Lemon Perfect Closes Convertible Note, Capping $11.6M Seed Round

Fast-growing beverage maker Lemon Perfect today announced the closing of a $6.6 million funding round that brings its total seed financing from pre-revenue stage to $11.6 million. The round was led by CPG-focused private equity firms Skyview Capital, Beechwood Capital and The Big Squeeze.

Molecular Coffee Startup Atomo Raises $9M in Seed Round

Atomo Coffee, maker of “molecular coffee” made not from coffee beans but from upcycled ingredients, announced last week the close of a $9 million seed funding round. S2G Ventures, whose portfolio includes Beyond Meat and Ripple, along with AgFunder and Bessemer Venture Partners participated in the round.

Speed Dating: Connect with Investment Bankers to Explore Valuation and Start Your Process

Brands big and small benefit from maintaining good relationships with investment bankers, who often help them navigate important decisions when it comes to fundraising and valuation. On Thursday, September 3rd, brand leaders will have the opportunity to participate in 1-on-1 virtual meetings with investment bankers that have expertise facilitating dealmaking in the food and beverage industry.

Review: Fluid Cold Brew

Fluid Cold Brew is a line of cold brew coffee drinks enhanced with electrolytes. The product is marketed as having hydration and energy benefits and the formulations are low calorie and sugar free.

Stevia Brand Fined for Using Chinese Prison Labor

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) announced yesterday that it had collected a $575,000 fine from stevia producer Pure Circle USA, a division of PureCircle Limited, for importing sweetener that was made by prison labor in China.

Is a Valuation Squeeze Inevitable? Discuss it During Office Hours with Green Circle Capital, North Castle Partners, and L. Catterton

On the next episode of Office Hours we'll discuss valuation trends in the natural products industry and the overall changes in fundraising and operational strategy that can help guide brands as the capital cycle changes. This look at valuations and at the overall investment market for rising food and beverage brands will be part of a special three-part content and networking series.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 95: Why Successful Brands Respect And Love Their Competitors

Hannah Crum, co-founder and president of influential trade association Kombucha Brewers International, spoke about how she manages a membership group comprised of “frenemies,” the recent launch of a Code of Practice for brewing kombucha and why it’s important to support the category’s evolution despite the misgivings of some within the space.

How USDA’s Organic Fraud Rule Could Impact CPG Brands

A proposed rule by USDA, ‘Strengthening Organic Enforcement,’ aims to curb organic fraud via more oversight of the organic marketplace, including production, handling and sales. If implemented, it would be the largest update to organic oversight in 20 years.

Survey: Retailers Preparing for Monster Hard Seltzer

Beer distributors widely anticipate Monster Energy to enter the hard seltzer category as early as next year, according to a survey conducted by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Better-for-You Food and Beverages Fuel the Inc. 5000 List

Remember 2019? It was a year in which food and beverages brands were already growing -- before the pandemic sent consumers into new modes of pantry loading and cooking from home. Today, Inc. released its annual Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing privately-held companies in the U.S. in a range of industries.

Sparkling Ice Launching ‘Spiked’ Line

Another leading sparkling water brand is making the leap into hard seltzer: Sparkling Ice is set to launch a new alcoholic line called Spiked (4% ABV) this month.

Elevator Talk: W*nder, La Di Da, M Kombucha

This episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Read the Ingredients, W*nder, La Di Da, M Kombucha and Down to Cook Foods. This week's special co-host is Daina Trout, the co-founder and CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha.

Spirits Press Clips: RTD Sparkling Tequila Onda Lands Investment; Industry Reacts to BLM

In this spirits-focused Press Clips roundup, ready-to-drink sparkling tequila maker Onda lands $1.2 million in funding, while delivery app Drizly suffered a major data breach. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs and brand leaders from around the industry respond to the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality.