- CPG Weekly News
This Week in CPG 07/21/25
🛒 Retail Rollouts
🥜 Fortune Favors expands to all Publix locations
Fortune Favors, founded by Eric Rupert and Jess Benish, has launched its full line of premium candied pecans—Classic, Spicy Chili, and Everything Seasoned—across all 1,400+ Publix stores as part of the retailer’s Q3 “Take a Ticket” promotion. This milestone marks a major retail expansion for the Madison-based brand known for its low-sugar, flavor-forward pecans. The rollout includes Fortune Favors’ best-selling Everything Seasoned variety, which has become a top performer in the premium nut category. With a clean-label focus and a proprietary cooking process, the brand aims to reach new audiences in the Southeast while reinforcing its position as a better-for-you snacking powerhouse.
🍓 Seal the Seasons launches smoothie kits nationwide at Sprouts
Seal the Seasons, founded by Patrick Mateer and Alex Piasecki, has expanded its frozen Smoothie Kits—including Blue Spirulina Tropical and Dragon Fruit Probiotic Blends—nationwide with Sprouts Farmers Market. The partnership strengthens the brand’s mission to support local American farms by using locally grown, locally frozen fruit in its value-added products. With Blue Spirulina already ranking as a top-five frozen innovation item, the collaboration with Sprouts—known for its e-commerce strength—positions Seal the Seasons for continued leadership in the smoothie kit category.
🐶 Jinx adds 3 major retailers, now in 10,000+ stores
Jinx, co-founded by Terri Rockovich, Sameer Mehta, and Michael Kim, has expanded its retail footprint to over 10,000 locations, adding Publix, Tractor Supply Co., and PetSmart to its growing list of national partners. The next-gen dog nutrition brand continues to gain ground in a softening pet category, securing shelf space alongside existing partners like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. The expansion supports Jinx’s rapid growth trajectory as it nears $100 million in revenue.
🚀 New Product Launch
🍍 Bold & Airy Bites debuts allergen-friendly freeze-dried snacks
PUR Spices, founded by Sonya Patel has officially launched Bold & Airy Bites, a boldly flavored, allergen-friendly line of freeze-dried fruit and veggie snacks free from the top 9 allergens. Crafted from whole produce and spiced with globally inspired flavors, the snacks are designed for school lunches and on-the-go lifestyles. Sold online, the brand meets rising demand for clean-label, convenient options that don’t sacrifice taste or texture.
🍄 MUD\WTR launches mental wellness protein shake
MUD\WTR, founded by Shane Heath, has debuted Nourish, a first-of-its-kind plant protein blend enhanced with nootropics, adaptogens, and gut-boosting nutrients to support both physical and mental wellness. Designed to tackle nutrient gaps and modern wellness needs, each serving includes 25g of plant protein along with lion’s mane, ashwagandha, and Bacopa for cognitive and emotional health. The formula avoids gums, oils, and artificial ingredients, and comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors aimed at making mental fitness as habitual as morning coffee.
🤝 Brand Partnerships
🎨 Welch’s teams with Crayola, Recess Therapy for natural-color fruit snacks
Welch’s Fruit Snacks, led by Michael Rosenberg, is rolling out limited-edition back-to-school boxes with natural coloring for its top-selling Mixed Fruit and Berries ‘n Cherries varieties, as part of new partnerships with Recess Therapy and Crayola. The collaboration supports Welch’s long-term transition away from artificial dyes, with the full portfolio expected to go all-natural by early 2026. The playful campaign targets families seeking fun, better-for-you snack choices for kids.
💸 Acquisitions and Investments
🥟 Balkan Bites joins Djerdan Burek in emotional acquisition
Balkan Bites, co-founded by Ariana Tolka and Alida Malushi, has been acquired by Djerdan Burek in a heartfelt homecoming for the frozen Balkan snack brand after a six-year independent journey. Ariana Tolka shared the personal roots behind the acquisition, having grown up eating at Djerdan’s Astoria restaurant. The deal not only expands Djerdan’s portfolio but also preserves Balkan Bites’ mission to share traditional burek with a broader American audience.
🎉 News to Celebrate
🐾 Jinx announces new CEO and prepares Series C raise
Jinx, co-founded by Terri Rockovich, Sameer Mehta, and Michael Kim and now led by CEO Kyle Banahan, is nearing $100 million in revenue and preparing for a Series C raise while announcing a major leadership transition. Kyle Banahan, known for scaling consumer brands, steps in as CEO while Graeme Fleckney joins as CFO. Rockovich moves into the role of Board Chairman, ensuring continuity of the brand’s values and vision. With strong investor confidence and expanding distribution, Jinx is positioning itself for its next phase of profitable growth.
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