Snacks

Fruitist closed $150 million in equity funding to accelerate retail expansion for its line of premium packaged berries. The round was led by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, alongside new and existing investors. The Los Angeles-based company is reportedly valued at $1 billion.

Legacy meat snack brands showcased simple formulations, grass-fed beef options and premium-positioned products at NACS last week.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss trends and new products featured at the NACS Show held Oct. 14-17 in Chicago. The event drew thousands of convenience store operators to view the latest offerings from food and beverage brands seeking to expand within the channel.

Pipcorn has rebranded to Pip’s Heirloom Snacks as it transitions its portfolio from seed oils to avocado oil.

With 35% of U.S. consumers actively seeking high-protein claims and 26% having bought a refrigerated protein or snack bar in the past three months, demand for protein snacks remains strong. Insiders can full the full report, curated especially for Nosh.

Two years since it was acquired by Mike Repole’s PE firm Impact Capital, JUNKLESS is expanding into a new category, protein bars.

Having transitioned away from day-to-day operations at their first brand, Q Drinks, entrepreneurs Jordan Silbert and Ben Kaplan are going AGRO for their next big project. Founded in 2023, AGRO makes a line of plant-based jerky that comes in resealable bags and includes functional options alongside indulgent snacks, such as a caffeinated Energy Bolt flavor.

Consumer holding company Louisville Brands has acquired Louisville Vegan Jerky Company from early-stage investment firm Render Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Patagonia Provisions, the F&B CPG arm of the apparel brand, spoke with Nosh about how it reworked its portfolio a couple years ago, its reentry into meat snacks and the future of tinned seafood.

Run clubs have increasingly become a prime opportunity to connect with consumers and gather valuable data to build deeper retail footprints.