CPG Week Podcast

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

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a leadership shakeup at Lemon Perfect, the acquisition of snacking platform The Good Crisp Company, and Koia’s entry into the modern soda category. The podcasters also share highlights from the Winter FancyFaire show in San Diego. Show Highlights: 0:15 – The Trump Administration has released the new Dietary Guidelines, which inverts the former food pyramid. Not everyone is happy with the new recommendations. Monica explains more. 2:10 – An investor-driven shakeup at Lemon Perfect has resulted in significant headcount reduction – including company leadership and several of its employees – and forced founder and board chair Yanni Hufnagel from any operational role at the company. Lukas details the beverage maker’s challenges. 3:50 – The Good Crisp Company has been acquired by MPearlRock, an investment group formed by MidOcean Partners, Kroger and its data analytics platform, 84.51. Monica shares what’s next for the snack brand. 5:25 – For a decade, Koia has positioned itself as an innovator in plant-based protein drinks. Now, the brand is bringing that focus to the Modern Soda set with its latest line launch: Koia Protein Pop. Lukas discusses the launch and category. 7:05 – Monica and Lukas highlight trends and standout products sampled at the inaugural Winter FancyFaire in San Diego. 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 protein-packed launches for the new year: David’s Bronze bars, Mel Robbins’ energy shot, and more. The hosts also share details on a merger between Splendid Spoon and Mosaic Foods and Zico Rising’s latest funding. Show Highlights: 0:15 – David Protein has unveiled its latest “masterpiece”: Bronze, a line of indulgent protein bars with a chocolate flavored coating. Monica shares all of the details of the new product launch. 3:25 – Protein continues to make a splash in functional beverages. Brad highlights the recent introductions of Pure Genius, a protein shot launched by self-help guru Mel Robbins, and the female-coded Gorgie Protein Energy. 6:05 – Splendid Spoon and Mosaic Foods have merged, signaling more consolidation in the meal delivery market. 7:45 – Coconut water brand Zico Rising raised $2.2 million of an expected $7 million funding round. Brad details what’s next for the beverage brand. 8:40 – Khloe Kardashian’s Khloud Protein Popcorn rolls out at Starbucks, and Mid-Day Squares drops its take on the peanut butter and jelly craze. 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 a spate of funding news for a hot sauce brand, a hummus startup and a functional beverage company. The hosts also chat about what an executive order to reschedule cannabis could mean for the hemp drink market. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Former NFL player Jason Kelce is backing hot sauce maker Hank Sauce. Monica discusses the deal. 3:15 – The parent company of GoodBelly and Cheribundi has raised $10 million in a funding round led by investment firm ECP Growth. Brad explains more. 3:40 – In other investment news, Gen-Z founded hummus brand Habiza secured capital from the newly formed Foodbeast Ventures. 5:55 – The White House has issued an executive order to reschedule cannabis. Brad explains what it could mean for the hemp beverage industry. 7:30 – The top candy trends of the year, plus a casket company dips into the energy drink market. 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, the podcast explores the implications of the Congressional spending bill on the hemp beverage industry and why there is a silver lining to the defined timeline for product sales. Senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard also discuss Gopuff’s big investment round and why there is so much synergy between energy drinks and fitness supplements. The podcasters conclude the episode with a taste test of new beverages and snacks. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Hemp is facing an existential crisis after Congress passed its newest spending bill, putting a 365-day timeline in place for hemp-derived beverage sales to continue. Brad and Lukas discuss what stakeholders have been saying in the last week, what we might see moving forward with lobbying efforts and what could happen in the broader cannabis industry. 8:00 – Gopuff has secured a $250 million investment as it puts more resources behind its artificial intelligence technology that will make the online grocery delivery platform more efficient. 9:00 – Another fitness supplement brand, RAW Nutrition, is aiming to go deeper in energy drinks with its BUM Energy brand by adding significant industry experience to its team. Brad and Lukas discuss the trend of gym supplement brands finding a broad consumer base with energy drinks. 12:45 – For the first time in a long time, Brad and Lukas are in the same room recording so the two reporters decided to try new food and drink together and discuss how these samples represent some trends in their respective categories. 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 chat about the acquisitions of Caulipower and Justin’s by private equity firms, Keurig Dr Pepper’s new $7 billion investment, and new funding for popped sorghum startup Cob. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Caulipower has been acquired by its longtime private equity-owned co-manufacturing partner Urban Farmer. Monica breaks down the details of the deal. 2:40 – Keurig Dr Pepper announced $7 billion in new investment and offered nervous investors a confident appraisal of its much-scrutinized plan to separate its coffee and refreshment beverage businesses. 4:35 – Hormel has sold its ownership stake in Justin’s to private equity firm Forward Consumer Partners. The hosts discuss what this means for the nut butter brand and its previous leadership. 6:55 – Game, set, match. Popped sorghum startup Cob netted $5 million in funding and added a tennis legend to its founding team. 8:20 – The podcasters discuss PepsiCo’s new corporate logo and an unusual seasonal offering from Kraft Mac & Cheese. 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 talk about Recess’ new funding round and leadership addition, a premium bourbon brand on the block, and new cash for Robert Downey Jr.’s coffee brand. The podcasters also discuss the closure of an alt-cheese maker and the surge in demand for gummy formats in supplements and in candy. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Recess Drinks has closed a $30 million Series B round led by CAVU and other repeat investors and named a new leader. Brad breaks it all down. 1:50 – Pour one out for Four Roses? Japan’s Kirin Holdings is looking to unload the bourbon brand for $1 billion. Monica explains. 3:40 – L.A. Libations’ Taste Tomorrow Ventures has made a strategic minority investment in happy products, the coffee brand co-founded by CPG industry veteran Craig Dubitsky and actor Robert Downey Jr. 5:15 – Stockeld Dreamery, a venture-backed Swedish producer of plant-based cheese, has shuttered after six years in business. What went wrong? 6:25 – A fiber brand gets gummy. Speaking of gummies, the kids are low key obsessed. Trade show mascots… scarier than Halloween costumes? Discuss. 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