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 Brad Avery discuss Beyond Meat’s expansion beyond meat alternatives, Prime’s foray into protein shakes, DayDayCook’s exit from the U.S., and Chameleon Cold Brew’s future under new ownership. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Beyond Meat is expanding into the beverage category with a limited-batch protein drink. Brad shares all the details of the launch. 2:10 – Logan Paul’s Prime is entering the protein shake set after its sports drinks and energy drinks suffered declines. Monica explains more. 4:00 – DayDayCook – the owner of Yai’s Thai, Nona Lim and Omsom – has exited its U.S. operations and plans to focus on its bitcoin treasury strategy, abandoning earlier ambitions to become the “General Mills of Asian food.” 6:40 – Chameleon Cold Brew has been sold to Next In Natural, after changing hands over the past decade including ownership by Nestle for a brief time. 9:20 – Jesse and Ben’s fake protein fries stunt drove real results, and Spiked Ade sees opportunity for vodka in the sports drink aisle. 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 reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard reflect on the top stories of the year, including the rising influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the food and beverage industry, the biggest merger moments, and notable highlights of hemp’s uncertain future. Show Highlights: 1:00 – Monica explores the impact of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the packaged food and beverage industry with many large manufacturers pleading to remove controversial ingredients from portfolios. 4:20 – Brad discusses the landmark deals defining the market this year, from PepsiCo’s nearly $2 billion acquisition of Poppi to the restructuring efforts underway at leading conglomerates. 7:15 – Lukas highlights the latest developments affecting the use of cannabis in food and beverage formulations. 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 on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss leadership changes at Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz, Thrive Market’s decision to drop alcohol, and what the apparent closure of Believer Meats means for the future of cultured protein. Show Highlights: 0:15 – The Coca-Cola Company has announced a new leader to succeed James Quiney. Monica shares details of the succession plan. 1:20 – Kraft Heinz is also transforming its leadership team ahead of its planned spinoff. Lukas highlights the latest changes. 3:40 – Online grocer Thrive Market is eliminating its alcohol offerings and expanding its assortment of zero-proof options. Monica explains why. 6:50 – With the apparent shutdown of another cultured protein startup, the highly capitalized sector appears doomed. Lukas discusses the downfall of a previously promising player in the category. 9:15 – Brands are hopping on the advent calendar trend – and some really shouldn’t. Plus, Zero Sugar Oreos are set to launch. Will consumers bite? 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