We recently published an article titled 10 High Growth Food Stocks To Buy.  On January 14, Freedom Capital analyst Georgy Vashchenko initiated coverage of Mama’s Creations, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAMA) with a Buy rating and a $16 price target. In a research note, the analyst pointed to the company’s broad national distribution and emphasis on product quality and innovation as key factors supporting its positioning in the convenient, fresh meal category. Freedom Capital also highlighted the expansion of Mama’s Creat ...

Core Insights - Mr. Gatti's Pizza has sold a majority stake to OneRyan Global, with terms of the deal undisclosed [1] - OneRyan Global previously invested in Mr. Gatti's, making it a 100% franchisee-operated chain [2] - Amanda S. Ryan and G. Brint Ryan will take leadership roles in the company, with existing management remaining in place [3] Company Overview - Mr. Gatti's has over 200 units open or in development and is exploring non-traditional growth avenues, including a c-store prototype and an agreement to develop 92 units within Walmart Supercenter locations [4] - The company operates large family entertainment centers averaging 12,500 square feet, offering an all-you-care-to-eat pizza, pasta, and salad bar, along with arcade games [5] - As of 2024, Mr. Gatti's had 89 open outlets, including 24 smaller formats and 53 family entertainment centers [5]

Group 1 - Portuguese firms Cerealis and Better Foods have agreed to combine their milling activities into a new jointly owned business, with a 50/50 ownership structure [1][3] - Better Foods Group claims to be the largest milling group in Portugal, while Cerealis has a long history dating back to 1919 and was acquired by investment firms in 2021 [2][5] - The merger aims to enhance competitiveness and industrial capacity in the Portuguese milling sector, responding to market transformations and value chain consolidation [3][4] Group 2 - The merger is expected to improve efficiency, investment capacity, and service delivery, benefiting customers, employees, and partners [4] - Cerealis processes over 440,000 tons of cereals annually and employs more than 760 people, with a diverse product range sold globally [5] - The deal is subject to review by the Portuguese competition authority, Autoridade da Concorrência [4]

The US has set out plans to slash its proposed anti-dumping duty on more than a dozen Italian pasta exporters. The businesses have been facing a duty of almost 92% on shipments to the US – on top of the 15% tariff Washington has placed on most EU exports. The US Department of Commerce has issued a “preliminary determination” that includes the prospect of the duty being cut to as low as 2.26%. On New Year’s Eve (31 December), the US Department of Commerce outlined the "post-preliminary analysis" of a re ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has decided to reduce proposed tariffs on Italian pasta producers after an investigation found that many concerns regarding unfair pricing had been addressed by exporters [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Adjustments - Proposed tariffs on 13 Italian pasta companies have been rolled back, with specific reductions noted for La Molisana to 2.26% and Garofalo to 13.98% [4]. - The remaining 11 pasta makers, including Barilla and Rummo, will now face a tariff of 9.09% [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - Previously proposed duties could have reached up to 92%, in addition to a 15% tariff on most EU imports, which posed a significant threat to the U.S. market valued at nearly $800 million for Italian pasta exporters [7]. - Companies had warned that such high tariffs could effectively exclude them from the U.S. market [7]. Group 3: Future Developments - The final tariff rates are expected to be announced on March 12, with a possibility of extension by up to 60 days [10].

Core Viewpoint - The United States has significantly reduced proposed tariffs on several Italian pasta makers after reassessing their U.S. activities, which is a positive development for the affected companies [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Changes - The U.S. Department of Commerce has lowered the tariff for La Molisana to 2.26% and for Garofalo to 13.98%, while the remaining 11 producers face a tariff of 9.09% [2]. - Initially, 13 Italian pasta companies were set to face an additional 92% duty on top of the regular 15% rate starting January 2026 [1]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Italy's total pasta exports were valued at over 4 billion euros (approximately $4.7 billion) in 2024, with the U.S. market representing nearly $800 million for Italian firms [4]. - The reassessment of duties is seen as recognition of the companies' willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities [2]. Group 3: Political Context - The tariff situation has been a source of embarrassment for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had anticipated that her relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump would protect Italian companies from additional tariffs [3].

Food fight! These founders got tired of traditional red sauce, so they're attacking the $2.5 billion pasta market with flavors like Miso-Garlic and Hot Honey Marinara. Read more: https://t.co/zWEbyB7fGp #ForbesUnder30 (Photo: Sebastian Nevols for Forbes) https://t.co/XPqXTm54ER ...

Group 1 - The Trump administration is considering a new 92% antidumping duty on Italian pasta makers, which, combined with the existing 15% European imports tariff, would raise total duties to 107% on 13 major Italian exporters [1] - Industry experts warn that the implementation of this tariff could lead to increased U.S. pasta prices or result in certain brands being removed from shelves as early as January [2] - The American pasta market is valued at over $9 billion and continues to grow, indicating the significance of this sector in the U.S. economy [3] Group 2 - The U.S. imports approximately $684 million worth of pasta from Italy annually, accounting for roughly 15% of Italy's pasta exports, highlighting the potential economic impact of the proposed tariffs [4] - The proposed tariff is a result of a routine antidumping review initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce following complaints from U.S. companies claiming that Italian pasta makers were selling products below fair market value [4][5] - The practice of "dumping" occurs when foreign producers sell goods in the U.S. at prices lower than their normal value, which has prompted the investigation into Italian pasta imports [5]

Core Points - Post Holdings, Inc. has announced a new share repurchase authorization of $500 million, effective from November 27, 2025 [1] - As of November 25, 2025, the company had repurchased approximately $275.2 million under its previous $500 million authorization, which was effective from August 29, 2025, and canceled on November 26, 2025 [1] Share Repurchase Details - Repurchases may occur in various forms, including open market transactions, private purchases, and other methods, with repurchased shares held as treasury stock [2] - The new authorization does not obligate the company to acquire a specific number of shares and allows for suspension or termination at the company's discretion [2] Company Overview - Post Holdings, Inc. is a consumer packaged goods holding company based in St. Louis, Missouri, with operations in various food categories [3] - The company's brands include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods, and Bob Evans Farms, with a strong presence in ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated foods, and pet food [3]

Core Viewpoint - The retail landscape is evolving, and store closures can be a strategic move for financial recovery rather than a sign of decline [2][11]. Group 1: Noodles & Company Store Closures - Noodles & Company plans to close up to 49 company-owned restaurants by the end of 2026, with 28-32 closures expected in 2025 [12]. - The closures are part of a strategy to enhance overall sales leverage and improve restaurant-level profitability, with an expectation to retain approximately 30% of sales through transfers to neighboring units [7][8]. - The CEO emphasized that these decisions are made thoughtfully, focusing on high-performing locations to strengthen operations and elevate guest experience [6][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Noodles & Company reported a total revenue decrease of 0.5% to $122.1 million compared to $122.8 million in Q3 2024, while comparable restaurant sales increased by 4.0% system-wide [12]. - The company experienced a net loss of $9.2 million, or $0.20 loss per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $6.8 million, or $0.15 loss per diluted share, in the same quarter of the previous year [12]. - Operating margin improved to 5.2% from 3.9% in Q3 2024, indicating a positive trend in operational efficiency despite the losses [12].