CPG Week Podcast

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery break down a possible reprieve for hemp beverage makers, a high-profile sports drink acquisition backed by NBA star Victor Wembanyama, Kodiak's remarkable growth story under private equity ownership and the emerging wave of Christian-themed energy drink brands betting that faith can help carve out a niche in the increasingly crowded functional beverage market.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the collapse of one of the nation's largest beverage distributors, a closely watched false advertising dispute in the frozen novelty aisle, ongoing scrutiny surrounding regenerative dairy leader Alexandre Family Farm, Vita Coco's latest acquisition, and the launch of Nosh Impact 50, the inaugural list recognizing the people shaping the future of the packaged food industry.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Utz Brands' $2.9 billion acquisition by Germany's Intersnack Group and Sèchey's decision to exit brick-and-mortar retail in favor of a technology platform. The hosts also chat about Final Boss Sour's $4 million funding round and Yerba Madre's leadership transition.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery examine four stories shaping the packaged food industry: the seed funding round fueling a drink mix startup’s retail expansion, The EVERY Company’s latest step toward commercializing precision-fermented egg white proteins, Welch's bid to disrupt the frozen sandwich category, and the FDA's push for greater transparency around caffeine content.

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.

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 Algae Cooking Club’s funding round and BRĒZ’s strategic pivot, plus SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch’s second entrepreneurial act and a legal battle between two electrolyte beverage makers.Show Highlights:0:20 – Chef-grade cooking oil brand Algae Cooking Club has secured $11.6 million in fresh funding. Monica shares the startup’s plans for the new capital.2:05 – BRĒZ is trying to reposition itself for long-term growth and adjust its strategy to shifting regulatory demands after a challenging 2025. Lukas shares highlights.4:40 – Six years after selling better-for-you candy business SmartSweets, Tara Bosch has set her sights on another snack aisle staple: potato chips. Monica digs into the details.7:25 – A trade dress lawsuit filed by the makers of Pedialyte has backfired after a U.S. district judge ruled that the brand’s trade dress “lacks distinctiveness” and is not protectable. Lukas outlines the case.About CPG WeekCPG 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] on Apple Podcasts