News

Canadian frozen food brand Sol Cuisine announced last week the close of a $10 million funding round as the plant-based brand looks to expand its U.S. distribution footprint, while also investing in new marketing efforts and product innovation.

As the assets of dairy conglomerate Dean Foods continued to be divided up following the company’s bankruptcy filing, plant-based dairy brand Good Karma announced today that it has repurchased the majority of the company once owned by Dean and also closed a “significant” amount of capital through new strategic partners.

While it’s been a tumultuous path for Thrive Oil, it seems the road goes no further — Its current owner, ingredient company Corbion, announced the algae-based product line has been discontinued.

In this week’s Checkout, Walmart and Target report Q2 earnings and plans to enhance delivery options, while DoorDash adds grocery stores to its platform. Also, Propeller Industries gains investment from Newlight Partners.

In June, both leaders and ordinary people who work in the food and beverage industry spoke out against racism as national protests in response to the killing of George Floyd brought to light issues surrounding systemic inequality. Now, brands, distributors, retailers and advertising agencies have begun to take action, or build upon previously established efforts to address this inequality, particularly through programs and initiatives designed to support the advancement of BIPOC entrepreneurs.

This episode is all about the art of revisions – moving from a big conceptual picture of the brand and into the details that can make all the difference at the moment of truth aka getting a consumer to choose us.

BevNET and NOSH have designed a platform exclusively for subscribers so that they can work with their peers and our selected experts. Our first Round Table discussion will be with Stu Strumwasser, managing director of Green Circle Capital, on Aug. 26. Stu will be answering questions about valuation trends in the natural products industry, and the overall changes in fundraising and operational strategy that can help guide brands as the capital cycle changes.

Although federal CBD regulations remain in limbo, some retailers are pushing forward to capitalize on consumer interest in the ingredient. This month CBD retail chain American Shaman opened its first ‘store-within-a-store’ concept inside of Kansas City, Mo.-based grocery store Price Chopper.

Facing major disruptions to its traditional business model, New York-based coffee maker Wandering Bear announced yesterday the launch of a new suite of products designed to bring the formerly office-focused brand into the at-home coffee space.

After less than a year on the market, neurosurgeon co-founded brand Cerebelly has made significant strides in its goal to make its brain-boosting functional baby food accessible to kids everywhere. This month, the brand expanded to 1,500 Target locations, bringing its door count to 4,000 stores nationwide.