CPG Week Podcast

This week on the podcast, BevNET and Nosh senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard discuss the top trends on display at Newtopia Now. They also get into a new report from the Acosta Group on long-term changes in consumer spending behavior and break down the shareholder rebellions at several CPG brands, including Zevia and OWYN.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard break down the federal government’s first proposed definition of ultraprocessed foods and a rocky quarter for Celsius. The hosts also dig into Khloé Kardashian’s latest Khloud innovation and Keurig Dr Pepper’s lime-forward reformulation of 7UP.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery break down a possible reprieve for hemp beverage makers, a high-profile sports drink acquisition backed by NBA star Victor Wembanyama, Kodiak's remarkable growth story under private equity ownership and the emerging wave of Christian-themed energy drink brands betting that faith can help carve out a niche in the increasingly crowded functional beverage market.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Utz Brands' $2.9 billion acquisition by Germany's Intersnack Group and Sèchey's decision to exit brick-and-mortar retail in favor of a technology platform. The hosts also chat about Final Boss Sour's $4 million funding round and Yerba Madre's leadership transition.

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery unpack the McCormick-Unilever merger, Constellation Brands’ purchase of HOP WTR, Create Wellness’ fresh funding-fueled expansion, and Q Mixers’ move into functional beverages. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Following brief speculation, McCormick & Company will merge with Unilever’s food division, bringing together such brands as Hellmann’s mayonnaise and French’s mustard. Monica details the deal. 3:05 – Non-alcoholic alternatives got a big win last week as Constellation Brands agreed to terms to acquire HOP WTR, the functional, beer-style sparkling water brand founded in 2020. Brad outlines the transaction. 4:05 – Create Wellness, a trailblazer of the creatine gummy set, is moving into powdered beverages with a $20 million investment. Monica breaks down the investment. 5:55 – The average consumer’s relationship with alcohol has radically evolved over the last several years, and premium cocktail mixer brand Q Mixers is eager to evolve alongside them with its first functional innovation. 7:45 – Monica and Brad discuss this year’s crop of April Fools’ fakeouts. 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 acquisition of TreeHouse Foods, the regulatory outlook for hemp beverages, a new verification standard for non-ultraprocessed foods, and Lucky Energy’s latest funding round. Show Highlights: 0:15 – TreeHouse Foods is going private in a deal valued at $2.9 billion. Monica explains what’s next for the private label food and beverage manufacturer. 1:45 – Hemp beverages could be sacrificed in a deal to reopen the federal government, as spending legislation moves through Congress that includes language effectively prohibiting such products. Lukas shares details and insight. 4:20 – A new verification program for non-ultraprocessed foods has debuted. Monica breaks down which ingredients are unacceptable under the Non-UPF Verified standards. 7:45 – Lucky Energy has landed $25 million in a Series B round led by Paine Schwartz Partners, with former leaders from Suja Juice joining its board. 9:15 – The podcasters weigh in on pickle-scented candles and female-coded energy 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: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss trends and new products featured at the NACS Show held Oct. 14-17 in Chicago. The event drew thousands of convenience store operators to view the latest offerings from food and beverage brands seeking to expand within the channel. Show Highlights: 0:35 – Lukas dives into the latest trends in convenience store snacks, including protein bars with bonus benefits and new twists on meat sticks and jerky. 4:15 – Monica highlights new packaging formats and designs in the ready-to-drink coffee and bottled water categories seen on the show floor. 6:15 – What’s brewing in the iced tea segment? Lukas spills the details. 9:00 – PepsiCo showcased big bets and subtle tweaks at the event ranging from new high-protein and lower-sugar offerings to its take on a prebiotic cola. 11:00 – Coca-Cola featured less innovation than its top rival – aside from the notable comeback of Mr. Pibb. Lukas shares insights from his tour of the booth. 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