as well as other mediators promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to human health. HBC recently published scientific findings on the powerful natural anti-inflammatory benefits of OmeGo for immune health, allergies, and sleep quality following successful low-dose clinical studies.

C4 unveiled AlphaBomb, its latest pre-workout formula aimed at individuals seeking energy and improved performance. At the core of C4 AlphaBomb is a caffeine complex containing 336 mg of caffeine that includes Deura9 (d9-Caffeine) — a “first-to-market stimulant” created by d9 Designs. Deura9 delivers sustained energy and enhances performance, ideal for high-caffeine users and fitness enthusiasts. C4 AlphaBomb utilizes 8 g of the patented Velox blend of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. For endurance, it contains 8 g of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine for muscular endurance.

Pet nutrition

Mars launched new AI-powered tools to assist pet parents in monitoring and managing their pets’ health. Among these innovations is the Greenies Canine Dental Check, the first AI-powered tool enabling pet owners to assess their dog’s dental health using a smartphone. Pet owners receive easy-to-understand results, along with recommendations on next steps.

Stella & Chewy’s partnered with PetSmart to expand the availability of its premium raw and natural pet food products. This month, the brand’s offerings are being released in PetSmart stores across the US and online. Its freeze-dried raw food offers “complete and balanced” raw meals enhanced with probiotics and antioxidants. Stella & Chewy’s dry kibble, coated in freeze-dried raw meat, is available in grain-free and grain recipes. For picky eaters, the brand offers meal mixes and toppers to boost a pet bowl.

Royal Canin launched a line of supplements and probiotics designed to support the overall health of cats and dogs (Image credit: Royal Canin).In celebration of US National Pet Wellness Day on May 8, Royal Canin introduced a new line of supplements and probiotics designed to support the overall health of cats and dogs. The products are formulated with proven ingredients supported by scientific studies for optimal efficacy. The probiotic powders for cats and dogs were specifically designed to promote a strong immune system and digestive health, while the soft chew supplements for puppies and dogs were developed to target the most common sensitivities such as joint, digestive, skin, and coat health.

Scientific research

Penn State’s Department of Kinesiology, US, released study findings evidencing that collegiate female endurance runners with chronic energy deficiency during the preseason tend to have slower race times and reduced training benefits throughout the competitive season. The research, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, utilized objective measures such as resting metabolic rate (RMR) ratio and circulating thyroid hormone (TT3) levels to assess energy status. Runners identified as energy deficient — those with an RMR less than 92% of the predicted value — demonstrated decreased performance in 5 km time trials compared to their energy-sufficient counterparts. The study emphasizes that energy deficiency is reversible, suggesting that increasing caloric intake can enhance both performance and long-term health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of adequate nutrition for athletes and provide valuable insights for coaches aiming to optimize athlete performance.

Nutrition intelligence

FoodHealth Company (formerly Bitewell) raised US$7.5 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round co-led by Reach Capital and Ulu Ventures, bringing total funding to over US$20 million. At the heart of the nutrition intelligence provider’s nutrition intelligence suite is its flagship innovation, the FoodHealth Score, a 1–100 rating system that assesses food quality based on nutrient density and ingredient integrity. Now headquartered in San Francisco, the company is embedding its score across major retailers like Kroger and expanding into additional chains in the US, aiming to make “evidence-based language for food quality” accessible wherever food decisions are made — supermarket aisles, restaurant menus, and school cafeterias.

The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA), in collaboration with the Global Seafood Communicators (GSC), will launch a Seafood Nutrition Toolkit in early June to help member organizations globally promote the health benefits of seafood. The toolkit will provide science-based messaging and evidence on seafood’s nutritional value, aiming to unify and strengthen public communication across the sector. It was officially introduced during a panel at Seafood Expo Global on May 6. ICFA and GSC leaders emphasize the toolkit as a foundational resource for advancing seafood advocacy and public education efforts worldwide.

Public health announcements

Non-profit Building Foundation for Development (BFD) warned severe funding and supply crisis is threatening life-saving nutrition services across Yemen, particularly affecting children under five, pregnant and lactating women, and food-insecure families in northern governorates. With 2.3 million children acutely malnourished — including 500,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition — and 1.3 million undernourished mothers, the situation is critical. Recent service suspensions, like BFD’s halted project in Hodeidah and Hajjah, and severe shortages in Moderate Acute Malnutrition treatment supplies funded by the World Food Programme, have led to staff layoffs, facility closures, and widespread disruption. According to BFD, programs serving over 200 health facilities are at risk of collapsing by mid-2025 if urgent, flexible, and sustained funding is not secured.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced plans to expand its support for food and nutrition security by US$26 billion, aiming to bring its total funding for food security initiatives to US$40 billion over 2022–2030. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience, improve food systems, and reduce hunger across Asia and the Pacific. Notably, over 27% of this funding is expected to come from private sector investments, underscoring the critical role of private entities in achieving these goals. ADB is establishing the Natural Capital Fund — a planned US$150 million blended finance vehicle — with anchor support from the Global Environment Facility. This fund will support agri-food system projects by farmers and innovators that sustainably protect, restore, and manage natural capital across ADB’s developing members.