CPG Week Podcast

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the acquisition of organic candy maker YumEarth, a trademark case brewing between ready-to-drink coffee brand Rise and PepsiCo, fresh funding for protein ice cream startup Frozen One and a licensing deal that brings Four Loko into the intoxicating hemp beverage set. The hosts also chat about trends and new products at the recent Summer Fancy Food Show.

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss how Nestlé USA nixed synthetic dyes across its food and beverage portfolio and why hydration brand LMNT is suing Oasis, a product ratings app. The hosts also break down new funding for collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey and aguas frescas maker Bawi. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Nestlé USA has completed the removal of artificial colors from its U.S. food and beverage portfolio. Monica outlines the changes. 3:20 – LMNT is suing product ratings app Oasis over claims its electrolyte powders contain “over seven times the legal amount of lead.” Lukas unpacks the case. 6:25 – VMG Partners has taken a minority stake in collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey. Monica shares details of the $24 million growth equity investment. 7:40 – Bawi, a better-for-you agua fresca brand, has closed a $6 million seed round. Lukas highlights the beverage maker’s plans for the cash. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Trek One Capital’s acquisitions of Good Karma Foods and No Cow. The podcasters also highlight the latest funding announcements, including a new investment for a celebrity-backed supplement brand. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Trek One Capital has acquired Good Karma Foods and No Cow. Monica explains more. 1:45 – Iced tea brand Ryl Tea raised $20 million in a Series C round, bringing its total funding to date to more than $42 million. Lukas shares details. 3:20 – Smash Foods has raised $5 million in equity investment, according to a Form D filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange and Commission. Monica outlines the brand’s growth plans. 5:40 – VitaHustle, a supplement brand founded by comedian Kevin Hart, received an investment from Axum Capital Partners. Lukas discusses plans for the new funding. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the stateside debut of Gymkhana Fine Foods, a premium Indian sauce brand with fine-dining roots and fresh capital. The duo also details the launch of a functional beverage highlighting colostrum as a key benefit. Additionally, Monica outlines the acquisition of mocktail maker St. Agrestis by The Wine Group, and Brad talks about productivity drink startup Neutonic’s latest funding round. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Gymkhana Fine Foods is aiming to reframe Indian cuisine in the U.S. from takeout staple to premium everyday indulgence, backed by a $8.5 million Series A investment round. Monica details the brand’s stateside launch. 3:30 – As the beauty and wellness worlds continue to converge, ARMRA is entering the ready-to-drink category with a shelf-stable colostrum soda designed to translate the brand’s functional benefits into a mainstream beverage format. Brad breaks it all down. 5:25 – Brooklyn-based non-alcoholic beverage maker St. Agrestis, best known for its Phony Negroni line of bottled mocktails, has been acquired by The Wine Group for an undisclosed sum. Monica outlines the deal. 6:50 – Productivity drink startup Neutonic has secured $6 million in new funding as it seeks to accelerate its US retail presence with a move into national grocery stores slated for this summer. Brad explains more. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard discuss the FMI’s online grocery report, fresh funding rounds for frozen dessert brands, why Nestle is offloading Blue Bottle and details behind the new brand from Lemon Perfect’s founder. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Brad details a online grocery shopping report from FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ, that projects ecommerce sales will hit $452 billion by 2028. 4:15 – Momentum in the high-protein frozen dessert set is heating up as a pair of brands secure new funding. 7:45 – The duo discusses why Nestle is divesting Blue Bottle Coffee to specialty roaster and retail chain Centurium Capital is representative of how the Swiss conglomerate is repositioning in consumer goods. 9:45 – Lemon Perfect founder Yanni Hufnagel is launching his second brand, POPWTR, after leaving day-to-day operations at the enhanced water lemon water brand. 13:45 – Brad and Lukas take the opportunity to be together in-person to taste test some protein sodas at BevNET headquarters. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery unpack the McCormick-Unilever merger, Constellation Brands’ purchase of HOP WTR, Create Wellness’ fresh funding-fueled expansion, and Q Mixers’ move into functional beverages. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Following brief speculation, McCormick & Company will merge with Unilever’s food division, bringing together such brands as Hellmann’s mayonnaise and French’s mustard. Monica details the deal. 3:05 – Non-alcoholic alternatives got a big win last week as Constellation Brands agreed to terms to acquire HOP WTR, the functional, beer-style sparkling water brand founded in 2020. Brad outlines the transaction. 4:05 – Create Wellness, a trailblazer of the creatine gummy set, is moving into powdered beverages with a $20 million investment. Monica breaks down the investment. 5:55 – The average consumer’s relationship with alcohol has radically evolved over the last several years, and premium cocktail mixer brand Q Mixers is eager to evolve alongside them with its first functional innovation. 7:45 – Monica and Brad discuss this year’s crop of April Fools’ fakeouts. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts    

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard tackle the recent controversy surrounding cage-free egg producer Vital Farms, the latest updates affecting the hemp beverage industry, and a beverage maker’s strategic expansion into functional gummy supplements. The hosts also highlight several recent funding announcements. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Outdoor-access egg producers are taking heat online for the way they feed their hens, and the scrutiny has landed heavily on Vital Farms. Monica digs into the drama. 2:00 – Two legislative proposals are finding significant backing from hemp industry stakeholders. Lukas shares all the details. 4:05 – Monica highlights a handful of recent investments announced by a Snoop Dogg-backed ice cream brand, a dietitian-founded snack company, and a coconut water sports drink maker. 6:40 – Lucky Energy is expanding beyond beverages into the uber-popular functional gummy segment. Lukas outlines the strategy behind the launch. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts