CPG Week Podcast: A Sweet Acquisition, a Bitter Trademark Battle and Fancy Food Finds

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.

0:20 - Private equity firm ACON Investments has acquired a controlling stake in organic candy maker YumEarth, with global confectionery manufacturer The Fini Company coming on as a strategic partner. Monica details the deal.

2:10 - The trademark case of nitro cold brew brand Rise Brewing vs. PepsiCo is going to the Supreme Court of the United States after the court opted to hear a petition filed by Rise to overturn a lower court decision dismissing its case against Pepsi. Brad recaps the ongoing battle.

3:55 - High-protein ice cream purveyor Frozen One raised a $5.75 million seed round led by Brand Foundry Ventures, with participation from existing investor Supernatural Ventures as well as Abe Burns and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder. Monica outlines what’s next for the brand.

6:00 - Four Loko-maker Phusion Projects has licensed some of its brand assets to Chuck It LLC for use on intoxicating hemp beverages. Brad shares what is known so far about Nine Loko.

9:10 - The Summer Fancy Food featured a wide array of specialty food and beverage innovation, from a new twist on beer to spicy barbecue sauces. Brad reviews his observations from the event.