CPG Week Podcast

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 discuss why analysts are bullish on the meat snack category, plus a new premium coconut water brand founded by Tom Brady. The hosts also talk about the strategy behind Morinaga’s acquisition of My/Mochi and an investigation into Celsius Holdings over marketing to minors. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Jerky and meat sticks have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in packaged food. Monica highlights a new report detailing growth and future opportunities in the segment. 2:40 – NFL legend Tom Brady continues to push further into the beverage industry, announcing a collaboration with gopuff on a new line of premium coconut water. Brad spills the tea on Good Nut. 4:25 – Morinaga & Co.’s recent acquisition of mochi ice cream maker My/Mochi gives the company a ready-made vehicle in the fast-growing frozen snack category. Monica outlines the strategy behind the transaction. 6:05 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., alleging the Florida-based energy drink brand has improperly marketed Celsius and Alani Nu to minors. Brad breaks down the case. 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 Brami’s new funding, Olipop’s refreshed brand identity, Kettle & Fire’s leadership transition, and Danone’s plans to sell its stake in Lifeway Foods. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Brami has raised $33 million in a funding round led by VMG Partners to support continued growth of its lupini bean products. Monica explains more. 3:05 – Olipop is unveiling its first major brand refresh since its launch in 2018, debuting an updated label design as part of a new marketing and creative initiative positioning it as “The feel good soda.” Brad breaks it all down. 7:30 – Kettle & Fire announced a leadership transition as part of a broader push to scale the bone broth brand into a significantly larger wellness platform. Monica details the company’s next phase. 11:50 – After its attempts to buy the company outright were rebuffed, Danone is preparing to exit Lifeway Foods, selling its stake in the U.S. kefir market leader. Brad outlines the sordid history between the two companies. 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 how Gatorade is courting dehydrated non-athletes, Laird Superfood’s acquisition strategy, the impact of GLP-1s on consumer purchasing behavior and what’s happening in hemp. Show Highlights: 0:20 – Gatorade is entering a “transformational new era” as it broadens its addressable audience beyond elite athletes and platforms with multiple tiers of hydration products. 2:45 – With help from its new majority investor, Nexus Capital Partners, Laird Superfood has made its second acquisition in less than six months, establishing itself as a buyer in the functional wellness set. 6:00 – How are GLP-1 drugs impacting CPG food and beverage? Monica dives into recent data from sales and marketing company Acosta Group, tracing purchasing trends. 9:45 – Lukas goes through the latest intoxicating hemp category news, including a legislative solution proposed by Sen. Rand Paul and how industry stakeholders are safeguarding against the impending November ban. 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 CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the most recent twist in Ben & Jerry’s battle with Unilever over its stance on the Gaza War, how Slate Milk has ridden the high-protein trend to a $23 million investment, SlimFast’s new owner and why one seasoned beverage industry executive thinks energy drinks need to grow up. Show Highlights: 0:15 – Monica discusses why Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from his iconic frozen dessert brand and how this is the latest escalation between the brand’s founders and its parent company Unilever. 2:40 – Lactose-free chocolate milk and iced coffee brand Slate has closed a $23 million Series B round. Lukas explains why the brand has capitalized on the high-protein trend and its ability to draw in celebrity backers. 4:30 – SlimFast has been acquired once again. The diet shake brand’s new owner, Heartland Food Products Group, is an Indiana-based co-manufacturer that owns the low-calorie sweetener and drink mix brand Splenda. 8:15 – Mōcean is a new energy drink from the mind of former White Claw brewmaster Tony Vieira. The brand is launching this fall with a differentiated formulation that includes shiso leaf and echinacea for immunity benefits. Lukas explains how the brand is targeting adult consumers with its marketing strategy. 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: Who doesn’t want a personal vending machine in their garage? The CPG Week talks about poppi’s recent publicity stunt and the backlash that has ensued before exploring how the CPG industry is evolving with convenience stores. A recent CoBank report highlighted how foodservice is making an impact with consumers in c-stores. The CPG Week team explores how the channel is offering fresh opportunities and new challenges to food and beverage brands. Show Highlights: 0:30 – There have been a lot of opinions about poppi’s vending machine marketing campaign that launched during the Super Bowl last weekend. The CPG Week team gives its takes. 4:15 – Senior reporter Brad Avery explains what he learned from a recent CoBank report about foodservice in the convenience channel. The group discusses how CPG brands are evolving with a shift in consumer buying behavior in the channel. 7:00 – How are next-generation brands adjusting strategy to better align with how consumers are using c-stores as food destinations as opposed to just a snack stop while filling the gas tank? 9:20 – Operating in the convenience channel is different than grocery retail. How are CPG operators prioritizing their distribution to meet a brand’s target audience? What does this mean for the larger food and beverage companies? 13:15 – The team discusses how the evolution of convenience stores towards better-for-you brands represents a recent shift in consumer behavior. 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