Retail

Smearcase has secured Chicago-based venture firm Listen as its first institutional investor as the three-year-old company works to scale and support its growing natural channel distribution footprint.

Treeline Cheese has ridden out the hype cycle of plant-based dairy and has finally nailed product market fit, according to founder and CEO Michael Schwarz.

High protein ice cream maker Frozen One announced it has raised a $2 million seed round led by Supernatural Ventures and The Angel Group with additional participation from Tonic Ventures and Lucinda Capital.

Vertically farmed berry producer Oishii is aiming to make its products more accessible with a range of new strawberry formats at significantly lower price points than its original $20 varietal.

Walmart unveiled this week redesigned packaging across its Great Value private brand that introduces a more “modern visual identity” and consistent placement of nutritional claims.

Legacy Brooklyn pizzeria, Di Fara, has expanded its retail footprint by using sampling to build brand recognition outside of the Northeast.

Food is driving sales growth in the convenience store channel, according to new data from the National Association of Convenience Stores.

With new funding and a brand refresh, Rip Van is focused on expanding in grocery retail after establishing a base in club and ecommerce.

Clover Sonoma isn’t trying to chase trends or scale nationally. With a portfolio spanning seven dairy categories, it believes it has a better opportunity to meet the local community with “real dairy” at a moment when food trends are driving consumers back to the cow.

Ripi has raised $2.4 million in a seed funding round led by growth equity firm Cutting Horse. Great Circle Ventures, Paperboy Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund and “a bunch of other angels” also contributed, said founder and CEO Ian Tecklin.