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
Aria Growth Partners Closes $152M Fund-II
Buoyed by strategic exits of portfolio companies LesserEvil and Hero Cosmetics, Aria Growth Partners announced today the close of its second fund with $152 million in capital commitments.
With No-Stir Package, Can Brand Win Natural Peanut Butter Race?
By literally turning the problem on its head, One Trick Pony founder Lucy Dana thinks she’s solved the oil crisis. No, not that one.
Mealogic Raises $16 Million To Scale ‘Food As Medicine’ Delivery Platform
Mealogic, a white-label meal delivery platform, has secured $16 million in a funding round led by S2G Investments, with participation from Dohmen Company Foundation, U.S. Venture Partners and Unilever Ventures.
Taste Tomorrow Ventures Marks First Food Investment With Better Sour
Taste Tomorrow Ventures, the early-stage investment fund established by beverage incubator L.A. Libations, has taken a minority equity stake in better-for-you candy brand Better Sour. Financial terms were not disclosed; however, Better Sour’s founders confirmed the startup is raising a seven-figure round to support new product launches and expanded distribution.
Snack It Like Beckham: Soccer Legend Launches Kids’ Brand
Honey is the hero ingredient in a new children’s snack brand co-founded by former professional soccer player David Beckham and serial entrepreneur Shaun Neff. Launching today in Target stores nationwide, BEEUP offers fruit-flavored snacks geared toward youth sports, a market the founders say has been largely overlooked in the snack aisle.
The Cost Of UNFI’s Breakup With Key Food
While last week’s cyberattack dominated the discussion during UNFI’s third-quarter earnings call Tuesday, executives also shed light on the company’s decision to exit its “unprofitable” long-term supply agreement with grocery operator Key Food Stores Co-operative.
Food-as-Medicine Startup Raises $3.6 Million To Scale GLP-1 Solution
Lembas, which describes itself as an artificial intelligence-powered peptide discovery company, aims to offer a more accessible alternative to high-priced injectables sold under brand names like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy with its first solution, GLP-1 Edge.
UNFI Shipping On ‘Limited Basis’ Following Security Breach
Wholesale distributor UNFI is shipping on a “limited basis” in the wake of last week’s cyberattack, executives said during an earnings call today to discuss third-quarter financial results.
Ferment to Be: Cleveland Kitchen Ramps Up Growth as Gut Health Goes Mainstream
Cleveland Kitchen is preparing for a period of high growth following a few years focused on consolidating manufacturing and expanding operations at its Ohio production facility. The sauerkraut slinger recently raised $2.9 million that will support brand-building initiatives as its founders aim to capitalize on heightened interest in digestive wellness and fermented flavors.
A Big Dill: Grillo’s Pickles To Build $54 Million Facility
Grillo’s Pickles announced plans to build a $54 million manufacturing plant in Bartholomew County, Ind. The 155,000 sq. ft. facility will employ up to 150 workers and is adjacent to a $175 million King’s Hawaiian bakery operation.