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
McGuinness Steps Down At Impossible Foods
After four years, Peter McGuinness is stepping down as chief executive of Impossible Foods, the company announced today. No reason was provided for his departure. He will remain on the company’s board.
Store Brands Take More of the Cart in 2025 as Retailers Invest in Innovation
Private label had another banner year in 2025. U.S. store brand sales hit a record $282.8 billion, growing by more than $9 billion year-over-year and clocking in at nearly three times the growth rate of national brands, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
Milliways Raises $3 Million To Scale Plastic-Free Chewing Gum
Milliways, a brand of plastic-free chewing gum, has raised $3 million in new capital to fuel its U.S. expansion, bringing its total funding to-date to $10 million.
Grüns Unveils New Brand Platform As Gummy Supplements Surge
Grüns founder Chad Janis has announced the launch of Ü Snacks, a broader platform that encompasses additional functional gummy brands including Nütrops, Immün, Jüced and “the many additional innovations coming.”
Zing Bars Founder Buys Back Business From American Licorice Company
Zing Bars founder David Ingalls has reacquired his plant-based protein bar brand from the American Licorice Company with support from Dunedain Ventures, ending a multiyear strategic partnership with the maker of Red Vines and Sour Punch candy brands.
Little Sesame Opens New Plant to Fuel Next Phase of Growth
On the heels of a $8.5 million Series A funding round in July, premium hummus maker Little Sesame opened its new 23,600 sq. ft. facility in Capitol Heights, Md.
Updated: Humble Growth Acquires Minority Stake In simplyFUEL
Humble Growth, the growth equity firm founded by Andrew Abraham and Nick Giannuzzi, has acquired a minority stake in better-for-you snack maker simplyFUEL. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Puratos Adds Nut-Based Innovation With Vör Foods Acquisition
Bakery ingredients manufacturer Puratos acquired Vör Foods, a producer of nut butter and nut-based fillings. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Dr. Praeger’s CEO To Lead Red’s All Natural
Four years after selling his frozen burrito company, Red’s All Natural, to private equity firm Bansk Group, founder Michael Adair is leaving the CEO chair. He will be replaced by Andy Reichgut, who has been CEO of Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods for the past four years.
Wild Oats Relaunches As A Regenerative Organic Brand Under KeHE
KeHE Distributors is relaunching former grocery chain Wild Oats as a new consumer products brand committed to sustainable food production. Initial offerings include Regenerative Organic Certified juices, smoothies and eggs.