Headlines

Eat Nice Foods co-founder Paul Cantagallo aims to take animals out of the food system by creating plant-based replacements for traditional pastas and meals. The mission-driven company has launched with two flavors of vegan ravioli with future plans to enter new categories.

Leading food and beverage fund VMG is moving from investor to operator with the launch of a new corporate entity that will acquire, run, and create snack brands. Velocity Snack Brands (VSB) kicks off today with the acquisition of salty snack brand Popchips; the company will be led by Amit Pandhi, the former CEO of frozen treat brand Arctic Zero.

Sometimes the sweetest way forward is with a big change. Frozen Greek yogurt brand Yasso announced that it will relocate its headquarters to Boulder, Colorado, led by new CEO Craig Shiesley, a 25-year CPG industry veteran.

Ocean Spray may be almost 90 years old, but the cranberry cooperative is determined to act like a younger startup. Last week the company announced a new model for innovation, known as the Lighthouse Incubator, which will focus on rapid innovation and bring the company into new categories beyond beverage.

As part of a sprawling branding update, PeaTos this week debuted new packaging, a bolder design and new Crunchy Rings as it prepares to expand its distribution in the coming months.

Much has changed since Harbinger Ventures launched with its first fund of $1.8 million in 2016. Over the past three years the firm, which invests in early-stage companies that are led by female or “mixed-gender” founder teams, has seen interest in its investment thesis grow exponentially. Perhaps the best indication of the changing sentiment: this week the firm announced the close of its second fund, worth $21.7 million — roughly 12 times larger than its first fund.

Yogi Tea CEO Giancarlo Marcaccini sees a bright future for mellow moments. Owned by East West Tea Company, Yogi last week announced its acquisition of Choice Organic Teas.

Adam Hamilton is the COO of Nuttin Ordinary, a company crafting cashew cheese with simple and clean ingredients. The proprietary process utilizes steel tanks to ferment and culture the ingredients with a blend of probiotics, while steering clear of oils, gums and added sugar.

With the changing of seasons has come plenty of new products, from quick meal options from Keen One Quinoa and Mike’s Mighty Good, to new condiments from Tessamae’s to several new cannabis and CBD-infused offerings. Check out the gallery to see notable new releases that hit shelves this September, including the latest from Nature’s Earthly Choice, ReGrained and NOSH Live Pitch Slam winner Small Axe Peppers.

Greg Vetter, the co-founder/CEO of organic dressing brand Tessemae’s, spoke about the huge wins and unexpected losses from his first decade in business. He also explained why his “positively intense” approach is not for everyone, the dangers of bad employees and advisors, and why he believes that “the key to this game is surrounding yourself with people that you really trust.”