CPG Week Podcast

In this episode: On the CPG Week podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss an unusual new product launch and continued consolidation among packaged food conglomerates. Then, Brad provides his top takeaways from the Hemp Beverage Expo. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Catch of the day? Protein bar brand David started the week with a splash, announcing the launch of frozen, boiled cod. Monica shares the reel deal behind this fishy product extension. 3:25 – Ferrero Group has announced plans to acquire W.K. Kellogg Co. for $3.1 million, adding Frosted Flakes and other legacy brands to a portfolio that also includes Nutella, Butterfinger and Blue Bunny. Brad gives the scoop behind the potential deal. 7:00 – A decade after its merger, Kraft Heinz may be headed for splitsville. Monica unpacks why the beleaguered conglomerate is exploring a spinoff. 9:45 – Brad highlights all the insights he gathered at the Hemp Beverage Expo in Atlanta. 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 rise of Khloé Kardashian’s protein popcorn brand and the downfall of a co-manufacturer. Then, the hosts dig into the sale of a cult-favorite ice cream brand to unlikely buyers and the expansion of a bottled tea company into new snacking segments. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Khloud Protein Popcorn is popping off. Monica explains how Khloé Kardashian’s snack brand is charting an expansion into thousands of retailers within months of its debut. 2:15 – The abrupt closure of a co-packer has left several brands scrambling. Lukas shares what we know so far about the sudden shuttering of Plants To Food. 3:35 – Monster Beverage executives have scooped up Rite Aid’s Thrifty Ice Cream brand (among other assets) in bankruptcy proceedings for a not-so-thrifty price of $19.2 million. What does this mean for the future of the business? 5:30 – Joe Tea is expanding beyond tea. Lukas highlights the brand’s new snack and beverage launches seen at the Summer Fancy Food Show this month. 7:10 – The podcasters talk about a touchdown-worthy cold plunge, the world’s first creatine cereal and a bridge too far for bacon. 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: This week, the podcast team discusses the merger of two legacy cheesemakers and the exit of a major beverage alcohol distributor from a key spirits market. Next, the hosts dig into the debut of digitally-native supplement brand AG1 in physical retail and explore why the news of an energy drink startup’s new investor brings fresh opportunities for its growth goals. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Two cheese makers are having a pretty gouda week. Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous unwraps the details of Sartori’s acquisition of organic cheese and butter producer Rumiano. 1:30 – The country’s second-largest beverage-alcohol distributor, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), is shuttering its operations in California after losing several major suppliers. Senior reporter Lukas Southard explains what this could spell for the industry. 2:40 – AG1, formerly Athletic Greens, is making its first foray onto retail shelves. Monica shares why the supplement brand’s new Costco partnership is a big deal. 4:35 – InvestBev Group announced it was one of the investors in Lucky Energy’s latest $14.2 million round. Lukas explains how the private equity firm plans to support the beverage startup in a growing but competitive category. 6:30 – Mike’s Hot Honey partners with Burt’s Bees on lip balm, Hefty introduces birthday cake scented trash bags, and the founder of a premium spice company spotted his brand’s items in a popular television 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