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This Past Week In Consumer
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💸M&A💸
Australian wine producer Overstory has acquired the Marengo Road vineyard in Tasmania's Coal River Valley. The purchase aims to double Overstory's Tasmanian volumes within three years, supporting portfolio expansion and growth in domestic and global markets. JustDrinks
Luxury Cosmetic Solutions Investments, the owner of Virospack, has acquired a majority stake in Eurovetrocap S.p.A., a top cosmetics packaging integrator. Eurovetrocap’s founding family will retain a minority stake, and the current management team will remain in place. BeautyPackaging
Misha’s, a U.S. plant-based foods company, has acquired non-dairy cheese producer Vertage, expanding its product range to include shredded and sliced plant-based cheeses. The deal also grants Misha’s access to Fresh Del Monte’s advanced logistics network, enhancing production and distribution capabilities. Vegconomist
Narayan Group, a Slovenia-based producer of organic coconut and superfood products, is set to be acquired by Edible Garden AG. The two companies signed a non-binding letter of intent for Edible Garden to purchase Narayan Group’s shares, with Narayan’s shareholders becoming the controlling stakeholders in Edible Garden. Vegconomist
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansion🚀
Touchland, the hand sanitizer brand, has launched its first fragrance collection, expanding into a new category with eight skincare-infused hair and body mists. The move follows the brand's tenfold revenue growth. BOF
K-Beauty brand CosRx has launched its Alpha-Arbutin 2 Skin Discoloration Serum, designed to soothe and hydrate irritated skin. It absorbs quickly for a refreshing, non-sticky feel and is suitable for all skin types. BeautyPackaging
Young Living has launched "Wyld Notes," a sister company that complements its Network Marketing model. The inaugural five-piece collection features 100% natural fine fragrances and includes a first-of-its-kind affiliate program. BeautyPackaging
Eucerin has introduced its Radiant Tone Collection, scientifically designed to visibly reduce dark spots and enhance skin tone. BeautyPackaging
Hodo, a U.S. tofu brand, is expanding into Meijer, Harris Teeter, and Giant Martin’s as demand for minimally processed plant-based proteins grows. Known for its non-GMO tofu, Hodo offers over 20 products, including flavored blocks, entrees, and new Saucy Tofu Kits designed for busy families and tofu beginners. Vegconomist
Glamnetic co-founders Ann McFerran and Kevin Gould have launched Digi, a press-on nail brand targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Exclusively available at Ulta Beauty, Digi appeals to young consumers opting for at-home nail products over salon visits. BeautyIndependent
🪇Collabs🪇
Anheuser-Busch is teaming up with 1st Phorm and Dana White to launch an energy drink this summer, expanding into a category led by Monster, Red Bull, and Celsius. The product will be distributed via Anheuser-Busch's network. FoodDive
Sephora Canada has partnered with Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team set to debut in 2026. As the team’s official beauty partner and founding sponsor, Sephora’s logo will feature prominently on players’ jerseys. BeautyPackaging
e.l.f. Beauty has teamed up with activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and astronaut Amanda Nguyen. She stars in the latest Show Your(s)e.l.f. episode, showcasing her nonprofit, Rise, and inspiring resilience and advocacy. BeautyPackaging
Estée Lauder has partnered with French pastry maker Ladurée to launch the limited-edition "In Great Taste" collection for Valentine's Day. The Parisian-inspired packaging features pastel tones and tea box-like details, including a satin eyeshadow palette in Ladurée’s signature green. BeautyPackaging
L'Oréal is partnering with IBM to develop a groundbreaking AI foundation model for sustainable cosmetics. Using IBM’s generative AI technology, the initiative will accelerate formulation, optimize production, and analyze renewable ingredients, advancing sustainability and reducing waste in the beauty industry. BeautyPackaging
Target has partnered with MCoBeauty to launch a line of affordable beauty products, tapping into the growing trend of luxury item lookalikes, or "dupes." The move comes amid rising consumer interest in dupes, spurred by the popularity of items like the "Wirkin," a dupe of the Hermès Birkin bag sold at a fraction of the price. BeautyIndependent
📰 Consumer News📰
The Leinenkugel family still hopes to acquire the historic Chippewa Falls brewery from Molson Coors, despite the company rejecting their NDA proposal. Founded in 1867, the brewery was the original home of the Leinenkugel brand, acquired by Molson Coors in 1988. JustDrinks
The FDA is banning Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in rats, requiring manufacturers to reformulate affected foods by January 15, 2027. The move follows a 1990 ban on its use in cosmetics and a 2022 petition by health advocates. FoodDive
The FDA has proposed front-of-package nutrition labels highlighting saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to address chronic diseases. Public comments are open until May 16. FoodDrive
Amika has issued a voluntary recall of its Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo after reports of a change in odor and rare cases of temporary irritation. The recall affects all sizes and lots purchased in 2023 or 2024 due to potential contamination with the bacterium P. Gergoviae. The conditioner is not impacted by this recall. BeautyPackaging
🔻Closures & Bankruptcies🔻
Brown-Forman, owner of Jack Daniel’s, will close its Louisville cooperage and cut 640 jobs, sourcing barrels externally to save $70M–$80M annually. The restructuring aims to streamline operations and focus on growth. FoodDive
Joann, the 82-year-old fabrics and crafts retailer, has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in a year, citing sluggish sales and inventory issues. The company is seeking a sale to address its $615 million debt. CNNBusiness
The Rocher Group has announced plans to sell its children's fashion and home care brands, Petit Bateau and Stanhome. This divestiture will allow the group to focus on its core cosmetics brands — Yves Rocher, Arbonne, Sabon, and Dr. Pierre Ricaud — with a planned 50% increase in investment for these areas. FashionNetwork
Unsun Cosmetics, a trailblazer in inclusive sun care, is closing after raising awareness about sunscreen for people of color and expanding to over 10,000 retail locations. BeautyIndependent
💰Funds Raising Funds💰
Chipotle Mexican Grill has doubled its Cultivate Next fund to $100M, aiming to boost sustainability and innovation in food tech. The fund invests in early-stage companies focused on agriculture, supply chains, automation, and restaurant tech, supporting Chipotle’s growth strategy to reach 7,000 locations in North America. Vegconomist
💻eCommerce and Retail Software💻
Haut.AI has launched SkinGPT, a generative AI technology for virtual skincare try-ons. Designed for beauty brands, it simulates the effects of skincare products and treatments, creating personalized and interactive e-commerce experiences. BeautyPackaging
Myavana, an AI-powered hair care platform, has launched a Certified Stamp for Healthy Hair Care, marking a new standard in the industry. This certification supports safe, tested products and personalized services while offering training in beauty technology to foster growth for brands, professionals, and salons. BeautyPackaging
💸M&A💸
Freetrade, the UK trading app, has been acquired by IG Group for £160M. Early crowdfunding investors will see returns, while later-stage investors may face losses. Freetrade, founded in 2016, has 720,000 customers and £2.5bn in assets. It will continue to operate as a standalone brand post-acquisition, which is expected to be completed by mid-2025. TechEU
Fintech platform Namirial has acquired Digital Technologies, a digital transaction management software focused on document workflow hyper-automation and invoicing. TechEU
💰Fundraises💰
Recharge, an Amsterdam-based fintech, has secured a €45M debt facility through ABN AMRO, which it plans to use for acquisitions. The company aims to target B2B and B2C acquisitions across Europe and potentially beyond, while also looking to expand into new markets. TechEU
Paris-based startup Hyperline has raised $10M in a seed extension round led by Index Ventures. The funding will help the company expand its automated billing platform, which supports small and medium-sized businesses in managing revenue through pricing, workflows, automation, and integrations. TechEU