The Consumer VC Roundup #104
The Latest News For the Emerging Consumer Ecosystem
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This Past Week In Consumer
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💰Fundraises💰
Liberation Labs, a precision fermentation firm, has secured $50.5 million in a convertible note round. The round includes $31.5 million in new funding and $19 million from insider bridge notes raised earlier in 2024. Key investors include NEOM Investment Fund, Galloway Limited, and Meach Cove Capital, along with existing backers Agronomics, New Agrarian Capital, and Siddhi Capital. Vegconomist
The Government of Nova Scotia is investing over 1 million Canadian dollars to expand the Verschuren Centre's fermentation plant in Cape Breton. The expansion will enhance automation, support additional clients, and create skilled jobs in the biomanufacturing sector. With a $1,055,000 contribution from the province's Community Economic Development Fund, the plant will increase its client capacity from 40 to 50. Vegconomist
💸M&A💸
Keystone Brewing Group has acquired Magic Rock and Fourpure from In Good Company Brewing, securing an exclusive license to produce and grow these iconic craft beer brands in the UK and globally. JustDrinks
Molson Coors will acquire an 8.5% stake in Fevertree Drinks for £71m ($88.3m), forming a long-term partnership. Starting 1 February, Molson Coors will handle Fevertree’s US sales, distribution, and production, strengthening its presence in the premium mixer market. JustDrinks
Emperador, the global spirits company, has acquired a 60% stake in mezcal producer Destileria Los Danzantes for 80 million pesos ($3.7 million). This move strengthens Emperador’s presence in the fast-growing mezcal market, expanding its premium spirits portfolio. JustDrinks
Ferrero is acquiring protein snack brand Power Crunch from Bio-Nutritional Research, expanding its presence in the better-for-you category and strengthening its U.S. footprint. The deal includes Power Crunch’s Irvine, California office, with around 50 employees joining Ferrero’s North American operations. FoodDive
Give Back Beauty, known for scents under the Zegna and Chopard brands, is acquiring AB Parfums, producer of L'Oréal Group fragrances like Ralph Lauren, Maison Margiela, and Diesel. The acquisition expands Give Back Beauty’s licenses and distribution, with fragrance making up 70% of its revenues. Together, the companies had 2024 sales of 400 million euros. Despite the growing fragrance market, Give Back Beauty isn't planning to go public. GCIMagazine
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansion🚀
CVS Health has launched a new mobile app that allows shoppers to unlock secured merchandise display cases in select test stores. The app also integrates savings offers, prescription pickups, and AI-powered search functions. Future updates will include a conversational AI chatbot for medication refill and order status inquiries. RetailDive
Reebok is making a comeback in the basketball market with the launch of its first performance basketball shoe in over a decade. The Engine A, debuting in a silver colorway, will be available globally on February 13 for $120. The launch will be supported by a global marketing campaign featuring WNBA stars Angel Reese and Lexie Brown, NBA player Matas Buzelis, and more. RetailDive
JBS, the world's largest meat company, is entering the egg industry through a merger with South American producer Mantiqueira Brasil. The deal gives JBS a 50% stake in Mantiqueira, which produces 4 billion eggs annually. This move expands JBS’s portfolio beyond meat, seafood, and alternative proteins while positioning Mantiqueira for international growth. FoodDive
Erly, a new skincare brand targeting Gen Z, is offering a refined alternative to Drunk Elephant with effective products and a minimalist approach, free from playful logos or mascots. BeautyIndependent
Herno Group has launched a new brand, Laminar, evolving from its original collection line into an independent label within the group. The brand's spring/summer 2025 collection focuses on Italian craftsmanship and blends beauty with functionality, emphasizing comfort and excellent craft. WWD
Jaouda, an agri-food company, has launched Nabatlé, which it claims to be the first 100% Moroccan milk alternative brand. The plant-based milk is available in oat, almond, and coconut varieties, all of which are calcium-fortified and free from gluten, lactose, added sugars, and preservatives. Vegconomist
↪️Rebrands & Relaunches↩️
Foot Locker is returning to the NBA All-Star Game with a four-day brand activation from Feb. 13-16 in San Francisco’s Union Square. The 34,000-square-foot space will feature sneaker drops, exclusive product customization, and activations from Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Puma, Converse, Crocs, Anta, and New Era Cap. RetailDive
Slice Soda is making a comeback as a healthier, functional beverage focused on gut health. Now owned by Suja Life, the relaunched drink maintains its classic flavors and carbonation but features real ingredients, low sugar, and a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. FoodDive
Coca-Cola is introducing a nostalgic Orange Cream flavor, blending its classic cola with orange and creamy vanilla. Developed in response to consumer demand, the new variety launches on Feb. 10 and will be available in both regular and zero sugar options. Expected to remain on shelves until early 2026, the limited-time release aligns with Coca-Cola’s ongoing efforts to innovate within its soda portfolio while expanding into other beverage categories. FoodDive
🪇Collabs🪇
Melt&Marble, a Swedish startup producing fat ingredients through precision fermentation, has partnered with Finnish food company Valio to develop plant-based foods made with fermented fats. The long-term research collaboration will focus on studying new fat properties produced by Melt&Marble, with the goal of commercializing plant-based foods that offer improved mouthfeel, structure, and succulence compared to existing alternatives. Vegconomist
📰 Consumer News📰
The US Surgeon General has called for updated alcohol labels to include cancer warnings, citing a direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. JustDrinks
The U.S. has detected its first case of the rare avian influenza strain H5N9 in poultry, found at a California duck farm. The discovery raises concerns among experts about potential virus mutations. The farm, which also had H5N1 cases, was quarantined, and all 119,000 birds were culled. H5N1 has been responsible for over 145 million bird deaths since 2022. FoodDive
UPS shares dropped 14% after the company issued weak revenue guidance and announced plans to reduce deliveries for Amazon, its largest customer, by more than 50% by 2026. The shipping giant is also reconfiguring its U.S. network and launching efficiency initiatives expected to save around $1 billion. CNBC
A crackdown on Chinese e-commerce sellers is affecting U.S. online retailers, as smaller importers report their supply chains are being caught up in regulatory actions targeting the Customs de minimis exemption. This exemption allows companies to avoid U.S. tariffs on shipments valued under $800. U.S. apparel retailers are being impacted by evolving regulations in both the U.S. and Mexico, forcing some to rethink their international e-commerce supply chains. WSJ
💰Funds Raising Funds💰
Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker, is investing $415 million in a new manufacturing and warehousing facility in the U.S. The site is designed to enhance supply chain operations in North America and support the future growth of its export business. JustDrinks
Walmart Canada is investing $4.5 billion over the next five years to expand its store and supply chain footprint. The plan includes opening five supercenters in Ontario and Alberta by 2027, with two launching this year, and a new distribution center in Vaughan, Ontario, set to open this spring. RetailDive
🔻Closures & Bankruptcies🔻
Macy’s is closing its Sacramento fulfillment center as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to streamline its supply chain. The move, impacting 79 employees, aligns with the retailer's plan to close distribution centers, increase automation, and improve efficiency. RetailDive
The Container Store has officially exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy, eliminating $88 million in debt. The retailer is now privately owned by its lenders and has refinanced its short-term debt, secured $40 million in new financing, and added $40 million to its asset-backed lending facility. RetailDive
Kohl’s has cut 10% of its corporate workforce, impacting fewer than 200 employees, as part of its broader efforts to streamline operations. The move follows the retailer’s decision to close 27 stores and a fulfillment center to enhance efficiency and profitability. RetailDive
💻Consumer Software💻
💰Fundraises💰
Output Sports, a Dublin-based HealthTech company known for wearable tech used by Olympians and NBA players, has raised €4.5 million in a pre-A funding round. The investment comes from Apex Capital, Uni.Fund, Dopamine Sports, and existing backers Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge, and Enterprise Ireland, along with angel investors like Jim Kelliher (Drift, LogMeIn). The funding will help expand the company’s presence in the US. EUStartups
London-based FinTech firm Sokin has secured €14.4 million in debt funding from funds managed by BlackRock. This investment will support its growth, allowing the company to open offices in the US, EU, and the Middle East. The funding follows a €29.8 million strategic investment from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital earlier this year. EUStartups
Expo West Morning Meetup
Rise, Roast & Meet CPG
Hilton Hotel on the Sunset Deck → 🍹 Rise, Roast & Meet CPG
📆 Thursday, March 6th
🕘 8:00 AM-10:00 AM PST - SIGN UP HERE
Morning Consumer Coffee Meetups
Phreshly D.C. Consumer Coffees with MFD
Washington, DC → 🍹 Phreshly D.C. Consumer Coffees with MFD
📆 Friday, February 7th
🕘 9:00 AM-4:00 PM EST - SIGN UP HERE
Vancouver Consumer Coffees with MFD
Vancouver, BC → 🍹 Vancouver Consumer Coffees with MFD
📆 Wednesday, February 12th
🕘 9:00 AM-7:00 PM PST - SIGN UP HERE
Portland Consumer Coffee Meetup
Portland, OR → 🍹 Portland Consumer Coffee Meetup with MFD & Rick Turoczy
📆 Thursday, February 13th
🕘 9:00 AM-7:00 PM PST - SIGN UP HERE