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
GroundForce Capital Invests in Righteous Felon
Righteous Felon Craft Jerky secured an investment from GroundForce Capital, a founder-led investment firm that has previously backed Liquid Death, OWYN and Vive Organic. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Poppi Co-Founder Joins DropOut Companies
Stephen Ellsworth, who co-founded modern soda brand Poppi with his wife, Allison, has joined consumer products house DropOut Companies as an operating partner.
San Francisco To Sue Ultraprocessed Food Makers
San Francisco just declared war on America’s snack aisle, filing the nation’s first government lawsuit today against the largest manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods. City Attorney David Chiu claims local governments are footing the bill for chronic diseases linked to the companies’ products
Ritter Sport Expands in U.S. With Chocolove Acquisition
Ritter Sport Group is expanding its presence in the U.S. market with the acquisition of Creative Natural Products, the Boulder, Colo.-based manufacturer of the Chocolove premium chocolate brand. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Analyzing America’s Grocery Carts
A new report by nutrition intelligence company FoodHealth Co. and NielsenIQ suggests U.S. shoppers are falling short when it comes to the healthiness of household food purchases.
Smash Foods Closes Seven-Figure Round To Fuel Further Growth
Smash Foods has closed a seven-figure funding round to expand availability of its superfood spreads and snacks, according to co-founder and chief operating officer Steve Ford. The round was led by Eclair Partners with participation from Label Capital and The Family Fund, alongside a strategic supply chain partner.
TreeHouse Foods Acquired In $2.9 Billion Deal
One of North America’s largest private label food and beverage manufacturers is set to become a private company. TreeHouse Foods will be acquired by an independently managed investment subsidiary of Investindustrial VIII in an all cash transaction for a total enterprise value of $2.9 billion, the companies announced today.
Taylor Farms Expands In U.K. With Acquisition
Packaged salad producer Taylor Farms is expanding its global footprint with the acquisition of Natures Way Foods, a fresh prepared food manufacturer based in Chichester, England. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Pizza Co-Manufacturer Urban Farmer Acquires Caulipower
Urban Farmer, a manufacturer of branded and private label specialty dough products, announced today its acquisition of gluten-free frozen foods brand Caulipower, best known for its cauliflower crust pizzas.
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.