Investment

Sunnie Snacks is two-thirds the way to closing its first institutional investment round as it builds off its new distribution partnerships and seeks to capture consumers in others parts of the store.

The baby food company will use the growth capital for marketing, new product development and hiring.

This week’s podcast dives into the FTC’s challenge to the $24.6B Kroger/Albertsons merger, the potential of yaupon in energy beverages, and why Mason Dixie is betting consumers want more clean comfort food.

BFG Partners has launched Fund III and has already raised about 70% to its goal of $125 million to provide capital growth to better-for-you food, beverage and personal care brands.

As speculated last week, the next challenge for the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons is coming from the federal government.

The pushback against Kroger and Albertsons’ proposed $24.6 billion merger continues to mount, with a new report from Bloomberg claiming that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to file a lawsuit to block the deal as early as next week.

Just two weeks into his tenure as CFO at Meati, Phil Graves is getting a promotion. The mycelium root-based protein company this week elevated Graves, a former Patagonia exec, to CEO, following the departure of president/COO Scott Tassani earlier this month.

YouTube star Ryan Trahan has joined low-sugar candy brand Joyride as an investor and part owner as the company refocuses around the creator as its chief creative officer.

RIND Snacks is vertically integrating with the acquisition of Vermont-based granola company Small Batch Organics and leasing a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse where it will handle logistics and fulfillment.

In good times, a rising tide lifts all boats – but right now, the hunt is on for seaworthy vessels, according to investors. Otherwise, judging by the last quarter of the year, it’s clear that the financial doldrums are going to stay for a while for brands.