Investment

This week, the podcast team digs into the disruption caused by a cyberattack on wholesaler UNFI’s information technology systems last week. Next, the hosts discuss Taste Tomorrow Ventures’ first food investment and why sour candy is whetting investor appetites lately. Finally, the podcasters highlight a soccer star’s foray into the consumer packaged goods field and a beverage brand’s latest partnerships.

Kristen Bell’s snack brand, f.k.a. This Saves Lives, is now All In Foods. The company emerged with its new moniker this month alongside announcing a fresh, $4 million cash infusion.

Ayoh, the modern mayo brand created by cookbook author and food writer Molly Baz, announced today the closing of a $4.5 million funding round led by Imaginary Ventures.

Mealogic, a white-label meal delivery platform, has secured $16 million in a funding round led by S2G Investments, with participation from Dohmen Company Foundation, U.S. Venture Partners and Unilever Ventures.

Taste Tomorrow Ventures, the early-stage investment fund established by beverage incubator L.A. Libations, has taken a minority equity stake in better-for-you candy brand Better Sour. Financial terms were not disclosed; however, Better Sour’s founders confirmed the startup is raising a seven-figure round to support new product launches and expanded distribution.

Paine Schwartz Partners is deepening its footprint in the sustainable food chain, announcing today its investment in specialty food distributor Chex Finer Foods.

This week, the podcast team explores an antitrust lawsuit centered around protein bar David’s acquisition of its supplier Epogee. Next, the hosts look toward regulatory headwinds in hemp drinks and why there are signs of optimism despite retail setbacks. Finally, the team looks at candy maker Joyride’s new $30 million funding round before discussing the future of plant-based cheese.

Lembas, which describes itself as an artificial intelligence-powered peptide discovery company, aims to offer a more accessible alternative to high-priced injectables sold under brand names like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy with its first solution, GLP-1 Edge.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) under the second Trump term does not seem to be signaling support for its core constituents: small businesses.

Next-gen pasta sauce slinger Sauz announced today the closing of a $12 million funding round led by CAVU Consumer Partners, with participation from existing investors such as Coefficient Capital, Palm Tree Crew and Strand Equity.