In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Funds
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- Celsius has announced that it is purchasing Alani Nu, an energy drink brand, for $1.8 billion in cash and stock.
- Actual Veggies, a frozen veggie burger startup, raised $7 million in its Series A round.
- Vivici, an alternative protein startup that produces dairy proteins; raised 32.5 million Euros in its Series A round.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is McCain Foods.
- McCain Foods, based in Toronto, Canada, is the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products. Its product line also includes appetizers, vegetables and desserts that can be found in restaurants and retail stores in more than 160 countries around the world.
- McCain Foods has a significant food production network with a total of 49 production facilities in Canada (7), USA (9), Latin America (4), Europe (20 - 5 of which are in the UK), South Africa (2), Australia and New Zealand (5), India (1), and China (1).
- Some of its foodservice and retail brands include the following:
- Pickers
- Brew City
- Welten Snacks
- Moore's
- Hebro
- Mora
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- Beyond Meat 'Hires PJT Partners to Raise $250 Million Secured Loan'
- Food Brewer Nets Funding from Lindt and Sparkalis for Cocoa Grown Via Plant Cell Culture
- Jord BioScience Secures Series B Funding to Advance Microbial Solutions for Agriculture
- Everstar Secures $4 Million to Accelerate Nuclear Energy Innovation with its AI Compliance Platform
- CarbonZero.Eco Secures $3.5 Million Seed Funding and $7 Million in Biochar Agreements with Almond Farmers
UPCOMING EVENTS
Every Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm PT
A series of in-depth conversations exploring the financing and mindset journeys of CPG companies, featuring CPG founders and industry experts. This event is FREE for all who register, allowing access to both the live events and the recordings through to May 31, 2025.
OSC/JEDI Peer Mentoring Circles for Women in Leadership in Natural Products
Applications are open for OSC's Women's Circles, a year-long peer mentoring circle designed to accelerate the advancement of female and/or women-identifying intersectional leaders through connection, shared experience, development, and peer to peer mentoring. For more information, visit their website.
Nominate someone amazing: Know a woman leader (Director-level+, excluding CEOs) who would thrive in this space? Nominate her here.
Naturally Chicago
Chocolate, Mezcal, Tequila and You
Saturday, March 1 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT
Location: Vosges Chocolate, 2950 N. Oakley, Chicago, IL
It's been a long, cold winter, and we're just starting to emerge. And what better way to brush off the cold with a tasting of gourmet chocolate and premium Tequila? Join Naturally Chicago for this tasting of four vegan truffles and four premium Tequilas.
Naturally Network
Expo West Power-Up Kick-Off Party
Tuesday, March 4 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Start Expo West with an evening that's all about meaningful connections and valuable moments. More than just a happy hour, this event is designed to foster impactful relationships and lasting connections with the right people.
Naturally Network
Expo Excellence Series: Mastering the Art of Pitching & Networking
Wednesday, March 5 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PT
Location: Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Maximize your impact at Expo West with Expo Excellence, a dynamic 4-part education series designed to help emerging brands make meaningful connections and drive business growth. Learn best practices for navigating the show, crafting compelling pitches, and engaging retailers and investors with confidence.
Connect with other founders, retailers, and data experts that can support your final prep for your important conversations at Expo West. The breakfast features special guests from Whole Foods Market, NielsenIQ, Thrive Market, Grove Collaborative, rePurpose Global, and UNFI. A light breakfast and coffee will be available.
Naturally Minnesota
Mingle @ Expo West
Wednesday, March 5 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT
Location: Anaheim Convention Center North Hall, Katella Terrace
Are you heading to Expo West?! Join Naturally Minnesota for their 6th annual Minnesota Mingle! This is an opportunity to meet and connect with Minnesota's growing food startup and innovation community including founders, industry leaders, investors, retailers, and more. We Minnesota "ex-pats" are encouraged to attend.
Naturally Seattle
Expo West - Morning Mingle
Thursday, March 6 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PT
Location: Hilton Anaheim - Ballroom D, Anaheim, CA
Kick off your expo day with great coffee and even better company! Join Naturally Seattle for a casual morning mingle where founders, brands, and industry pros come together to spark connections, share insights, and fuel up for a day of networking. Whether you're looking to meet new faces or catch up with old friends, this is the perfect way to start the day on a high note.
Naturally Network
Minority-Owned Fellowship Tabletop Showcase
Thursday, March 6 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT
Location: Hilton Anaheim - Ballroom D, Anaheim, CA
The Minority-Owned Fellowship Tabletop Showcase at Expo West is a premier opportunity to connect with some of the most exciting emerging brands in the industry. This event brings together our M/O Fellows, retail buyers, investors, and industry leaders for a morning of networking, product discovery, and meaningful conversations.
Naturally New York & Naturally New England
East Meets Expo West @ Expo West
Thursday, March 6 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: Anaheim Convention Center North Hall, Katella Terrace
Join Naturally New York and Naturally New England for East Meets Expo West, an exciting happy hour event bringing together these two dynamic communities. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share ideas, and celebrate innovation in the natural products space as we gear up for Expo West. Drink ticket, light bites, and good vibes included.