Monica Watrous
For more than a decade, Monica Watrous has covered the latest trends, innovations and developments in the food and beverage industry and has organized and hosted multiple events featuring emerging brands and cutting-edge concepts. She is a lifelong foodie and a champion of startups and disruptors in the consumer packaged goods landscape.
Posts by Monica Watrous
Fruitist Bags $150M In Funding To Build Berry Business
Fruitist closed $150 million in equity funding to accelerate retail expansion for its line of premium packaged berries. The round was led by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, alongside new and existing investors. The Los Angeles-based company is reportedly valued at $1 billion.
Celleste Bio Unveils Cell-Cultured Cocoa Butter
In an innovative step forward for the chocolate industry, Celleste Bio this week unveiled chocolate-grade cocoa butter produced using plant cell culture technology.
Tender Food Rebrands, Expands Processing Technology With $6.5M In Fresh Funding
Tender Food is rebranding and expanding into additional categories following a new $6.5 million funding round. Under its new name Lasso, the Boston-based startup will commercialize its patented food processing technology for applications in high-protein snacks and pet food.
How Celebrity-Founded Smash Kitchen Aims to Transform American Pantries
Since its springtime debut, Smash Kitchen has expanded nationwide into Walmart, Sprouts Farmers Market and Erewhon and launched over a dozen items ranging from organic ketchup to pure avocado oil.
Walmart Eliminating Synthetic Dyes, Dozens More Additives From Store Brands
Walmart U.S. announced this week its plans to remove synthetic dyes – alongside certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes – from its private brand food products by 2027. The company claims the shift stems from customer demands.
How Rudi’s Cracked the Code On A Gluten-Free PB&J
Somewhere between 10% and 30% of Americans avoid or have avoided gluten, yet the burgeoning frozen sandwich category historically has lacked options for this significant swath of shoppers. Rudi’s Rocky Mountain Bakery debuted Gluten Free Sandos with Justin’s Peanut Butter in Grape and Strawberry flavors in August.
Seven Sundays Acquires Longtime Manufacturer
Better-for-you breakfast brand Seven Sundays revealed it has taken a step toward vertical integration with the acquisition of its longtime manufacturing partner Birch Packaging. The transaction closed in June, and financial details were not disclosed.
Disrupting Dill: After Conquering Olives, Freestyle Snacks Tackles Pickles
After recasting olives as an elevated, on-the-go offering, Freestyle Snacks is now taking aim at pickles. This week, the brand debuted a trio of shelf-stable, single-serve packs including Classic Dill Pickle Chips, Garlic Dill Mini Pickles and Kickin’ Pickle Chips.
Sweets From The Earth Poised For U.S. Expansion Following PE Deal
Sweets from the Earth, a Toronto-based manufacturer of vegan and allergen-free sweet baked goods, has been acquired by Canadian firm Fengate Private Equity. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Louisville Brands Acquires Louisville Vegan Jerky
Consumer holding company Louisville Brands has acquired Louisville Vegan Jerky Company from early-stage investment firm Render Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.