A Daring Deal and Danone’s Dogged Pursuit of Lifeway Foods
Release Date: 08/14/2025
A Chicken Feed Cockfight And Gummies Galore
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard tackle the recent controversy surrounding cage-free egg producer Vital Farms, the latest updates affecting the hemp beverage industry, and a beverage maker’s strategic expansion into functional gummy supplements. The hosts also highlight several recent funding announcements. Show Highlights: 0:15 - Outdoor-access egg producers are taking heat online for the way they feed their hens, and the scrutiny has landed heavily on Vital Farms. Monica digs into the drama. 2:00 - Two...
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Beyond Meat’s Beverage Launch And The Curious Case Of DayDayCook
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss Beyond Meat’s expansion beyond meat alternatives, Prime’s foray into protein shakes, DayDayCook’s exit from the U.S., and Chameleon Cold Brew’s future under new ownership. Show Highlights: 0:15 - Beyond Meat is expanding into the beverage category with a . Brad shares all the details of the launch. 2:10 - Logan Paul’s Prime is entering the after its sports drinks and energy drinks suffered declines. Monica explains more. 4:00 - DayDayCook – the owner of Yai’s...
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Inside The New Dietary Guidelines. Plus, Lemon Perfect Sours
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a leadership shakeup at Lemon Perfect, the acquisition of snacking platform The Good Crisp Company, and Koia’s entry into the modern soda category. The podcasters also share highlights from the Winter FancyFaire show in San Diego. Show Highlights: 0:15 - The Trump Administration has released the , which inverts the former food pyramid. Not everyone is happy with the new recommendations. Monica explains more. 2:10 - An...
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Are We Over Protein Yet? Plus, A Meal Delivery Merger
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss protein-packed launches for the new year: David’s Bronze bars, Mel Robbins’ energy shot, and more. The hosts also share details on a merger between Splendid Spoon and Mosaic Foods and Zico Rising’s latest funding. Show Highlights: 0:15 - David Protein has unveiled its latest “masterpiece”: , a line of indulgent protein bars with a chocolate flavored coating. Monica shares all of the details of the new product launch. 3:25 - Protein continues to make a splash in...
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MAHA, M&A And More – 2025’s Top Stories
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard reflect on the top stories of the year, including the rising influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the food and beverage industry, the biggest merger moments, and notable highlights of hemp’s uncertain future. Show Highlights: 1:00 - Monica explores the impact of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the packaged food and beverage industry with many large manufacturers pleading to remove controversial ingredients from portfolios. 4:20...
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Jason Kelce’s Hot Investment And Other Year-End Funding News
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
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 is backing hot sauce maker Hank Sauce. Monica discusses the deal. 3:15 - The parent company of has raised $10 million in a funding round led by investment firm ECP Growth. Brad explains more. 3:40 - In other investment...
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Leadership Changes at Coke and Kraft Heinz. Plus, Thrive Market Goes Dry
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
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 - has announced a new leader to succeed James Quiney. Monica shares details of the succession plan. 1:20 - is also transforming its leadership team ahead of its planned spinoff. Lukas highlights the latest changes. 3:40 - Online grocer is eliminating its alcohol...
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San Francisco Sues Big Food. Plus, Anheuser-Busch Picks Up BeatBox
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
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 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 for $490 million. Brad explains what the deal means for the beer...
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A Sneak Peek At Nosh Live & BevNET Live
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
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...
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Miyoko’s Deal Meltdown And A Tale of Two IPOs
CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh
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...
info_outlineIn 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 cpgweek@nosh.com.