Community Call is a recurring series of open meetings dedicated to pressing topics impacting food and beverage businesses. This month, we welcome a range of guests covering topics such as sustainability measures that support profitability, finding the right co-manufacturer, building and maintaining retailer relationships that support innovation goals, retail activation strategies, and more.

While flower is still king, the infused cannabis edible market in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% to reach over $3 billion by 2027. That opportunity helped attract former executive chef and Maine native Zack Squier to the emerging space with Squier's Specialty Edibles, his line of premium, 100mg THC-infused multi-serve elixirs.

Despite rising inflation and a grim economic forecast, CPGs can still access growth capital thanks to a “much broader toolkit” of alternative M&A options, explained analysts from Bain & Company during a webinar this week.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun an antitrust investigation into Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, reviewing how the nation’s largest alcoholic beverage distributor may have favorably priced wine and liquor that advantaged larger retailers, according to Politico, citing three anonymous sources “with knowledge of the probe.”

Publicly traded canning company Wildpack Beverage announced this week it has entered an agreement to receive a $20 million 12-month secured loan from Manna Capital Partners, which will go towards scaling operations across its six U.S. manufacturing plants. The deal is expected to close on April 10.

Sports nutrition platform Don’t Quit! is shaking things up with the addition of new institutional investors and corporate leadership, with former X2 CEO Mark French bringing in a seasoned executive team as he steps into the chief executive role at the brand.

Alexandre Family Farm believes old farming practices are in need of new rewards and more support for the environmental ecosystems and rural communities they help sustain.