CPG Week Podcast

This week, BevNET and Nosh senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard dissect a strange case of AI-generated trade dress infringement before exploring Kraft Heinz’s plan to divest its legacy coffee portfolio. They also cover the latest restructuring of Celsius’s energy drink portfolio and get a taste of the latest snacking innovation from Peter Rahal’s Medici Brands.

This week, podcast co-hosts Brad Avery and Lukas Southard kick up their feet and sip on the growth of the relaxation beverage category. The episode also covers a developing rift between Make America Healthy Again advocates and the White House, more lawsuits over sweeteners and RIND Snacks' pivot deeper into co-packing.

This week, BevNET CPG Media senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard get jacked talking about protein, exploring Beyond’s expansion into new protein formats and the whey supply shortage. Later in the show, the hosts discuss Battle Bars’ rebrand, energy brand Echelon’s new strategy and a legal dispute between Big Food and Big Sugar.

This week, senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard break down a series of lawsuits targeting the use of allulose in energy drinks and protein bars as well as an update on a crustless sandwich trademark case. The hosts also discuss a simmering dispute between Red Bull and Kroger, and break down a new report on the state of private label.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard unpack Kroger's $1.65 billion deal to acquire Giant Eagle, Nutrabolt's reported initial public offering plans and two legal developments that could have ripple effects across the food industry: a proposed class action over protein labeling and the dismissal of a closely watched ultraprocessed foods lawsuit.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the acquisition of organic candy maker YumEarth, a trademark case brewing between ready-to-drink coffee brand Rise and PepsiCo, fresh funding for protein ice cream startup Frozen One and a licensing deal that brings Four Loko into the intoxicating hemp beverage set. The hosts also chat about trends and new products at the recent Summer Fancy Food Show.

In this episode:This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Algae Cooking Club’s funding round and BRĒZ’s strategic pivot, plus SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch’s second entrepreneurial act and a legal battle between two electrolyte beverage makers.Show Highlights:0:20 – Chef-grade cooking oil brand Algae Cooking Club has secured $11.6 million in fresh funding. Monica shares the startup’s plans for the new capital.2:05 – BRĒZ is trying to reposition itself for long-term growth and adjust its strategy to shifting regulatory demands after a challenging 2025. Lukas shares highlights.4:40 – Six years after selling better-for-you candy business SmartSweets, Tara Bosch has set her sights on another snack aisle staple: potato chips. Monica digs into the details.7:25 – A trade dress lawsuit filed by the makers of Pedialyte has backfired after a U.S. district judge ruled that the brand’s trade dress “lacks distinctiveness” and is not protectable. Lukas outlines the case.About CPG WeekCPG 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] on Apple Podcasts