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
Carbon-Based Fats Move Toward Scale as AAK Invests in Savor
Savor is teaming up with specialty oils and fats supplier AAK to accelerate commercialization of fats made directly from carbon, marking a significant step toward bringing the climate-focused ingredient technology to mainstream food manufacturers.
McCormick Uses $28M Tariff Windfall to Counter Iran-Linked Cost Pressures
McCormick & Co. received $28 million in tariff refunds during its second quarter and expects an additional $3 million in the back half of the year, offering some relief as the company contends with mounting inflationary pressures.
The Only Bean Hit With Class Action Over Protein Claims
The Only Bean is facing a proposed class action lawsuit, alleging the dry-roasted edamame snacks producer misled consumers by overstating the usable protein content of its products and failing to comply with federal labeling requirements.
General Mills Bets on Innovation, Protein and Cost Savings to Restore Growth
The Minneapolis-based food giant reported fourth-quarter results that met expectations, but its full-year sales and earnings declined as inflation-weary consumers sought out discounts.
ACON Investments Acquires YumEarth, Partners With Fini to Fuel Next Growth Phase
YumEarth has built its business around organic, allergy-friendly candy made without artificial dyes, high-fructose corn syrup or the top nine allergens.
Takis to Remove Artificial Colors, TBHQ Across U.S. Portfolio by End of 2026
Takis is dropping artificial colors from its entire U.S. product lineup by the end of the year, marking the latest reformulation effort from a major snack brand as the industry shifts toward cleaner ingredient labels.
McCormick Maps Out Unilever Foods Integration as Deal Progresses
McCormick & Company executives underscored progress on the pending acquisition of Unilever Foods and outlined integration plans during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on June 25.
Crispy Green Scales Up As Freeze-Dried Fruit Demand Climbs
Crispy Green is expanding its operations and relocating its headquarters as the freeze-dried fruit snack maker looks to support continued growth across retail, ecommerce, foodservice and vending.
Hershey Taps PepsiCo Veteran Heather Hoytink to Lead U.S. Business
The Hershey Company named Heather Hoytink as president of its U.S. business. She brings to the role more than two decades of experience in sales, operations and commercial leadership in consumer packaged goods.
Maxine’s Heavenly Raises Nearly $3M as Clean-Label Cookie Brand Scales Production
The better-for-you cookie brand has closed $2.86 million of a planned $3 million Series A round led by Blueberry Capital, with participation from Listen Ventures, Rocana Ventures, Village Super Markets and Paperboy Ventures.