CPG Week Podcast

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  

In this episode: On this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the most recent twist in Ben & Jerry’s battle with Unilever over its stance on the Gaza War, how Slate Milk has ridden the high-protein trend to a $23 million investment, SlimFast’s new owner and why one seasoned beverage industry executive thinks energy drinks need to grow up. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Monica discusses why Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from his iconic frozen dessert brand and how this is the latest escalation between the brand’s founders and its parent company Unilever. 2:40 – Lactose-free chocolate milk and iced coffee brand Slate has closed a $23 million Series B round. Lukas explains why the brand has capitalized on the high-protein trend and its ability to draw in celebrity backers. 4:30 – SlimFast has been acquired once again. The diet shake brand’s new owner, Heartland Food Products Group, is an Indiana-based co-manufacturer that owns the low-calorie sweetener and drink mix brand Splenda. 8:15 – Mōcean is a new energy drink from the mind of former White Claw brewmaster Tony Vieira. The brand is launching this fall with a differentiated formulation that includes shiso leaf and echinacea for immunity benefits. Lukas explains how the brand is targeting adult consumers with its marketing strategy. 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 discuss recent investments in Bloom Nutrition, Tost and Magic Mind, plus meal kit makeovers and marathon-friendly food and beverage brands. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Nutrabolt has taken a majority stake in Bloom Nutrition, strengthening its position in categories including energy drinks and powdered supplements. Monica digs into the terms of the deal. 2:30 – Booze-free trailblazer Tost has secured over $1 million in bridge funding as it grows its distribution and targets on-premise opportunities with a new canned format. 5:05 – The meal kit market is in transition. Monica explains how Factor and Blue Apron are repositioning for today’s consumer needs. 6:40 – Magic Mind has raised $12.4 million of a nearly $16 million Series A round led by BFG Partners. Lukas breaks down what’s next for the wellness shot brand. 8:25 – Liquid Death goes up to 11, and a shoutout to runner-friendly food and beverage brands. 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 Brad Avery dig into Kraft Heinz’s separation plans and PepsiCo’s increased investment in Celsius Holdings. The hosts also chat about Pepsi’s warning letter from an activist investor and Huel’s ready-to-drink foray into the red-hot greens category. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Kraft Heinz is officially splitting up after nearly a decade as a combined global food company. Monica dishes up the details of the breakup. 3:00 – PepsiCo is doubling down on energy drinks, increasing its ownership stake in Celsius and aligning its Rockstar Energy brand with that business. Brad breaks it all down. 4:30 – Speaking of PepsiCo, one of its biggest investors has some notes. Elliott Investment Management is pushing for change at the food and beverage company. 7:45 – Huel has launched a ready-to-drink greens line for the retail channel. Brad explains the brand’s foray into the red-hot trend. 9:40 – The podcasters talk about a “King of the Hill” inspired barbecue rub and Travis Kelce’s investment in an organic sports drink brand. 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 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