CPG Week Podcast

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

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss how Nestlé USA nixed synthetic dyes across its food and beverage portfolio and why hydration brand LMNT is suing Oasis, a product ratings app. The hosts also break down new funding for collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey and aguas frescas maker Bawi. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Nestlé USA has completed the removal of artificial colors from its U.S. food and beverage portfolio. Monica outlines the changes. 3:20 – LMNT is suing product ratings app Oasis over claims its electrolyte powders contain “over seven times the legal amount of lead.” Lukas unpacks the case. 6:25 – VMG Partners has taken a minority stake in collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey. Monica shares details of the $24 million growth equity investment. 7:40 – Bawi, a better-for-you agua fresca brand, has closed a $6 million seed round. Lukas highlights the beverage maker’s plans for the cash. 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 Avery dig into Whole Foods Market’s annual trends forecast and DayDayCook’s shift away from its recent brand acquisitions to focus on bitcoin. The podcasters also discuss the potential of a new food processing technology and the legal battle brewing between Liquid Death and Death Wish Coffee. Show Highlights: 0:15 – What trends are on tap for the year ahead? Whole Foods Market forecasts fiber, beef tallow and fine dining in the frozen aisle. 1:30 – DDC Enterprise Limited, which does business as DayDayCook, has raised a whopping $124 million in equity financing – but it doesn’t seem likely that much, if any, of it will be put into the Hong Kong-based company’s recent CPG acquisitions. 3:15 – The startup formerly known as Tender Food is expanding beyond plant-based meat alternatives into additional categories following a new $6.5 million funding round. Monica explains what’s next for the company now known as Lasso. 5:55 – Why is Death Wish Coffee suing Liquid Death? Brad breaks it down. 7:40 – Pop-Tarts jumps on the protein trend, and “Saturday Night Life” spoofs near beer. 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