Headlines
H2Ok Innovations Raises $12.42M To Scale A.I. In CPG Manufacturing
H2Ok Innovations has closed a $12.42 million Series A funding round led by Greycroft with participation from 2048 Ventures and Construct Capital.
CPG Week: David’s Fishy New Innovation. Plus, Is Kraft Heinz Breaking Up?
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.
People Moves: James Ren Joins GoodSAM For Growth
Regenerative food company GoodSAM has brought on James Ren, former head of Food Merchandising at Thrive Market, as VP of revenue and growth.
Elevator Talk: NIKIGO, Zip Frut, TruJoy, Mamame, Jack’s Dad’s Hummus
The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo and Fable Fish Co. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. Our special co-host is Tom Spier, the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm BFG Partners, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.
Caffeine Fix: Awake Chocolate Raises CAD $8M
Awake Chocolate has raised CAD $8 million (approximately $5.84 million USD) in funding, including CAD $5 million from Btomorrow Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of British American Tobacco, and CAD $3 million from BDC Capital. The investment brings the brand’s total funding to CAD $15.5 million since its inception in 2012.
Marketing: Quinn Refreshes, Mike’s Hot Honey Drizzles
In marketing news, Quinn Snacks unveils a new look, Mike’s Hot Honey drizzles into a national ad campaign, and Old El Paso introduces its new taco night icon.
UNFI Sustains Up To $75M Loss From Cybersecurity Incident
UNFI’s systems have nearly returned to normal operating levels, but the company believes last month’s cybersecurity breach will result in a loss between $65M to $75M.
2nd Nature Launches A.I. Platform Designed to I.D. Reusable Ingredients
Can A.I. help reduce food waste? Ingredient tech company 2nd Nature sure thinks so. The business launched yesterday a new proprietary A.I. platform called AgWaste Portal, which seeks to find new ways of converting food waste into upcycled ingredients.
Little Sesame Raises $8.5M Series A To Scale Hummus Production
Hummus maker Little Sesame has closed a $8.5 million Series A funding round led by InvestEco Capital with participation from Watchfire Ventures, Santatera Capital, Beliade Consumer Partners, and other prominent individual industry investors.
eGrocery Outpaces In-Store Sales, Driving Shift to Mass Retail
The online grocery sphere appears to have strong momentum as the market’s growth significantly outpaced that of in-store shopping at a time when key demographics are shifting away from supermarkets.