ForceBrands Names New CEO Ganjon, Three Other Execs Appointed
CPG talent recruitment business unveiled a new slate of leadership of its own today, naming Rob Ganjon to succeed founder Josh Wand as CEO after 17 years in the role.
Brad Avery
Posts by Brad Avery
UNFI Shuts Down ‘Certain Systems’, Service Disrupted After Cyberattack
Leading wholesale distributor UNFI has shut down some of its computer systems, leading to service and fulfillment disruptions, following a cyberattack last week. UNFI discovered “unauthorized activity” in its network on Thursday and proactively took several systems offline.
Boxed Water to Alter Some Environmental Claims After NAD Ruling
The National Advertising Division (NAD) delivered a mixed decision to Boxed Water is Better on Friday, ruling that while several of its environmental marketing claims were backed up and qualified, others will need to change.
Loom Juice Teams With Michigan Star Justice Haynes On Equity NIL Deal
Justice Haynes is hoping to bring some of his rising star to startup juice brand Loom, as the University of Michigan football player has taken an equity stake in the business as part of a new NIL deal last week.
Koia CFO Michael Woolard Exits, Starts New Advisory Business
Koia president and CFO Michael Woolard is on to his next venture, leaving the plant-based protein beverage company to start his own consulting business. After more than six years with the brand, he has founded his own contract business, tentatively called Foundational CPG.
Can A ‘Big Tobacco’ Giant Be the New Face of Better-For-You Beverages?
As it works to wean itself off of the combustible tobacco products that made it a multi-billion dollar behemoth, British American Tobacco (BAT), the 123-year-old multinational nicotine producer, has been placing bets on the better-for-you, functional food and beverage sector
Fed Policies That Drag On Retail Could Be eGrocery’s Gain, Report Suggests
New government policies liable to drag down retail growth could be to the benefit of online grocers, with U.S. online grocery sales expected to outpace brick-and-mortar by 5.2x through 2029, according to a new report from ecommerce data and consulting firm Brick Meets Click.
Next In Natural Acquires Rowdy Mermaid; Founder Dunn Staying On
CPG private equity firm Next In Natural (NeNa) has acquired Colorado-based kombucha and soda brand Rowdy Mermaid, along with new equity investor Luke Comer, founder of Sapient Stews, the company announced today.
Joyburst Flips Script on Process Server in Video; Soda, Protein Coffee On the Way
Brad Woodgate, founder of functional beverage brand Joyburst, is no stranger to litigation. So when a process server came to his door last month, he seized the chance to turn a sour occurrence into a viral marketing moment.
5-Hour Energy Did Not Violate Antitrust in Pricing Discrimination Case Court Rules
A California federal judge agreed this week that 5-Hour Energy maker Living Essentials LLC created an unfair competitive environment for family-owned wholesalers by offering “disproportionate promotions” to Costco, but stopped short of ruling it an antitrust violation.
L.A. Libations Investment Wing Taste Tomorrow Ventures Debuts $30M Fund
L.A. Libations is looking to spread the wealth with the launch of Taste Tomorrow Ventures, a venture capital arm that has closed a $30 million fund to invest in emerging beverage and snack brands.
Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Reveals His New Dominican Rum Brand
Former Boston Red Sox All-Star David "Big Papi" Ortiz is the founder of a new brand of “ultra-premium” rums, Ozama Rum, produced in his home country of the Dominican Republic.
Retailer Confidence Drops 15 Points Since 2024; 73% See Private Label as Priority
Uncertainty and pessimism are rising major among U.S. retailers as labor challenges and inflation have dampened future outlook, according to a report by Progressive Grocer last week.
Feisty Fights for a Female-Focus Within Protein Soda
Vy Cutting, founder and CEO of U.K.-based Feisty Soda – and a former fashion designer – believes there’s an opportunity not only to play to the high protein diet trend, but to forge a real connection with female consumers.