CPG Week Podcast

In this episode: In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery dig into an acquisition, an acquisition attempt and an acquisition target, as well as an artificial intelligence mishap. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Daring Foods has been acquired by v2food with backing by Ajinomoto. Monica details why the plant-based poultry producer is a sizzling target in a fizzling category. 2:20 – Is the third time the charm? Danone has made yet another attempt to acquire kefir maker Lifeway Foods. Brad explains why this effort may be different. 5:05 – Is Bachan’s on the block? The Japanese barbecue sauce brand is reportedly testing the market for a sale. Monica shares insights on the business and category. 6:10 – Bang Energy founder Jack Owoc is in hot water with a Florida federal judge after submitting court paperwork generated by artificial intelligence and featuring imaginary legal citations. 8:45 – Graza is getting into glass, and the New York State Fair is getting into butter. Also, the hosts shout out beverage entrepreneur Kayla Castaneda for helping to create the canned aguas frescas category in the U.S. 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: In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard talk through two legal battles facing Chobani’s La Colombe brand and Uncle Nearest Whiskey. The team also examines Doughlicious’ new investment round and Beyond’s decision to rebrand itself away from the “meat” alternatives. The duo wrap up with a discussion of this year’s Nosh Notables list released this week. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Doughlicious announced a $5 million investment round this week. The money will go towards helping build out a U.S.-based manufacturing system as tariffs have prevented the U.K. brand from becoming profitable. 1:15 – Amid Danone’s third attempt to acquire Lifeway, the French dairy company is also suing Chobani again. This time, Danone is claiming La Colombe has committed trademark infringement of one of the Stok Cold Brew brand’s SKUs. 2:30 – Beyond Meat is changing its name to refocus the brand away from being an animal protein alternative. The move is part of the company’s larger plan to bring consumers back to the brand after years of slumping sales. 4:00 – Uncle Nearest Whiskey is under fire as one of its creditors is calling for the distillery to be placed under the leadership of a receiver. 5:30 – On a lighter note, Monica and Lukas discuss breast milk ice cream, a High Noon and Celsius mix-up, and this year’s Nosh Notables. 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: On this episode of the CPG Week podcast, BevNET managing editor Martín Caballero joins senior reporter Brad Avery to talk about the ongoing impact of the UNFI cyberattack, investment in podcast-backed beverage brands, the rebirth of co-packer Joriki Beverages and what’s next for beer distributors after the Alani Nu acquisition. Show Highlights: 0:15 – CPG brands are starting to prepare for the implications of UNFI’s cyberattack a few weeks ago. Brad discusses what Nosh has learned so far in talking with founders, stakeholders and experts. 1:30 – Marty describes the recent raise by influencer-backed cognitive beverage brand Neutonic. The hosts discuss why there appears to be a synergy between celebrity podcasters and the beverage business. 4:30 – Co-manufacturer Joriki Beverages is readying to reopen after the founder of Reed’s Ginger Beer, Chris Reed, acquired the recently-shuttered aseptic beverage production facility in Pittston, Pa. 6:30 – How are beer distributors approaching the potential loss of Alani Nu from their portfolios? The team discusses what they are hearing. 10:00 – On the lighter side, Brad and Marty talk about Star Wars-themed Coke cans and Taco Bell’s bet on beverages. 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: On the CPG Week podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the latest update on low-carb bread maker BetterBrand, a new investment for Momofuku Goods, IPO rumors for Jennifer Garner’s children’s food brand and why one frozen novelties maker is throwing in the towel on its kids’ drinks. Show Highlights: 0:15 – BetterBrand’s founder Aimee Yang appears to be on the lam, after a number of suppliers and service providers have claimed Yang’s low-carb baked goods business owes them significant amounts of money. 3:00 – Restaurateur David Chang’s CPG brand Momofuku Goods has raised a new tranche of capital from previous investors. The $27 million investment comes after raising nearly $30 million in 2023 and will go towards supporting its retail expansion. 5:30 – Is Once Upon A Farm going public? Monica briefly explains what we know so far about the potential IPO for the kid nutrition brand. 6:45 – Lukas explains why frozen treat maker GoodPop is winding down its sparkling juice beverages as it refocuses on its core line of popsicles and ice cream bars. 8:45 – On a lighter note, the duo goes through how Mars is elevating the Snickers-eating occasion and Coors Light’s refrigerated tie concept before teasing the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show. 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 team digs into the disruption caused by a cyberattack on wholesaler UNFI’s information technology systems last week. Next, the hosts discuss Taste Tomorrow Ventures’ first food investment and why sour candy is whetting investor appetites lately. Finally, the podcasters highlight a soccer star’s foray into the consumer packaged goods field and a beverage brand’s latest partnerships. Show Highlights: 0:15 – A cyberattack hobbled wholesale distributor UNFI last week, leaving many bare shelves at grocery stores across the country. Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous details the company’s recovery efforts and shares tips for brands affected by the disruption. 3:20 – L.A. Libations’ Taste Tomorrow Ventures invested in candy brand Better Sour. Senior reporter Brad Avery unpacks the reasoning behind the investment and how the startup plans to spend its new cash. 6:00 – Soccer legend David Beckham has launched a new snack venture targeting the overlooked market of youth sports. Monica highlights the brand’s go-to-market strategy and future product development plans. 8:00 – Speaking of soccer, Yerba Madre – the beverage brand formerly known as Guayaki – has kicked off some new sponsorship deals with football clubs and events. Brad details all the new marketing plays from the brand since unveiling its new identity earlier this year. 10:35 – Monica and Brad talk about a “hard seltzer that goes hard,” Liquid Death’s latest clapback, and dill pickle ramen noodles. 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 team explores an antitrust lawsuit centered around protein bar David’s acquisition of its supplier Epogee. Next, the hosts look toward regulatory headwinds in hemp drinks and why there are signs of optimism despite retail setbacks. Finally, the team looks at candy maker Joyride’s new $30 million funding round before discussing the future of plant-based cheese. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Three brands are suing Peter Rahal’s David brand for monopolizing the novel ingredient EPG. 2:00 – While Texas and other states institute new restrictions on intoxicating hemp beverages, startup brands are beginning to see more investor interest in backing the category. Senior reporter Lukas Southard explains how BRĒZ is platforming around function and “feeling good” to add new retail doors. 5:45 – Is better-for-you candy having a moment? Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous explains why the $30 million round raised by Joyride (formerly Project 7) proves there is a lot of opportunity in sour sweets. 7:00 – The Bel Group announced it will be shutting down its plant-based brand Nurishh last week. Lukas digs into what is happening in the vegan cheese set. 9:00 – In other news, Monica and Lukas talk mayo-themed weddings, marathon drinks and Once Upon A Farm’s new apparel line. 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: On this episode, the CPG Week podcast team digs into the declines of two prominent plant-based brands before discussing the acquisitions of Mary’s Gone Crackers and Kate Farms. Next, the hosts highlight the latest celebrity to launch a coffee brand. (Maybe a hot sauce would have been more appropriate?). Show Highlights: 0:15 – The team kicks off the podcast discussing the downfall of mycelium meat maker Meati, who is reportedly selling for $4 million – after raising a total of $450 million during its lifespan. Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous provides a rundown of recent events that led to this point. 2:15 – Beyond Meat is also on the backburner. The plant-based patty purveyor recently secured $100 million in debt financing after a particularly brutal quarter that saw U.S. retail and foodservice sales declining by double digits. 5:00 – Senior reporter Brad Avery unpacks the sale of gluten-free pioneer Mary’s Gone Crackers to a Dare Foods subsidiary. What does it mean for the company going forward? 5:55 – Danone has struck a deal for Kate Farms, a maker of plant-based baby formula. The French dairy giant expands its reach into a new segment of the market. Brad discusses why the acquisition is consistent with Danone’s recently stated goals. 6:55 – Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis is launching a coffee business (and speaking at BevNET Live!), Mid-Day Squares co-founder Jake Karls can finally eat his brand’s products, and Pepsi is playing dirty in Coke’s backyard. 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