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This Week in CPG 03/10/25
🛒 Retail Rollouts
🍌 GoNanas makes its Costco debut in the Midwest
GoNanas, co-founded by Morgan Lerner and Annie Slabotsky, has launched its Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Mix in Costco stores across 14 Midwest states. This rollout marks the brand’s biggest opportunity yet, but it comes with a catch—it’s a test run, meaning GoNanas must prove strong sales to secure a permanent spot on Costco’s shelves. The brand is calling on its community to support the launch by purchasing and spreading the word, with a 2-pack selling for $9.99 in locations including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
🚀 New Product Launch
🍖 Chunk Foods introduces four new plant-based pulled meats at Expo West
Chunk Foods, founded by Amos Golan, is unveiling its first retail SKUs at Expo West, expanding its plant-based meat lineup with four new Chunk Pulled varieties in Teriyaki, Texas BBQ, Korean BBQ, and Barbacoa flavors. Each product features high-protein, non-GMO pulled meat paired with chef-crafted simmer sauces made from real fruits, vegetables, and spices, offering a quick and clean-label meal solution. These new items join Chunk’s original-flavored SKUs, which launched in October 2024 and are currently available in 55+ independent retailers across Southern California and NYC.
🍄 Melting Forest brings functional mushroom beverages to Expo West
Melting Forest, founded by Sean McDonald, is debuting its science-backed functional beverages at Expo West, showcasing two core products: Mushroom Energy and Mushroom D-Stress. The Mushroom Energy drink offers 150mg of natural caffeine from green coffee beans, plus organic Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps for a clean boost without jitters. Meanwhile, Mushroom D-Stress is a caffeine-free, adaptogen-infused sparkling beverage designed to promote relaxation with ingredients like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and L-Theanine. Both drinks come in four flavors and will be available for sampling at the brand’s Expo West booth.
🍫 Scandalous Chocolates expands its infused chocolate line in New York
Scandalous Chocolates, co-founded by Zach Bluemer and Miguel Oliveira, is launching four new varieties of its premium infused chocolates, now available at select dispensaries across New York. Known for its signature lip-shaped, fair-trade, single-origin chocolates, the brand focuses on high-quality ingredients and shareable formats. The new chocolates are exclusively distributed by New York Hemp Oil and can be found at dispensaries like Travel Agency and Gotham.
🥤 Bucked Up reinvents protein with lightly carbonated drinks
Bucked Up, founded by Ryan Gardner, is shaking up the sports nutrition market with its new line of lightly carbonated protein drinks, delivering 25g of protein with 0g of sugar and only 100 calories per can. Available in four flavors—Banana Pineapple, Orange Cream, Peach Mango, and Rainbow Candy—these drinks offer a refreshing alternative to traditional thick protein shakes. The innovation has already received high praise, earning the “Best Innovation” award at the Arnold Sports Festival.
🤝 Brand Partnerships
🐶 Jinx teams up with Chris Evans to promote premium dog food
Jinx, co-founded by Michael Kim, Sameer Mehta, and Terri Rockovich, has partnered with actor Chris Evans to bring attention to its high-quality, superfood-rich dog food. The fast-growing pet food brand, which includes premium proteins and patented probiotics, is now available in nearly 10,000 retail locations. Evans, a devoted dog owner, aligns with Jinx’s mission of making nutritious pet food more accessible to all.
🍑 Saint James Iced Tea collaborates with HBO’s The White Lotus on a new flavor
Saint James Iced Tea, co-founded by Brad Neumann and Brenden Cohen, has partnered with HBO’s The White Lotus to release a Mango Black Tea inspired by the hit show. The exclusive beverage is now available on Amazon and in retailers like Target, Erewhon, Albertsons/Vons, and select locations in Canada. The launch coincides with the buzz surrounding The White Lotus Season 3, making it a timely addition to the brand’s lineup.
💸 Acquisitions and Investments
🌱 GoodSAM Foods secures $9M to expand its regenerative food movement
GoodSAM Foods, founded by Heather Terry, has closed a $9 million Series A funding round led by Alive Ventures and Desert Bloom, with additional investors from the U.S. and Latin America. The company, known for its commitment to regenerative agriculture and farmer empowerment, plans to use the funds to scale operations and further its mission of creating transparent, sustainable food systems. The raise is also a milestone for female-founded businesses, highlighting the challenges women entrepreneurs face in venture-backed funding.
🎉 News to Celebrate
🍪 Every Body Eat wins a NEXTY Award for its allergen-free Cookie Bites
Every Body Eat, co-founded by Trish Thomas and Nichole Wilson, has been honored with the NEXTY Award at Expo West 2025 for its Ginger Cinnamon Cookie Bites. Selected from over 1,000 products across 34 categories, the cookies stand out for being free from seed oils and the top 14 allergens, including gluten, dairy, nuts, and corn. The award recognizes brands that drive innovation while maintaining high standards for clean ingredients and accessibility.
🥤 Recoup Beverage wins the Expo West Pitch Slam
Recoup Beverage, co-founded by Susan Buckwalter Hartman and Siwat Siengsanaoh, has taken first place at the Expo West Pitch Slam, cementing its status as a rising star in the natural beverage space. The brand’s flagship product, which blends hydration with functional benefits, was praised by judges for its innovation and market potential.
♻️ One Step Closer (OSC) recognizes leaders in sustainable packaging
One Step Closer (OSC), founded by Lara Dickinson, has announced the winners of its 2025 Packaging Innovation Awards, celebrating brands that prioritize environmental stewardship. Blue Heron Botanicals won for its home-compostable and curbside-recyclable lip balm tubes, World Centric was recognized for its fiber-based protein powder scoop, and Activist Skincare received honors for its refillable packaging system. The awards highlight the industry’s shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions.
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