In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Funds
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- SwarmFarm Robotics, an agtech company, has raised $30 million to support US growth of its integrated automation technology.
- Chickpea, which manufactures organic dried pasta made of chickpeas and yellow peas, raises CAD$4.25 million.
- Terra Robotics, an agtech startup pioneering laser weeding solutions, has raised nearly €1.8 million in its latest funding round.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's food accelerator is Food Centricity.
- Food Centricity, founded in 2012, is an accelerator that supports food businesses' success in Southern California and beyond. Food Centricity primarily assists early and growth stage packaged food companies.
- Some companies that have been assisted by Food Centricity include:
- Solely
- Nut Pods
- Kevita
- Tea Botanics
- Frios
- Foodstirs
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- Area 2 Farms Secures $9 Million in Funding to 'Move the Farm, Not the Food'
- J.M. Smucker Plans Expansion of Hostess Plant in Georgia
- Once Upon a Farm Registers for IPO
- FoodChain ID and Agmatix Partner to Strengthen Regenerative Agriculture Certification
- General Mills to Close Pizza Crust Facility in Missouri, US, as Part of Restructuring Initiative
- Synlait to Sell North Island Assets to Abbott for $178 Million
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturally Minnesota
Food. Ag. Ideas. 2025
Monday & Tuesday, October 13 & 14 | 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. CT
Location: Machine Shop, 2nd Street Southeast 300
Now in its eighth year, Food. Ag. Ideas, led by Naturally MN has become a must-attend gathering for individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies alike, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond.
This year, they're focusing on the intersection of food and health; exploring how innovation in food technology, functional foods, and understanding of ultra-processed foods is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness. From cutting-edge protein innovations to consumer health trends, we'll explore how the food industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for healthier, more functional food options.
Naturally NorCal
Marketing Forum: Shopper Marketing Tactics
Wednesday, October 15 | 12–1 p.m. PT
Connect, collaborate, and grow with Naturally NorCal's Forums — peer networking groups designed to bring together professionals in similar roles for meaningful connections, fresh insights, and actionable solutions to shared challenges.
OCTOBER TOPIC: Shopper Marketing
Marketing Forum Leads:
- Ericka Karner, CGO of Kuli Kuli Foods
- Carter Welch, CMO of Seven 8ths
- Susan Shields, former Marketing leader at Clover Sonoma, Lundberg Family Farms and many others
Naturally New York
The Riverside Exchange with Whole Foods Market
Wednesday, October 15 | 5:30–8 p.m. ET
Location: Harborside 3, 210 Hudson St., Jersey City, NJ
Spend a fall evening with Naturally New York and Whole Foods Market at their Jersey City HQ for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience to see where the magic happens!
Step inside for a panel discussion with WFM local forager, John Lawson, and mingle with fellow NNY members while enjoying light bites, drinks, and panoramic views of the Hudson River.
Naturally Colorado
Fall Fling
Wednesday, October 15 | 5–9 p.m. MT
Naturally Colorado is excited to gather hundreds of natural products professionals to create fresh connections, support blossoming relationships, and recognize new companies and services that have sprung up or branched out this year!
Fall Fling is your time to let loose, have fun, and celebrate new and exciting ways our community is changing the industry for good. This industry in Colorado and beyond continues to flourish!
Naturally New England
Breaking Through: Showcase & Insights with Rainforest Distribution
Thursday, October 16 | 1–6 p.m. ET
Location: Rainforest Distribution Center, 35 Eastman Street, Easton, MA
The showcase will feature hand-picked brands nominated by six leading regional food and beverage hubs—CommonWealth Kitchen, Fork Food Lab, Hope & Maine, Franklin County CDC, Vermont Center for an Agricultural Economy, and CitySeed. These innovators are retail-ready and poised for their next big step.
The afternoon includes:
- Rainforest's growth story and approach to distribution
- A guided facility tour
- Founder-led insights on entering distribution
- Table showcases for sampling and conversation
- A closing happy hour for networking
Naturally Chicago
Selling Your Brand on TikTok Shop
Thursday, October 16 | 3–4 p.m. CT
You'll meet and learn from Aalap Shah, founder of Chicago's 108 Agency, a leading digital marketing and content firm, and Cameron Gould-Saltman, former head of Food and Beverage at TikTok Shop, the app's ecommerce platform.
TikTok Shop is transforming how natural product brands reach and convert consumers, combining the power of short-form video with seamless ecommerce integration. In this dynamic webinar, you'll learn how to build an authentic brand presence, harness creator partnerships and use TikTok's algorithm to your advantage.
Whether you're a startup or an established brand, this session will reveal actionable strategies to drive visibility, engagement and sales through the TikTok Shop platform.
Naturally San Diego
Fall Fling
Thursday, October 16 | 4:30–7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Coastal Roots Farm, this event brings together 200+ CPG professionals, founders, and industry leaders for a night of connection, celebration, and fun.
Whether you're growing your brand, exploring new trends, or simply want to connect with like-minded peers, this is the place to be.
Naturally Seattle
CPG Connect: A night at Taylor Shellfish
Thursday, October 16 | 6–8 p.m. PT
Location: 410 Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA