Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit filed in New York federal court claims David Protein significantly understates the calories and fat content in its protein bars. David maintains the accuracy of its labeling.

PepsiCo allegedly created a soft drink “price gap” with Walmart, creating a system that allowed the world’s largest retail to obtain preferential promotional payments, while those same payments were reduced for Walmart’s competitors, according to court documents unsealed last week.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Avery dig into Whole Foods Market’s annual trends forecast and DayDayCook’s shift away from its recent brand acquisitions to focus on bitcoin. The podcasters also discuss the potential of a new food processing technology and the legal battle brewing between Liquid Death and Death Wish Coffee.

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery dig into an acquisition, an acquisition attempt and an acquisition target, as well as an artificial intelligence mishap.

The CPG Week podcast covers lawsuits against Chobani and Uncle Nearest Whiskey as well as Beyond’s name-change.

The J.M. Smucker Company has settled its lawsuit accusing now-defunct frozen sandwich startup Chubby Snacks of false advertising, trademark violations and disparagement in “years of advertising designed to tarnish the name and reputation” of Smucker’s competing Uncrustables brand.

BellRing Brands, maker of Premier Protein and Dymatize, is facing down a swarm of lawyers as multiple law firms specializing in shareholders rights have announced investigations into the publicly traded CPG company over allegations it violated securities laws.

Where is Aimee Yang? The BetterBrand founder and her company have been sued for a half-million dollars by a company lender, but they haven’t been able to find her.

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.

Last week’s blockbuster investment news about David – including a $75 million round from investors and a post-money valuation of $725 million, according to co-founder Peter Rahal – is also creating a supply chain gridlock for a number of other brands.