"The Rachel" Haircut Creator Drops Hair Care Line at Sephora, Thrifty Ice Cream and KPH Healthcare Services Get Acquired, Nissin Foods Launches Frozen Food Brand, Lululemon Expands to Italy
The Consumer VC Roundup #128, Latest News in Emerging Consumer Brands, Tech & Commerce Enablement From the Week of July 14th
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Hey friends,
I hope you’re having a great week. Thank you to P33 for hosting me at TechChicago Capital Summit on Tuesday. I had a fantastic time interviewing Ezra Galston, founder of Starting Line. Ezra last appeared on the show in 2020, and a couple of things have changed since then, you could say. The episode will be coming out in the next few weeks. It was also great catching up with Ashley Hartman from Bluestein Ventures and Lou Celli from J.P. Morgan. To those who I met in the flesh and said they listen to the podcast – thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re support means the world. I definitely need to visit Chicago more often.
Summits & Brand Showcase Opportunities
I mentioned in the last couple of issues that Consumer VC is partnering on the Embark Summit in Bentonville, AR, on September 16th.
Embark Summit is a strategic, one‑day hub for those building tomorrow’s consumer brands—bringing action‑able content, curated experiences, and unrivaled connections in the heart of retail innovation.
We’re also producing the FIRST Consumer VC Full-Day Summit in Austin, TX on October 16th! This has been a long time coming. If you were with us during COVID, you might remember our all-day Zoom conferences. Well—this is our first all-day, in-person experience.
We will more publicly announce the Consumer VC Summit one in the coming weeks BUT for both of these, we have brand showcase opportunities! So, if you’re interested in showcasing, Apply Here!
On to the news from the week –
📰 Consumer News📰
The FDA plans to revoke 52 food product standards it deems outdated, affecting items like dairy, baked goods, and canned produce. The move aims to reduce regulatory barriers, encourage innovation, and allow manufacturers more flexibility to improve product health and quality. FD
President Trump has signed a major spending and tax bill that tightens eligibility and work requirements for SNAP, while requiring states to contribute more funding starting in 2028. The bill also cuts Medicaid, boosts military spending, and extends expiring tax breaks. FD
Texas is investigating Mars, maker of Skittles and M&M’s, for potentially deceptive trade practices after failing to honor a 2016 pledge to remove artificial dyes from U.S. products—despite doing so in Europe. FD
Kraft Heinz is recalling over 360,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to possible listeria contamination, with products distributed across the U.S. and abroad. No illnesses have been reported, and the issue was identified through internal testing. FD
President Trump claimed Coca-Cola will switch to cane sugar in its U.S. soda, calling it a “very good move.” Coca-Cola hasn’t confirmed the change, saying only that new product innovations will be announced soon. FD
Mars has cut its supply chain emissions by 16.4% since 2015 while growing 69%, according to its 2024 sustainability report. The company also launched a $250 million Sustainable Investment Fund to support climate-focused innovations across the food and agriculture sectors. FD
The Trump administration has sued California, claiming its animal welfare laws for egg-laying hens are unconstitutional and have raised egg prices nationwide by restricting common farming practices. FD
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💰Fundraises💰
Belgian startup AmphiStar has secured €12.5 million from the European Innovation Council to scale its sustainable biosurfactants made from bio-based waste. The funding will help expand its AmphiCare and AmphiClean lines and bring a new eco-friendly surfactant to market as an alternative to palm oil-based ingredients. GCIM
💸M&A💸
Berlin Packaging has acquired Italian firm Cosmei to enhance its design-focused packaging capabilities, particularly in the indie, prestige, and masstige beauty segments. Cosmei also operates a sourcing office in China to support its global supply chain. GCIM BP
Jones Soda has sold its cannabis beverage business, including the Mary Jones brand, to MJ Reg Disrupters for $3 million as part of a strategy to refocus on core soda, functional, and alcoholic beverages. The deal includes upfront cash and a promissory note payable through 2028. FD
Monster Energy executives Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks, through Hilrod Holdings, have acquired the Thrifty Ice Cream brand and KPH Healthcare Services for $19.2 million as part of Rite Aid’s bankruptcy proceedings. The future of the iconic 85-year-old brand remains unclear. FD
Ferrero is acquiring WK Kellogg for $3.1 billion, expanding its U.S. presence in cereals like Froot Loops and Rice Krispies. The deal strengthens Ferrero’s reach across cereal, snacks, and confections in North America. FD
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansions🚀
Nissin Foods has launched Kanzen Meal, a new frozen food brand in the U.S. targeting health-conscious consumers and those using GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The nutrient-dense, single-serve meals aim to offer a more satisfying and filling alternative to typical low-calorie frozen options. FD
Kao Corporation has launched new skincare innovations under Sensai, Kanebo, and Curél to support its global expansion. Curél's latest line features carbonated foam technology combined with Ceramide Care to deeply hydrate and brighten dry, sensitive skin, marking a key step in meeting diverse skincare needs across global markets. GCIM
Cohere Beauty has launched the Skiniglow-6 Matrix Collection, a six-piece skincare line designed to create a moisture-sealing barrier that boosts skin resilience and enhances long-lasting hydration. BP
Walmart has opened its first owned-and-operated beef facility in Olathe, Kansas, as part of a $257 million investment to build a resilient Angus beef supply chain and expand its commitment to U.S.-sourced products. FD
Juicy Couture Fragrances has launched Just Moi Eau de Parfum, a bold new scent under Revlon Fragrances that expands the Viva La Juicy legacy. Designed for a confident, expressive new generation, it celebrates indulgence and self-expression. BP
Celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, known for iconic looks like "The Rachel," is launching his namesake hair care line at Sephora on August 12. The debut collection includes seven styling products designed to bring salon-quality results home, all featuring a proprietary HS3 complex. This marks McMillan’s official entry into the prestige hair market after decades in the industry. WWD
Olehenriksen has launched the Peach Glaze Collection, a trio of skincare products designed to brighten, plump, and hydrate the skin and lips with a refreshing summer peach scent and glow-boosting results. BP
Lululemon is expanding its global footprint with a new store in Milan, marking its entry into Italy as part of its plan to quadruple international revenue by 2026. Located in the city’s shopping district, the 5,700-square-foot space features men’s and women’s activewear and a custom 3D-printed façade. The move follows recent launches in India, Denmark, Belgium, and Turkey as the brand continues its global growth strategy. WWD
Sky Organics has launched a new organic skincare line packaged in recyclable bottles and cartons, reinforcing its sustainability mission. The Certified B Corp also partnered with the Pact Collective to offer specialized recycling solutions for pumps, sprayers, and droppers. BP
Pom Drops has launched a single-use, pre-measured hair styling clay in pellet form, designed to reduce mess, waste, and contamination. Each pellet delivers a firm hold with a matte finish, offering a cleaner and more consistent alternative to traditional jars and tubes. GCIM
Beauty of Joseon has launched at Sephora in the U.S., debuting hero products like the Glow Serum and Ginseng Cleansing Oil, along with a new Day Dew Sunscreen SPF 50. The lightweight, dewy sunscreen—vegan, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic—stars in a bold new campaign featuring global ambassador Peggy Gou. BP
CeraVe is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of five new products targeting acne, hydration, and eczema. The lineup includes the Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, Blemish Barrier Patches, Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser, Intensive Moisturizing Cream, and Baby Eczema Relief Cream — all formulated with CeraVe’s signature blend of three essential ceramides to support the skin barrier. BP
Coty has launched Origen, a new Consumer Beauty fragrance brand inspired by global scent journeys and the spirit of discovery. The collection features five signature scents, each designed to transport wearers through evocative, destination-inspired fragrance experiences. BP
🪇Collabs🪇
Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division has partnered with The Brandtech Group to scale a generative AI-powered content infrastructure. Central to the collaboration is Unilever’s Beauty AI Studio, which uses Brandtech’s Pencil Pro platform to create a global AI-driven content supply chain and operating model. BP
K-Beauty brand Belif Skincare is partnering with NFL player Cooper DeJean for a fan event at Ulta Beauty in Cherry Hill, NJ, on July 20, 2025, combining K-Beauty with game-day energy to promote the brand’s skincare offerings. BP
Wild has teamed up with Chupa Chups for a nostalgic collection featuring four sweet lollipop-inspired scents across deodorant, body wash, hand wash, and lip balm, all packaged in a bold hot pink refill case evoking early 2000s vibes. BP
↪️Rebrands & Relaunches↩️
Beau Domaine, the skincare brand co-founded by Brad Pitt, has unveiled refreshed, eco-conscious packaging. The new luminous white design reflects the brand’s scientific approach and commitment to circular beauty, with lighter materials aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. BP
🔻Closures, Bankruptcies & Downsizes🔻
Shiseido Americas is implementing major layoffs as part of a broad workforce reduction, citing declining performance and a tough market outlook. The move affects several U.S. roles across its portfolio, which includes Nars and Drunk Elephant, as the company struggles with slowing sales and ongoing economic pressures. BOF
Del Monte Foods, the 139-year-old canned goods maker, has filed for bankruptcy and is seeking a buyer, citing challenges from a tough macroeconomic environment. The company sees a sale as the best path to recovery and long-term stability. FD
Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé will shut down in September after four years, with founder Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye citing market challenges and an unsustainable path forward. BOF
🛒eCommerce, Retail Tech, Supply Chain🛒
🚀Launches🚀
Industrie Africa is expanding into B2B with a new retail consultancy for luxury hospitality, launching its Select service at the Bawe Island resort in Zanzibar. The debut includes a capsule collection with Senegalese label Tongoro, sold both in-store and online. This marks a strategic shift beyond e-commerce, as the company aims to embed African design into high-end travel experiences and plans for further physical retail locations and a funding round in 2026. WWD
Haut.AI has launched the SPF Truth Booth, the first Gen AI-powered tool that visualizes long-term UV damage by simulating how skin ages with and without sunscreen. Powered by the company's SkinGPT, the launch aligns with UV Safety Awareness Month. BP
Thank you for reading!