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
Highlander Partners Acquires Tapatío
Private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired hot sauce brand Tapatío from the Saavedra family, who will retain a minority position in the company following the close of the transaction.
Saffron Road Names New CEO
Frozen food maker Saffron Road has elevated president Paul Turbeville to the role of chief executive. He succeeds Adnan Durrani, who will transition to an executive chairman position and continue to guide the Connecticut-based company’s long-term strategy.
After Miyoko’s Meltdown, Nuts For Cheese Sees Fresh Opportunity in Premium Plant-Based Set
A turbulent year for plant-based cheese is opening unexpected doors for the category’s next wave of potential winners. As legacy players stumble and retailers lose confidence in the category, Nuts For Cheese aims to fill a hole for premium, artisanal brands that can deliver on taste, ingredients and trust with retailers and shoppers alike.
Late-Night TV’s Guillermo Rodriguez Launches Salsa Brand
Late-night television personality Guillermo Rodriguez has partnered with Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby and King’s Hawaiian veteran Chris Kasuya to launch Guillermo’s Salsa.
What Is ‘SenseMaxxing’ And Why Is It The Trend Of The Year?
At the inaugural Winter FancyFaire this week in San Diego, the Specialty Food Association highlighted its pick for the top trend of the year. Consumers are rejecting muted minimalism in favor of food and drink designed to overwhelm the senses.
Dietary Guidelines Draw Industry Ire
The Trump administration’s newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans were welcomed by meat, poultry, seafood and dairy trade groups; however, other industry stakeholders raised concerns.
Khloud Will Be Sold at Starbucks, Says Coffee Giant
Starbucks is doubling down on protein, adding Khloud popcorn, the protein-enhanced brand started by celebrity Khloé Kardashian, to its store offerings.
Splendid Spoon Buys Mosaic Foods In Deal Backed By Gather Ventures
Splendid Spoon has acquired Mosaic Foods, backed by an undisclosed investment from venture capital firm Gather Ventures. The deal brings together two direct-to-consumer, plant-forward meal delivery businesses with more than $190 million in combined revenue.
David Protein Launches Indulgence-Positioned Bar, Bronze
The latest “masterpiece” – to borrow the brand’s words – in the David Protein portfolio is Bronze, an indulgent line of coated bars that debuted today.
The Year Protein Hit Its Peak – And What Comes Next
America’s protein obsession seemingly scaled to new heights in 2025, popping up in everything from instant mashed potatoes and pasta sauce to popcorn, chocolate bars and even Pop-Tarts.