In this episode:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard share highlights of Nosh Live and BevNET Live, held Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 7-9, respectively, in Marina del Rey, Calif.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Monica kicks off the episode with a preview of Nosh Live 2025, highlighting sessions with the leaders of Khloud Foods, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and other breakout brands.

1:20 - Discussions at the two-day event will also touch on retailer decision making, a look at the state of startup funding, regional-to-national expansion and the art of collaboration in product development.

2:10 - Lukas discusses highlights of the BevNET Live agenda, which spans cannabis beverages, spirits and more.

3:15 - Speakers at BevNET Live include the founders of Poppi and leaders of Health-Ade, KetoneIQ, Hopwater, Celsius and more.

4:30 - Lukas previews a panel at BevNET Live that he will be moderating with representatives of buying collective INFRA.

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:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the bidding war drama surrounding the recently liquidated plant-based cheese brand Miyoko's Creamery. The podcasters also chat about cold-press juice maker Suja Life's plans for a public market exit and Once Upon A Farm's delayed public offering. Finally, the hosts look at a merger in the mocktail segment.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Miyoko's Creamery has a new owner, and it's not Miyoko Schinner. Monica unpacks the bidding war – and subsequent drama – surrounding the vegan cheese brand.

3:05 - Suja Life is headed for a public market exit. Brad highlights the beverage maker's path to an initial public offering.

4:00 - Once Upon A Farm is forced to delay its debut on the stock exchange due to the protracted government shutdown.

5:05 - Adult non-alc beverage brand Proxies has acquired the assets of defunct mocktail maker Avec, with plans to use its recipes for a new canned drinks line slated to launch early next year.

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:

This week, the podcast explores the implications of the Congressional spending bill on the hemp beverage industry and why there is a silver lining to the defined timeline for product sales. Senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard also discuss Gopuff's big investment round and why there is so much synergy between energy drinks and fitness supplements. The podcasters conclude the episode with a taste test of new beverages and snacks.

Show Highlights:

0:20 - Hemp is facing an existential crisis after Congress passed its newest spending bill, putting a 365-day timeline in place for hemp-derived beverage sales to continue. Brad and Lukas discuss what stakeholders have been saying in the last week, what we might see moving forward with lobbying efforts and what could happen in the broader cannabis industry.

8:00 - Gopuff has secured a $250 million investment as it puts more resources behind its artificial intelligence technology that will make the online grocery delivery platform more efficient.

9:00 - Another fitness supplement brand, RAW Nutrition, is aiming to go deeper in energy drinks with its BUM Energy brand by adding significant industry experience to its team. Brad and Lukas discuss the trend of gym supplement brands finding a broad consumer base with energy drinks.

12:45 - For the first time in a long time, Brad and Lukas are in the same room recording so the two reporters decided to try new food and drink together and discuss how these samples represent some trends in their respective categories.

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:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard chat about the acquisition of TreeHouse Foods, the regulatory outlook for hemp beverages, a new verification standard for non-ultraprocessed foods, and Lucky Energy's latest funding round.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - TreeHouse Foods is going private in a deal valued at $2.9 billion. Monica explains what's next for the private label food and beverage manufacturer.

1:45 - Hemp beverages could be sacrificed in a deal to reopen the federal government, as spending legislation moves through Congress that includes language effectively prohibiting such products. Lukas shares details and insight.

4:20 - A new verification program for non-ultraprocessed foods has debuted. Monica breaks down which ingredients are unacceptable under the Non-UPF Verified standards.

7:45 - Lucky Energy has landed $25 million in a Series B round led by Paine Schwartz Partners, with former leaders from Suja Juice joining its board.

9:15 - The podcasters weigh in on pickle-scented candles and female-coded energy beverages.

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:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard chat about the acquisitions of Caulipower and Justin's by private equity firms, Keurig Dr Pepper's new $7 billion investment, and new funding for popped sorghum startup Cob.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Caulipower has been acquired by its longtime private equity-owned co-manufacturing partner Urban Farmer. Monica breaks down the details of the deal.

2:40 - Keurig Dr Pepper announced $7 billion in new investment and offered nervous investors a confident appraisal of its much-scrutinized plan to separate its coffee and refreshment beverage businesses.

4:35 - Hormel has sold its ownership stake in Justin's to private equity firm Forward Consumer Partners. The hosts discuss what this means for the nut butter brand and its previous leadership.

6:55 - Game, set, match. Popped sorghum startup Cob netted $5 million in funding and added a tennis legend to its founding team.

8:20 - The podcasters discuss PepsiCo's new corporate logo and an unusual seasonal offering from Kraft Mac & Cheese.

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:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery talk about Recess' new funding round and leadership addition, a premium bourbon brand on the block, and new cash for Robert Downey Jr.'s coffee brand. The podcasters also discuss the closure of an alt-cheese maker and the surge in demand for gummy formats in supplements and in candy.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Recess Drinks has closed a $30 million Series B round led by CAVU and other repeat investors and named a new leader. Brad breaks it all down.

1:50 - Pour one out for Four Roses? Japan's Kirin Holdings is looking to unload the bourbon brand for $1 billion. Monica explains.

3:40 - L.A. Libations' Taste Tomorrow Ventures has made a strategic minority investment in happy products, the coffee brand co-founded by CPG industry veteran Craig Dubitsky and actor Robert Downey Jr.

5:15 - Stockeld Dreamery, a venture-backed Swedish producer of plant-based cheese, has shuttered after six years in business. What went wrong?

6:25 - A fiber brand gets gummy. Speaking of gummies, the kids are low key obsessed. Trade show mascots… scarier than Halloween costumes? Discuss.

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:

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.

Show Highlights:

0:35 - Lukas dives into the latest trends in convenience store snacks, including protein bars with bonus benefits and new twists on meat sticks and jerky.

4:15 - Monica highlights new packaging formats and designs in the ready-to-drink coffee and bottled water categories seen on the show floor.

6:15 - What's brewing in the iced tea segment? Lukas spills the details.

9:00 - PepsiCo showcased big bets and subtle tweaks at the event ranging from new high-protein and lower-sugar offerings to its take on a prebiotic cola.

11:00 - Coca-Cola featured less innovation than its top rival – aside from the notable comeback of Mr. Pibb. Lukas shares insights from his tour of the booth.

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:

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.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - What trends are on tap for the year ahead? Whole Foods Market forecasts fiber, beef tallow and fine dining in the frozen aisle.

1:30 - DDC Enterprise Limited, which does business as DayDayCook, has raised a whopping $124 million in equity financing – but it doesn't seem likely that much, if any, of it will be put into the Hong Kong-based company's recent CPG acquisitions.

3:15 - The startup formerly known as Tender Food is expanding beyond plant-based meat alternatives into additional categories following a new $6.5 million funding round. Monica explains what's next for the company now known as Lasso.

5:55 - Why is Death Wish Coffee suing Liquid Death? Brad breaks it down.

7:40 - Pop-Tarts jumps on the protein trend, and "Saturday Night Life" spoofs near beer.

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:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard dig into Walmart's decision to remove synthetic dyes from its store-branded products. The team goes on to discuss how certain brands are repositioning in the plant-based cheese category, the abrupt closure of Nor-Cal Beverages and the data behind the high-protein craze.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Walmart has announced it will remove all synthetic dyes from its many private-label brands. Monica explains why Walmart's move aligns with how other big food companies are responding to calls for food ingredient transparency.

3:05 - Plant-based cheese ingredient provider Climax Foods has rebranded to Bettani Farms after raising $6.5 million in a Series A round. Along with its new name, Bettani Farms has appointed former Califia Farms CFO Sandeep Patel to lead the food tech company as it prepares for its next stage of growth.

4:45 - Unexpectedly, Manna Beverages shut down its California-based co-manufacturer, Nor-Cal Beverages. The sudden closure comes after rumors earlier this summer that Manna was seeking to divest the drink producer it acquired in 2023.

7:00 - It's no secret that protein is all the rage in food and beverage. Monica and Lukas chat about a pair of exclusive Brightfield Group reports on the category for BevNET and Nosh.

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 this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery unpack Once Upon A Farm's IPO announcement, a grocery retailer's adoption of a food health scoring system, breakfast maker Seven Sundays' step toward vertical integration, and Beckett Industries' new food and beverage focused fund.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Once Upon A Farm has filed for an initial public offering. Monica explains what this means for Jennifer Garner's next-generation childhood nutrition brand.

3:35 - Grocery chain Hy-Vee has a new partnership with nutrition intelligence platform FoodHealth Company, becoming the first retailer to bring the color-coded, numerical nutritional score to its shelves. But will shoppers bite?

6:00 - Seven Sundays took a step toward vertical integration with the acquisition of its longtime manufacturer Birch Packaging. Monica details how the move positions the breakfast maker for explosive growth.

7:25 - Beckett Industries launched a $50 million venture capital fund that will target early-stage food and beverage businesses. Brad breaks it all down.

8:25 - Uncrustables bulks up, the Dew gets dirty, and the podcasters provide a peek at the Nosh Live lineup.

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