The Consumer VC Roundup #93
The Latest News For the Emerging Consumer Ecosystem
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This Week In Consumer
💸M&A💸
🍺 Molson Coors, the Canadian-American brewing company, is acquiring a majority stake in Zoa Energy, expanding its role from distributor and minority shareholder to leader of the brand’s marketing, retail, and direct-to-consumer sales. The acquisition coincides with Molson Coors' Q3 financial results, which included a lowered annual sales forecast. Financial details were not disclosed. JustDrinks
🎋 Mexican sugar cane refiner Beta San Miguel (BSM) has acquired a 15.93% stake in North American sugar refiner Sucro Ltd., purchasing 3.75 million shares at $9 each from Sucro’s main shareholder, SC Americas Corp. This acquisition also includes a supply agreement, strengthening BSM’s presence in North America. FoodBusinessNews
🧴 Chicago-based Hallstar Beauty, a leading provider of ingredients and technologies for beauty and personal care specialized in skin and sun care, has acquired NJ-based Sytheon, whose active ingredients include hero products like Bakuchiol which is a safer, natural alternative to retinol. GCIMagazine
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansion🚀
🚿 CeraVe is entering the hair care market with two new dermatologist-backed lines: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff and CeraVe Gentle Hydrating. The Anti-Dandruff line includes a shampoo, conditioner, and 2-in-1 option, each priced at $9.97, while the Gentle Hydrating line offers a shampoo and conditioner for $8.97. All products are available on Walmart.com. GCIMagazine
🧴 Vice & Virtue has launched a skin care line emphasizing “bio-harmony” to support the skin's microbiome while addressing skin concerns with gentle, non-irritating ingredients. The products avoid potential endocrine disruptors and harsh actives to maintain the skin’s natural barrier. GCIMagazine
✨ Freaks of Nature, the skin care brand co-created by surfer Kelly Slater and DTC Incubator Squared Circles, is expanding onto Amazon. The move, representing the brand's first non-DTC expansion, will significantly expand Freaks of Nature's reach. GCIMagazine
💆🏻♀️ RoC Skincare marked National Retinol Day by launching its new Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick. Known for its innovation in retinol stabilization, RoC was the first brand to make retinol widely available for daily skincare use. BeautyPackaging
💄 LR Health & Beauty has launched LR Zeitgard Signature, a new makeup range featuring 19 products aimed at fashion-conscious consumers of all ages. Developed with input from beauty professionals and makeup artists, the line offers a stylish and versatile selection. BeautyPackaging
💄 Dolce&Gabbana Beauty has introduced The Lip Stylos, a versatile lip product available in Matte, Satin, and Sheer finishes. Each format—My Comfy Matte, My Sculpt Satin, and My Juicy Sheer—delivers shine and hydration and is vegan-friendly, meeting the Clean at Sephora standards. BeautyPackaging
🫧 Perry Ellis International has launched Night Sky, the final addition to its Sky fragrance line, which follows the previous releases of Sky and Red Sky. BeautyPackaging
🪇Collabs🪇
♻️ Clean Food Group, a UK-based biotech firm, is partnering with THG Labs to transform food waste into valuable cosmetic ingredients via fermentation to help improve the manufacturing of eco-friendly beauty products. GCIMagazine
🍫 Döhler has invested in UK startup Nukoko to scale production of a cocoa-free chocolate made from fava beans. This partnership aims to tackle challenges in the cocoa industry, such as rising costs, climate impact, and socio-economic issues, by providing a sustainable chocolate alternative. Vegconomist
🪮 Pantone, in collaboration with X-Rite and Sun Chemical, has introduced Monobloc color libraries within its PantoneLive digital color system, tailored specifically for extruded aluminum aerosol packaging. This addition simplifies the creation of custom-colored metal packaging, a growing trend among beauty brands. BeautyPackaging
🛍️ Smashbox Cosmetics has partnered with Mexican fashion brand Ilka for a limited-edition collection, marking Smashbox's debut in the fashion space. This collaboration combines Smashbox's branding with Ilka's popular handbag styles, inspired by a recent visit to Mexico City by Smashbox executives. BeautyPackaging
↪️Rebrands & Relaunches↩️
🫧 David Beckham has relaunched his Instinct fragrance line with a refreshed look and the new True Instinct scent. The collection now features sleek glass bottles with bold black caps and a holographic label for a modern touch. Available in Eau de Parfum, it offers longer-lasting fragrance options, including Deodorant Body Spray and Natural Spray formats. BeautyPackaging