Investment

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.

In the first episode of CPG Week, Nosh Managing Editor Monica Watrous and reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard sit down to discuss the various M&A deals seen so far in the first month of the year.

Boston-based Jaju Pierogi has slowly built a “grassroots” brand and in the process learned the ups-and-downs of getting bigger and carving out a niche in the frozen dumpling category.

Alter Eco has shifted hands once again. Today, Texas-based investment firm Trek One Capital announced it has acquired the Fair Trade, regenerative confections and pantry staples producer. The deal closed on December 22, and terms were not disclosed.

When Norma Chu founded DayDayCook in 2012, the Hong Kong-based company was simply an online recipe sharing platform. Twelve years later, with Chu still at the helm as CEO, it’s become a publicly traded global CPG portfolio business specializing in Asian food brands.

M&A activity continues to accelerate. This morning we are bringing you updates on the changing snack landscape as Our Home expands its platform with tried-and-true Utz Brand muscle. Additionally we run down news that distressed salad dressing maker Tessemae’s has found a new home and share details on a growing pasta platform.