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
General Mills’ 301 INC Names New Leader
Johnny Tran is stepping down as managing director of General Mills’ venture arm 301 INC after more than a decade with the Minneapolis-based company. Kristen Harvey will succeed him in the role.
At the Epicenter of An Epidemic: Did Boar’s Head Ignore Red Flags?
The number of serious illnesses caused by a Listeria outbreak linked to contaminated deli meat continues to climb, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which last week reported a total of 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths across 19 states since its investigation began in July.
Mezcla Expanding, Rebranding Following Fresh Funding
Protein bar maker Mezcla is unveiling new branding as it enters its next phase of growth following a recent funding round that brings its total backing to more than $8 million. Additionally, the plant-based bars, which feature a puff-crispy texture, are rolling out to more retail shelves by year-end.
PepsiCo Acquiring Siete Foods for $1.2 Billion
PepsiCo, Inc. announced this morning it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Siete Foods for $1.2 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
Inside The RXBAR Duo’s Plans To Disrupt Candy
The founding duo behind RXBAR is taking aim at the candy category with a new brand curiously called Hormbles Chormbles. Set to launch early next year, the chocolate products are high in protein (using whey protein isolate) and low in calories and sugar, said Jared Smith, co-founder of the Chicago-based startup.
Flipping The Script: How To Innovate Like a Corporation
For years, leaders of the biggest packaged food manufacturers have been studying – and, in some cases, acquiring – emerging brands to gain insights on how to “innovate like a startup” with a focus on speed, agility and disruption. We spoke to industry experts about what Big CPG can teach brands at the entrepreneurial level, from product development strategies to mindset.
Daily Crunch Snags $4 Million in Series A
Daily Crunch has scooped up $4 million in a Series A funding round led by Launch Tennessee with participation from various strategic investors.
Newtopia Now: Kelp Pickles, Konjac Pasta and Alt-Coffee
New Hope Network’s inaugural Newtopia Now drew more than 7,000 natural products industry professionals to Denver last week, as 550 exhibiting companies showcased their latest in natural products innovation.
Inside Peter Rahal’s Evolution: Why RXBAR And David Are ‘Literal Opposites’
These days, Peter Rahal’s take on protein bars is more labcoat than loincloth. Here’s why.
Peter Rahal’s New Protein Bar Startup Raises $10 Million
Ahead of its slated debut this fall, David, the new protein bar brand from RXBAR founder and former CEO Peter Rahal, has raised $10 million in seed funding to support new product development and hires.