The Consumer VC Roundup #107

The Latest News For the Emerging Consumer Ecosystem

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This Past Week In Consumer

🧃Consumer Brands👚

💰Fundraises💰

• Olipop is now valued at $1.85 billion after raising $50 million in a funding round led by JP Morgan Private Capital. The prebiotic soda brand plans to expand marketing, add flavors, and grow its retail presence. FoodDive

• Tokyo-based food tech startup Kinish Inc. has raised $800,000 to scale its rice-based dairy alternative technology. The seed funding round was led by Genesia Ventures, Lifetime Ventures, Full Commit Partners, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. Vegconomist

💸M&A💸

• Bronco Wine Co. has acquired key assets of Wine Hooligans, gaining full control of brands like Portlandia, Shortbread, Broadside, and Sea Monster. The deal also includes Wine Hooligans’ production facilities and BevZero’s site in Santa Rosa, California. Financial terms were not disclosed. JustDrinks

• Marchesi Antinori has acquired Arcadia Vineyard in the U.S. through Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, bringing the vineyard back to its original home and advancing its goal of 100% estate-grown wines. JustDrinks

• Constellation Brands has taken a minority stake in Hiyo, a U.S. maker of functional non-alcoholic beverages, through its venture capital arm. Hiyo plans to expand retail, innovate, and grow its team in 2025. JustDrinks

• Celsius Holdings plans to acquire Alani Nutrition for $1.8 billion. The deal, expected to close in Q2 2025, includes a $1.65 billion net purchase price and $150 million in tax assets. JustDrinks

• Verescence, a leader in luxury glass packaging, is set for a new chapter as Movendo Capital and Draycott acquire the company from Stirling Square Capital Partners. This transition aims to strengthen Verescence’s market position while driving growth and sustainability in premium beauty packaging. BP

• L’Oréal has invested in Borntostandout, a Korean luxury perfume brand, as part of its Series A funding round led by Bold (L’Oréal’s corporate venture capital fund) and Touch Capital. The funds will help Borntostandout expand into the U.S. and European markets. Since its launch in 2022, the brand has grown rapidly and is now available in 60 countries, offering perfumes, body care, and room fragrances. BP

🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansion🚀

• Solina has expanded its U.S. presence with the acquisitions of Sokol Custom Food Ingredients and Advanced Food Systems, aiming to become a “one-stop shop” for dry and liquid flavors. FoodDive

• Coca-Cola is entering the prebiotic soda market with Simply Pop, a fiber-rich drink with Vitamin C and zinc for immunity support. Launching in select stores and on Amazon Fresh, it takes on rising brands like Olipop and Poppi. FoodDive

• Liverpool-based cosmetics brand Made by Mitchell, which rose to fame through TikTok Shop, is now expanding into wholesale as it prepares for life beyond the platform. BOF

• Fazit, the viral beauty brand made famous by Taylor Swift, is launching a new category of body patches for the décolletage. These shimmering, waterproof patches build on the success of its Glitter Freckles Makeup Patches, which skyrocketed in popularity after Swift wore them to a Kansas City Chiefs game. GCIM

• IBG Lab, the brand incubator of Innovative Beauty Group (IBG), has launched Curls Matter, a new hair care line tailored for curly hair, now available at Monoprix stores across France. BP

• Beyoncé’s haircare brand, Cécred, is expanding into retail with Ulta Beauty, marking the biggest exclusive hair launch in Ulta’s history. Starting April 6, 2025, Cécred will be available in over 1,400 Ulta Beauty stores and online, featuring its full Foundation Collection. BP

• Suave unveils its biggest launch in decades with 34 new products across hair, body, and men’s care. Now available nationwide, the lineup blends cutting-edge science, premium ingredients, and trending scents, reinforcing Suave’s commitment to affordable luxury. BP

• Le Monde Gourmand, the cult-favorite fragrance brand, is expanding into the United Kingdom through Lookfantastic. The online premium beauty retailer will offer the brand’s fan-favorite scents along with an extended selection from its full range. BP

💰Funds Raising Funds💰

• Diageo, the British multinational alcoholic beverage company, is investing in renewable energy at its Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland, aiming to cut carbon emissions by over 90%. The multi-million-pound project will eliminate around 33,000 tonnes of CO2 annually as part of the company’s goal to achieve net zero in direct operations by 2030. JustDrinks

• JBS USA is investing $200 million to expand beef production, with $150 million for a new production floor in Texas and $50 million for a distribution center in Colorado. The move comes as the company prepares for a rebound in cattle supply. FoodDive

• Blow Pop maker Charms is investing $98 million to expand its Tennessee plant, adding 62 jobs and boosting its distribution center. The Covington factory, operating since 1973, produces various candies and is owned by Tootsie Roll Industries. FoodDive

• Aldi is investing £67m in upgrading its existing stores in 2025, enhancing layouts, expanding fresh and chilled ranges, and introducing energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration. This follows nearly £600m in store improvements since 2017. RetailGazette

🪇Collabs🪇

• Oobli is partnering with Ingredion to scale production of its sweet proteins, aiming to expand the market for plant-based sugar alternatives. The startup also raised $18 million as consumer interest in healthier sweeteners grows. FoodDive

• Barbie is celebrating Black History Month by partnering with the Black in Fashion Council to spotlight emerging Black female designers. The collaboration highlights Larissa Muehleder, Nia Thomas, and Fumi Egbon, promoting greater representation in fashion. RTP

• Walgreens has partnered with Grubhub for nationwide delivery, offering on-demand access to 15,000 items from Walgreens and Duane Reade stores. This expands Walgreens' existing delivery network alongside DoorDash and Uber Eats. RTP

• Nike and Skims are launching NikeSKIMS, a sculpting performance activewear line debuting in the U.S. this spring. A global rollout, including footwear and accessories, is planned for 2026, combining Nike’s sport innovation with Skims’ body-focused design. RTP

• Kiehl's has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery for a limited-edition The White Lotus x Kiehl's Resort ReSet Collection. Featuring TSA-approved travel-size products in a White Lotus Resort & Spa beach tote, the set includes the return of Lip Balm #1 in Mango and a new Cucumber Spritz Facial Spray. BP

📰 Consumer News📰

• Golden Grail Beverages has canceled its asset purchase agreement with UPDC Beverages, ending plans to acquire and integrate its operational assets. JustDrinks

• Babyganics has voluntarily recalled specific lots of its "Totally Tropical" SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen in both rollerball and continuous spray formulas. The recall follows quality testing results that did not meet expectations. While there is no known health or safety risk, the company is taking action to ensure product quality. BP

• Huda Beauty is selling its stake in Kayali, the fragrance brand founded by Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018. Backed by General Atlantic, Kayali will now operate independently, with Mona Kattan remaining as CEO and co-owner. The brand, known for its marketing, social media strategies, and gourmand scents, will enter its next phase of growth and expansion. BP

🔻Closures & Bankruptcies🔻

• New Look is closing all 26 of its stores in the Republic of Ireland, cutting 347 jobs as it exits the market after 22 years. The retailer cited sustained losses and challenging conditions, appointing KPMG as provisional liquidators. RetailGazette

• Fashion retailer Quiz has entered administration, closing 23 stores and cutting around 200 jobs. A pre-pack deal will see Orion Retail, linked to the founding Ramzan family, acquire remaining assets. While some stores will close, 42 will continue under new ownership. RetailGazette

• Unilever has shut down Aquis, the microfiber hair towel brand from the co-founders of K18, in the U.S., though it will remain available in Asia. BeautyIndependent

• Opulus Beauty Labs, the single-serving skincare brand founded by Clarisonic co-founder Robb Akridge in 2020, has shut down. BeautyIndependent

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