CPG Week Podcast: Kroger Goes Shopping, Nutrabolt’s Market Debut and Big Food on Trial

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard unpack Kroger's $1.65 billion deal to acquire Giant Eagle, Nutrabolt's reported initial public offering plans and two legal developments that could have ripple effects across the food industry: a proposed class action over protein labeling and the dismissal of a closely watched ultraprocessed foods lawsuit.

0:20 - Kroger has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire regional grocery chain Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, marking the company’s first major acquisition since its proposed megamerger with Albertsons collapsed in 2024. Monica breaks down what the deal means for the grocery landscape.

1:50 - Nutrabolt, whose C4 and Bloom energy drinks have over $1 billion in combined sales, has enlisted JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America to lead its initial public offering. Lukas explains why the timing could be right.

3:50 - 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. Monica digs into the case.

5:55 - A Pennsylvania court dismissed a lawsuit against 11 major food and beverage manufacturers after finding the plaintiff failed to establish a causal link between ultraprocessed foods and his pediatric diabetes. Lukas explains why the ruling matters.