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
Step Inside Wicked Kitchen’s New Home
Wicked Kitchen is on a mission to do for plant-based foods what Annie’s did for organics. Here’s how its new owners plan to help.
🤩 Insider Daily Briefing: Innovation Insights From 2023’s Top New Products
Also in this issue: This Week’s Notable New Products; IFT’s Product Development Finalists; Welch’s Will Relocate to Waltham; Distribution: Oat Haus Goes Publix; How She Got Walmart To Say ‘Yes’ In The Pitch Meeting.
Changing The Channel: Why Fabalish Is Bullish On Alt-Retail
The brand has forged successful partnerships with online grocery and meal delivery companies and is now well on the path to profitability.
Category Close-up: What’s Up With Granola?
Notable new launches in the granola aisle range from elevated flavors and indulgent offerings to grain-free spins on the segment.
Rifle Hughes, Glenn Pappalardo’s New Firm Focuses on ‘Ambitious Innovation’
The pair aims to partner with established and scaling food and beverage brands with an existing core portfolio and market traction.
Naturally Chicago, 7-Eleven Partner To Help Brands Gain Shelf Space
Naturally Chicago’s Locally Made program launched last year to provide a pathway for brands into retail and support them once in store.
Tyler Ricks Named CEO at Caulipower
After announcing his departure from Super Coffee last week, Tyler Ricks is taking the reins at Caulipower as its new CEO.
SEMCAP Food & Nutrition Invests $68 Million In ALOHA
Growth equity firm SEMCAP Food & Nutrition has paid $68 million for a “significant” minority stake in plant-based protein brand ALOHA.
Expo West: ‘Functional Candy Bar’ Harken Sweets Expands Lineup
New York startup Harken Sweets is set to showcase the latest addition to its line of date-caramel candy bars this week at Natural Products Expo West.
Serenity Kids Raises $52 Million in Series B Round
The baby food company will use the growth capital for marketing, new product development and hiring.