In this episode:

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss a spate of funding news for a hot sauce brand, a hummus startup and a functional beverage company. The hosts also chat about what an executive order to reschedule cannabis could mean for the hemp drink market.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - Former NFL player Jason Kelce is backing hot sauce maker Hank Sauce. Monica discusses the deal.

3:15 - The parent company of GoodBelly and Cheribundi has raised $10 million in a funding round led by investment firm ECP Growth. Brad explains more.

3:40 - In other investment news, Gen-Z founded hummus brand Habiza secured capital from the newly formed Foodbeast Ventures.

5:55 - The White House has issued an executive order to reschedule cannabis. Brad explains what it could mean for the hemp beverage industry.

7:30 - The top candy trends of the year, plus a casket company dips into the energy drink market.

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 leadership changes at Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz, Thrive Market's decision to drop alcohol, and what the apparent closure of Believer Meats means for the future of cultured protein.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - The Coca-Cola Company has announced a new leader to succeed James Quiney. Monica shares details of the succession plan.

1:20 - Kraft Heinz is also transforming its leadership team ahead of its planned spinoff. Lukas highlights the latest changes.

3:40 - Online grocer Thrive Market is eliminating its alcohol offerings and expanding its assortment of zero-proof options. Monica explains why.

6:50 - With the apparent shutdown of another cultured protein startup, the highly capitalized sector appears doomed. Lukas discusses the downfall of a previously promising player in the category.

9:15 - Brands are hopping on the advent calendar trend – and some really shouldn't. Plus, Zero Sugar Oreos are set to launch. Will consumers bite?

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 San Francisco's lawsuit over ultraprocessed foods, Anheuser-Busch's $490 million acquisition of BeatBox, Stockeld Dreamery's sale to Bettani Farms, and Ripple Foods' $17 million funding round.

Show Highlights:

0:15 - San Francisco has declared war on America's snack aisle, filing the nation's first government lawsuit against makers of ultraprocessed foods. Monica breaks down the case.

2:55 - Anheuser-Busch has acquired ready-to-drink alcohol brand BeatBox for $490 million. Brad explains what the deal means for the beer giant.

3:30 - Stockeld Dreamery's assets have been sold to Bettani Farms, the food tech entity formerly known as Climax Foods.

5:10 - Plant-based milk producer Ripple Foods closed a $17 million funding round, setting the stage to execute on its growth plans in the new year. Brad explains.

6:15 - Monica and Brad discuss highlights and takeaways from Nosh Live and BevNET Live.

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 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