Bumble Bee Foods could bring $1.5B at auction, sources say Bumble Bee Foods' private-equity owner, Lion Capital, is considering selling the producer of shelf-stable seafood in an auction that could bring in up to $1.5 billion, sources say. Bumble Bee, which has felt the effects of high fish costs, packages tuna, salmon, sardines and clams under brands including Sweet Sue, Snow's, Beach Cliff, Wild Selections and Clover Leaf. Reuters (6/27) Other News  | For CPG manufacturers with their sights on growth, emerging markets are an important part of the strategy. Many companies rely on distributors or wholesalers to get their products to consumers in various worldwide markets. Managing these distributors isn't easy, but HP can help. Download this paper to find out how to better manage your distributors. | | Alternative energy sources gain traction with beverage makers Natural and organic energy drinks are growing as consumers demand "clean" options that deliver long-lasting energy. Manufacturers including S&D Coffee, Zevia, Runa and Guayaki are turning to natural ingredients such as yerba mate and guayusa. Companies are also experimenting with alternative sources of protein to add energy. BevNet.com (6/28) Canadean: Personalized candy is a $12B market Advances like Hershey's 3D-printed chocolate and Cadbury Australia's "Joy Generator," which allows consumers to buy a Dairy Milk bar that matches their personality, have grown the market of personalized candy to an estimated $12 billion in 2013, according to Canadean. "Over 7% of confectionery consumption globally is driven by consumers' search for products that are personalized to them," said Catherine O'Connor, senior analyst. ConfectioneryNews.com (France) (6/26)   | Give excitement with gift cards. Motivate employees and customers with Best Buy gift cards and e-gift cards. They get today's hottest technology products, you get flexible delivery options and volume discounts. Best Buy gift cards are ideal incentives for any program. No Fees. No Expiration Dates. Just Happiness.™ Learn more. | | Fresh Take: SmartBrief's original coverage of the fresh foods category |  | TV Service Built For The Big Game. Make your place, THE place to be for the BIG GAME. We make it easy for guests to choose your place simply because you have the right programming on the screen. And with Comcast Business TV you can show the days' big event on eight or more screens — that's smart TV! Learn more, business tv for bars and restaurants |

 | Food companies use July Fourth to kick off digital campaigns Brands including Cracker Jack, StarKist and Peanut Butter & Co. are using the Fourth of July holiday as a springboard for major digital marketing campaigns. Cracker Jack's #CJSurprise and Starkist's #Charlieonthego campaigns capitalize on consumers' love of sharing photos on social media, while Peanut Butter & Co. is releasing a series of videos on YouTube and social media sites. Adweek (6/27) Proposed Nutrition Facts changes offer opportunities Proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts panel could change the way serving sizes are listed on food packaging, leading to changes in the way companies market their products. Robert Post of food consultancy FoodMinds pointed to the Hass Avocado Board's "Love one today" campaign as an example of a company telling an effective story. "They're reframing the reference point by not referring to a serving size and turning a higher-fat fruit into a desired source of naturally good fat," he said. FoodNavigator (6/26)   | TV Service Built For The Big Game. Make your place, THE place to be for the BIG GAME. We make it easy for guests to choose your place simply because you have the right programming on the screen. And with Comcast Business TV you can show the days' big event on eight or more screens — that's smart TV! Learn more, business tv for bars and restaurants | |  | Every noble work is at first impossible." -- Thomas Carlyle, Scottish writer and historian | | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions. Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | | |