Aura Bora is acquired. Hiyo adds $19 million and a strategic partner. And Celsius drops $1.8 billion on Alani Nu. Oh, and Spindrift is back in the soda biz. Yeah, it’s been a busy week, and the hosts have lots to say. We also sit down with Alex Duong, the founder & CEO of Fair & Square and Lena Zhuravsky, the founder of passionfruit centric-beverage brand Passion Joy.

Show notes:

0:25: Party Gras. Skeptics & Price Points. Hiyo, Mike! Energy Cannibals. Full Circle. More Pizza? Who Eats Protein Pasta? – Jacqui is prepping for a big event, and it’s not Expo West. Everyone has a take on Aura Bora’s exit, including the Linkedin crowd. What makes Hiyo’s positioning so attractive to consumers.. and investors? So, should we expect folks to have a can of Celsius in one hand and Alani Nu in the other? Perfect – another pizza drink. We love a couple of U.K.-based beverage brands, and a ginseng-centric one from here in the good ol’ U.S.A. We finish with fish and pasta (just don’t overcook it).

36:35: Interview: Alex Duong, Founder & CEO, Fair & Square – Alex is the founder and CEO of Fair and Square, an emerging brand of gut-friendly crackers inspired by childhood favorites.  At a recent networking event hosted by industry organization Naturally San Diego, Alex discussed how his experience in the CPG industry has shaped his approach to brand-building. He also talks about the importance of patience and staying true to core values as an early-stage entrepreneur.

46:17: Interview: Lena Zhuravsky, Founder, Passion Joy – Lena is the founder of Passion Joy, a new brand of sparkling beverages with passion fruit at its core. As part of our conversation, Lena shares her vision for expanding distribution of Passion Joy in the U.S. and internationally, with plans to target major retailers and eventually compete on a global scale.

Brands in this episode: Aura Bora, Hiyo, Alani Nu, Celsius, Spindrift, Bubluv, Trip, Kejoy, Perfy, Something & Nothing, Quinn Snacks, Ginsa, Cowbell Hydration, OHY, Brami, Banza, Wild Planet, Fishwife, Heyday Canning, Scout Fish, Hungry Boy Hot Sauce