In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Funds
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- The Better Meat Co., a plant-based meat company, raised $31 million in its Series A financing.
- 80 Acres Farms, an indoor vertical farming company, and Soli Organic, indoor grower, announced plans to complete a merger with the goal of creating a large indoor vertical farming network.
- Prefer, a soluble bean-free coffee and cocoa powder maker, raised $4.2 million in its recent funding round.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is Zentis Ventures.
- Zentis, based in Aachen, Germany, is a technology-driven company specializing in the processing and refinement of fruits and other natural raw materials. Zentis primarily serves the food industry, offering products and ingredients for dairy products, dairy alternatives, baked goods, and confectionery.
- Founded in 1893, Zentis has an international presence in 50 countries, allowing it to serve global customers. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made it a preferred partner for many companies in the food industry from startups to established brands.
- Portfolio companies include:
- Neggst
- POMOM
- Rettergut
- The Oater
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- NCBA Details Legal Victory for Beef Producers in Emissions Reporting Case
- Bunge Acquires IFF's Soy and Lecithin Business
- Drone Delivery is About to Get a Big Upgrade. Here’s Why Part 108 Will Change Food Delivery Forever
- A Shifting Perspective on AI
- Refined Carbohydrates’ GRAS Status Called Into Question
- Agtech BinSentry Secures $50 Million in Series C Round to Automate Livestock Feed Supply Chains
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturally San Diego
Webinar: Navigating Global Trade in a Shifting Landscape
Tuesday, August 26 | 9–10 a.m. PT
As global trade policies continue to evolve, tariffs remain a powerful—and unpredictable—force shaping international business. Whether you're navigating supply chain challenges, adjusting pricing strategies, or facing regulatory uncertainty, understanding tariffs is essential to staying competitive and compliant.
Join Naturally San Diego for an insightful and practical webinar that unpacks the complexities of tariffs in 2025. Peter Ramer will help break down the latest developments in U.S. and international trade policy, analyze the real-world impact of tariffs across the consumer products industry, and offer actionable strategies to mitigate risk and seize opportunities
Speaker:
- Peter Ramer, Consumer Products Senior Analyst at RSM
Naturally Minnesota
Farm Tour: Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed
Wednesday, August 27 | 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed, Grover Avenue Northwest 14688, Clearwater, MN
Join Naturally MN as they head out to the Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed farm in Clearwater, MN and immerse yourselves into multi-species regenerative agriculture. Stroll through the pastures and woodlands learning all about rotationally grazed cattle, free-range pasture-raised chickens, pigs, and goats.
Naturally Colorado
Naturally Colorado and Oskar Blues Networking Collision
Wednesday, August 27 | 5–8 p.m. MT
Location: Oskar Blues, 1555 S Hover St, Longmont, CO
This free event is open to members and non-members alike—a casual, fun way to connect with fellow natural products professionals. There's plenty of parking, and food and drink will be available for purchase onsite. Your host, Sindy Wise, is a Naturally Colorado Board Member and Vice President of Brand Sourcing for Pod, a national distributor serving natural grocery greats like Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Erewhon. Come meet new friends and reconnect with familiar faces!
Naturally NorCal
Human Resources Forum: AI Policies for Teams
Wednesday, September 3 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. PT
Connect, collaborate, and grow with our Forums—peer networking groups designed to bring together professionals in similar roles for meaningful connections, fresh insights, and actionable solutions to shared challenges.
SEPTEMBER TOPIC: Developing an AI Policy for Your Team
The HR Forum is led by:
- Geraldine Flatt, VP People Operations, Our Home
- Annie O'Hare, Human Resources Director, Rustic Bakery
Who Should Attend the HR Forum?
This session is for paid members and partners of Naturally NorCal who are CPG-focused Human Resources professionals, as well as CEOs & Founders working in this area.
Naturally NorCal
Emerging Founders Forum: September Meeting
Thursday, September 4 | 3–5:30 p.m. PT
IN-PERSON LEARNING + NETWORKING (CPG Founders Only)
Join Naturally NorCal for an energizing afternoon of real talk, peer connection, and shared experience, hosted by Ben Mand, CEO of Yerba Madre (Guayakí).
This special gathering is designed for early-stage founders in the natural products space who are navigating the ups and downs of growing a business, from scaling operations and building a brand to raising capital and leading a team. It's a space to swap stories, ask questions, and build lasting relationships with others who get it.
Naturally Chicago
Co-Manufacturing: How to Find, Communicate and Audit Webinar
Tuesday, September 9 | 3–4 p.m. CT
In today's competitive food and beverage industry, the right co-manufacturing partner can make the difference between rapid growth and costly setbacks. Join Naturally Chicago for "Co-Manufacturing: How to Find, Communicate, and Audit"—a practical insider's guide to building strong, scalable partnerships.
The discussion will be moderated by William Madden, Co-Founder of Whole Brain Consulting and Chair of the Naturally Chicago Board of Directors. Our panel of industry experts—Pete Cokinos (Palermo's Pizza), Monique Harris (Boston Consulting Group) and Mike Weglarz (87P)—will share first-hand insights on identifying the right partner, setting clear expectations, navigating run sizes and MOQs, and ensuring top-tier food safety and quality.
You'll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating production with multiple co-packers and underestimating transition costs. Whether you're a startup brand or scaling nationally, this session will give you actionable strategies to communicate effectively, audit with confidence, and protect your bottom line.
Naturally New England
The Hidden Costs of Co-Manufacturing: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
Wednesday, September 10 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. ET
What looks like a good deal on paper can quickly unravel due to hidden fees, communication breakdowns, or a co-man's lack of scale-readiness. In this exclusive Naturally New England workshop, Whole Brain Consulting's Will Madden will unpack the most common (and costly) mistakes brands make when engaging with co-mans. You'll learn how to protect your business through smarter vetting, clear documentation, and stronger relationship management practices—so you can grow without losing control.
This workshop is best for: Founders, COOs, and ops leads currently working with a co-manufacturer or preparing to scale into one.