Headlines
AWAKE Secures CAD $5M Investment and Ramps Up Distribution, Seeking to ‘Lead the Evolution of Chocolate 3.0’
On the heels of significant distribution gains in both the U.S. and Canada, caffeinated chocolate brand AWAKE has closed a CAD$5 million (approximately $3.6 million USD) follow-on funding round from Btomorrow Ventures.
New Products: Reformulated Stuffed Puffs & Gochujang Kettle Chips
In this week’s notable new products roundup, Stuffed Puffs reinvents its flagship milk chocolate-stuffed marshmallows, Whisps launches its “cheesiest cheese snack yet,” and Kettle Brand capitalizes on the rising popularity of Korean cuisine in the U.S with a limited-edition Gochujang flavor.
From Bees To A Business Model: Inside Mellody’s Plan To Build A Plant-Based Honey Market
Mellody is readying to substantially scale up its plant-based honey business through a new retail distribution partnership with KeHE, starting with Town & Country Markets in the Pacific Northwest region.
Report: Funding Climbs in Q1, But Flows to Fewer Brands
Venture investment in food and beverage brands is at its highest point in two years, according to the latest Q1 2024 report from research group FABID. But that doesn’t mean the market isn’t still tight, as well.
CPG Week: Trademarks, Trader Joe’s and Anti-Diet Dietitians
On the CPG Week podcast, the team discuss food news stories involving trademark infringement, Trader Joe’s innovation and anti-diet dietitians this week. Plus, a BevNET original song to baked beans.
They’re HERE: Nothing Spooky About These Real-World A.I. Uses in CPG
In between the grandiose visions of the A.I. future that have dominated the discourse, and the heaps of investment dollars flooding the sector, these programs are already being integrated into many aspects of life and business.
Hain Celestial Sells Thinsters Brand to Icee Owner J&J Snack Foods
The Hain Celestial Group has sold cookie brand Thinsters to Icee and Dippin’ Dots owner J&J Snack Foods in an all-cash transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Laird Superfood Rides The Wave To Optimistic Future
Laird Superfood has moved towards a more positive future after shifting to an asset-light production model, reducing capital burn on marketing, and prioritizing its direct-to-consumer and ecommerce distribution channels.
Ghost, General Mills Bring Nostalgic Focus to Protein Cereal Category
Why is a performance energy and protein brand expanding into the breakfast set? Ghost Lifestyle co-founder, CEO and self-described “cereal aficionado” Daniel Lourenco said “that’s the easiest question of all.”
Momofuku Fires Up Trademark Battle Over Chili Crunch
David Chang’s Momofuku brand is targeting food brands like Homiah and MìLà with cease-and-desist letters claiming trademark infringement over “chili crunch” products.