In this episode:

On this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the most recent twist in Ben & Jerry’s battle with Unilever over its stance on the Gaza War, how Slate Milk has ridden the high-protein trend to a $23 million investment, SlimFast’s new owner and why one seasoned beverage industry executive thinks energy drinks need to grow up.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Monica discusses why Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from his iconic frozen dessert brand and how this is the latest escalation between the brand’s founders and its parent company Unilever.

2:40 - Lactose-free chocolate milk and iced coffee brand Slate has closed a $23 million Series B round. Lukas explains why the brand has capitalized on the high-protein trend and its ability to draw in celebrity backers.

4:30 - SlimFast has been acquired once again. The diet shake brand’s new owner, Heartland Food Products Group, is an Indiana-based co-manufacturer that owns the low-calorie sweetener and drink mix brand Splenda.

8:15 - Mōcean is a new energy drink from the mind of former White Claw brewmaster Tony Vieira. The brand is launching this fall with a differentiated formulation that includes shiso leaf and echinacea for immunity benefits. Lukas explains how the brand is targeting adult consumers with its marketing strategy.  

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery analyze the evolution of private label from off-brand to on-trend. The podcasters also discuss recent examples of the protein craze in Wandering Bear’s new latte line and Brami’s lupini bean-based pasta. Additionally, the hosts dig into British mixer brand’s partnership with Molson-Coors and an interesting new innovation in the frozen aisle.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Grocer retailers are beefing up private label assortments with a focus on protein, global flavors and premium positioning. Monica explains how consumer perceptions of store brands are changing. 

3:15 - Cold brew coffee maker Wandering Bear is leaning into the protein craze. Brad highlights the strategy behind the latest launch.

5:00 - Can America’s obsession with protein drive mainstream adoption of the lupini bean. Italian food company Brami believes so. 

6:30 - British mixer brand Fever-Tree is benefiting from its partnership with Molson-Coors. Brad breaks down the deal.

8:05 - Brad and Monica discuss functional ice cubes and the return of RC Cola (What? It never left?).

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss recent investments in Bloom Nutrition, Tost and Magic Mind, plus meal kit makeovers and marathon-friendly food and beverage brands.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Nutrabolt has taken a majority stake in Bloom Nutrition, strengthening its position in categories including energy drinks and powdered supplements. Monica digs into the terms of the deal.

2:30 - Booze-free trailblazer Tost has secured over $1 million in bridge funding as it grows its distribution and targets on-premise opportunities with a new canned format.

5:05 - The meal kit market is in transition. Monica explains how Factor and Blue Apron are repositioning for today’s consumer needs. 

6:40 - Magic Mind has raised $12.4 million of a nearly $16 million Series A round led by BFG Partners. Lukas breaks down what’s next for the wellness shot brand.

8:25 - Liquid Death goes up to 11, and a shoutout to runner-friendly food and beverage brands.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery dig into Kraft Heinz’s separation plans and PepsiCo’s increased investment in Celsius Holdings. The hosts also chat about Pepsi’s warning letter from an activist investor and Huel’s ready-to-drink foray into the red-hot greens category.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Kraft Heinz is officially splitting up after nearly a decade as a combined global food company. Monica dishes up the details of the breakup.

3:00 - PepsiCo is doubling down on energy drinks, increasing its ownership stake in Celsius and aligning its Rockstar Energy brand with that business. Brad breaks it all down. 

4:30 - Speaking of PepsiCo, one of its biggest investors has some notes. Elliott Investment Management is pushing for change at the food and beverage company. 

7:45 - Huel has launched a ready-to-drink greens line for the retail channel. Brad explains the brand’s foray into the red-hot trend.

9:40 - The podcasters talk about a “King of the Hill” inspired barbecue rub and Travis Kelce’s investment in an organic sports drink brand.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Keurig Dr Pepper’s post-acquisition plans for the JDE Peet’s business, new funding for yogurt maker Painterland Sisters and alt-protein producer The Better Meat Company, and the decision behind Spindrift’s exit from the beverage alcohol category.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Keurig Dr Pepper is buying Netherlands-based coffee conglomerate JDE Peet’s for $18 billion. Lukas digs into the details of the transaction.

4:00 - Yogurt maker Painterland Sisters has closed a seven-figure funding round to support retail expansion. Monica discusses the brand’s trajectory.

5:10 - Spindrift is discontinuing its spiked seltzer line. Is it a sign of the sober-curious times?

6:10 - The Better Meat Company cooked up an oversubscribed $31 million Series A round to scale its mycoprotein ingredient and expects to compete with commodity ground beef. 

7:15 - Lukas channels Clark Griswold on his European vacation, and Monica reports on the top trends at Newtopia Now.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery dig into the dual trends of clean labels and dirty sodas. The hosts also discuss a new AI-driven solution for food and beverage manufacturers and the stalling of a Silicon Valley darling.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Saffron Road is introducing its “most ambitious brand refresh” in its 15-year history as it aims to align with today’s consumer trends, including the growing anti-seed oil sentiment and an insatiable appetite for protein.

3:20 - The Dirty Soda trend has officially broken TikTok containment and is now influencing restaurant and retail innovation. Brad highlights recent examples.

7:25 - Keychain has raised $30 million in Series B funding and is introducing an AI-powered operating system to streamline production for food and beverage manufacturers. Monica explains more.

8:45 - Soylent is struggling. Brad shares what the future may hold for the meal replacement brand.

10:15 - The hosts chat about protein-packed sauces, a decline in drinking and Newtopia Now.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

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.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Daring Foods has been acquired by v2food with backing by Ajinomoto. Monica details why the plant-based poultry producer is a sizzling target in a fizzling category.

2:20 - Is the third time the charm? Danone has made yet another attempt to acquire kefir maker Lifeway Foods. Brad explains why this effort may be different. 

5:05 - Is Bachan’s on the block? The Japanese barbecue sauce brand is reportedly testing the market for a sale. Monica shares insights on the business and category.

6:10 - Bang Energy founder Jack Owoc is in hot water with a Florida federal judge after submitting court paperwork generated by artificial intelligence and featuring imaginary legal citations.

8:45 - Graza is getting into glass, and the New York State Fair is getting into butter. Also, the hosts shout out beverage entrepreneur Kayla Castaneda for helping to create the canned aguas frescas category in the U.S.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard talk through two legal battles facing Chobani’s La Colombe brand and Uncle Nearest Whiskey. The team also examines Doughlicious’ new investment round and Beyond’s decision to rebrand itself away from the “meat” alternatives. The duo wrap up with a discussion of this year’s Nosh Notables list released this week.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Doughlicious announced a $5 million investment round this week. The money will go towards helping build out a U.S.-based manufacturing system as tariffs have prevented the U.K. brand from becoming profitable.

1:15 - Amid Danone’s third attempt to acquire Lifeway, the French dairy company is also suing Chobani again. This time, Danone is claiming La Colombe has committed trademark infringement of one of the Stok Cold Brew brand's SKUs. 

2:30 - Beyond Meat is changing its name to refocus the brand away from being an animal protein alternative. The move is part of the company’s larger plan to bring consumers back to the brand after years of slumping sales.

4:00 - Uncle Nearest Whiskey is under fire as one of its creditors is calling for the distillery to be placed under the leadership of a receiver.

5:30 - On a lighter note, Monica and Lukas discuss breast milk ice cream, a High Noon and Celsius mix-up, and this year’s Nosh Notables.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

On the CPG Week podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Dyla Brands, the legal drama surrounding veteran-owned Black Rifle Coffee Company, and formation of a new collective advocating for higher standards across the food system, and the challenges and triumphs of dehydrated fruit company BranchOut Food. 

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Keurig Dr Pepper has acquired drink mix maker Dyla Brands. Monica shares details of the deal.

1:45 - Black Rifle Coffee Company has become a magnet for lawsuits, with at least seven cases involving the company filed between 2022 and 2024. Lukas digs into the legal drama surrounding this veteran-owned beverage company.

3:15 - GoodPop, LesserEvil and other better-for-you brands have banded together to establish the Good Food Collective to advocate for more transparency and higher standards in the industry. The podcasters discuss why that especially matters now.

4:25 - Dehydrated fruit and vegetable maker BranchOut Food recently shared details about the challenges it has faced in the past few years. Lukas offers highlights and insights from a recent interview with the company’s top executive.

6:20 - A Dr. Seuss classic comes to the canned meat aisle, a Frito-Lay snack brand inspires a line of savory cupcakes, and a whipped topping maker collaborates with a personal care brand.

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode:

On the CPG Week podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the acquisitions of Tia Lupita and Health-Ade Kombucha, new directions for the biggest beverage makers, and how Hero saved the day when Whole Foods ended its supply agreement with BetterBrand.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Mexican food brand Tia Lupita has been acquired by Vilore Foods, distributor of Jumex beverages and other Hispanic brands. Monica unpacks terms of the transaction.

1:30 - Coca-Cola is launching a line extension of its namesake soft drinks with cane sugar, and Pepsi announced plans to debut a prebiotic cola. Brad explains what these innovations mean for the market.

4:15 - Following the meltdown of low-carb bagel maker BetterBrand, Hero rose to the occasion, filling shelves with its take on the breakfast staple. Monica shares more details on how a competitor’s collapse benefited the better-for-you baker.

7:10 - Health-Ade Kombucha has sold to Generous Brands. Brad spills the tea on the deal.

8:30 - Forget battery-flavored chips and “Spaghett-cicles.” Liquid Death is entering the energy drink segment – with what it claims is a “sane” level of caffeine. 

About CPG Week

CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.

New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected].

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts