Editor's Note
On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls in the midterm elections. One of the key issues Americans have raised this year is affordability. Food inflation in particular has caused anxiety and changed consumer purchasing habits as people look to save money where possible. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest CPI data, released last month, shows that food prices increased 2.5% over the 12 months ending in September 2026. The midterm election results will offer an indication of whether persistent food inflation and recent economic data translate into voters expressing their frustration at the ballot box.
— Shelly Malik
For questions or additional information, contact Shelly Malik at ShellyMalik@dwt.com. You can also stay connected with DWT's latest Food + Beverage insights by following our Food + Beverage LinkedIn page.
In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- Zevia, a better-for-you soda company, announced that it received a $20 million investment from GP Investments Ltd. to support its turnaround, including expanding its product offerings and distribution.
- Abbott announced plans to spin off its nutrition business, which includes the Ensure and Pedialyte brands, into a separate company to capitalize on growing demand for functional nutrition.
- Danone partnered with PurposeEnergy on a $40 million renewable energy facility that will convert yogurt production waste into renewable energy as Danone expands production to meet demand for high-protein yogurt.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is Rocana Venture Partners.
- Rocana Venture Partners is a U.S.-based venture capital firm exclusively backing consumer brands focused on health, wellness, sustainability, and better-for-you food and beverage products.
- Rocana Venture Partners focuses on investments in:
- mind-body wellness
- clean label and ingredient-forward foods
- better-for-you and functional beverages
- Its portfolio includes the following:
- OliPOP—a prebiotic soda brand focused on digestive health
- Kettle & Fire—a leader in slow-simmered bone broth products
- Hu Chocolate—a clean, paleo-friendly chocolate brand
- WTRMLN WTR—a plant-based beverage using "ugly" watermelons
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- New Funding Supports Advancement of Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccine
- E-book Covers Formulating for Clean Labels in Baked Foods
- Conagra Sheds Light on Sustainable Packaging Journey
- McCormick Flavor Solutions Launches Product Development Website
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturally Network
Retailer Spotlight Series: A Conversation with The Roche Bros. Buyers
Tuesday, November 10 | 12–1 p.m. ET
Location: Online Webinar
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Roche Bros., a family-owned supermarket chain, approaches retail buying and brand partnerships. Attendees will hear directly from Jason Corriveau, Director of Grocery, and Jill Picchione, Category Manager, covering:
- Roche Bros.' retail footprint, what sets them apart, and how their buying and selection process works
- Category trends and priorities Roche Bros. is watching right now
- Timing and criteria for product review, and what makes a submission stand out
- Timing and criteria for product review, and what makes a submission stand out
The session will close with live Q&A, giving members the chance to ask questions directly.
Naturally NorCal
AI Forum: Running Klaviyo with AI
Wednesday, November 11 | 10–11 a.m. PT
Location: Online Webinar
Join fellow members for a collaborative conversation about what's actually working, where you're running into challenges, and what opportunities you see for using AI across your business.
Come ready to share, ask questions, and learn from peers who are experimenting alongside you.
Speakers:
- Michelle Hirons, CEO of HigherRing
- Smári Ásmundsson, Founder of NØRSE CØDE and Nordic Navigators
Naturally New York
Fall Fling
Thursday, November 12 | 6–9 p.m. ET
Location: Talea Beer Co.- Penn District, 160 W. 32nd Street, New York, NY
Fall Fling is back! Spend the evening connecting and celebrating with the Naturally New York community.
Enjoy complimentary food and beverages while mingling with fellow members of the CPG industry at Talea Beer Co. Penn District.
Naturally San Diego
Founder's Friendsgiving Potluck
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. PT
Location: The Sea House, 246 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
In the spirit of Friendsgiving, Naturally San Diego invites the founders in their community to gather for a potluck dinner! This is a relaxed evening to share a meal, connect with fellow founders, and offer peer-to-peer support.
Naturally Colorado
Morning Meetup: Fall Nature Hike
Friday, November 13 | 8–9:30 a.m. MT
Location: Davidson Mesa Trailhead, S 80th St, Louisville, CO
Join Naturally Colorado for a relaxed outdoor meetup at Davidson Mesa! We're hitting the Davidson Mesa Loop Trail before the holiday rush to take a break, enjoy the outdoors and network with friends new and old.