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The End of Foxtrot

This week we learned of Foxtrot and Dom’s Market unexpected closing. It took many of us by surprise because Foxtrot represented one of the best opportunities for premium CPG brands to reach their customers. But what do we do now that the dust settled?

The only thing we can do is find a way through. I’ve heard from many of you who have unpaid inventory sitting on store shelves, wondering how you’re going to get paid. New launches that are now cancelled. Marketing campaigns that are no more. It sucks. It hurts financially. It can be demoralizing.

But as founders we face challenges like this all the time. Take a moment to reflect on the reality, then plan for what’s next. Lex Evan was able to open up new placement at Body Energy Clubs within Equinox. Other founders told their story and connected with customers on their social pages.

Where to start? Here’s a free guide to Grocery and Specialty Retailers in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Austin, Minneapolis, and San Francisco.

NEWS

A roundup of CPG news that happened last week.

🛒 Retail Rollouts

• 🍪 WILDE chips boosts its presence with expansion into major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco, capitalizing on its rapid growth and doubling of business for the third consecutive year. Read more

• 🥞 New pancake & waffle mixes from Yishi debut on the shelves at Fresh Thyme Market, promising a colorful and healthy breakfast option. Read more

💸 Investments and Acquisitions

• 💰 WILDE chips secures $20 million in growth funding from KarpReilly, with celebrity investments from Jack Harlow and MGK, aimed at furthering innovation and consumer engagement.  Read more

• 🥛 Pasture Brands acquires Pillars Yogurt, strengthening its portfolio of natural brands and setting the stage for accelerated growth and expanded distribution. Read more

• 🏬 Foxtrot's unexpected bankruptcy and closure marks the end of an era for the modern convenience store that was a significant platform for premium CPG brands, just months after its acquisition by Dom’s Market. Read more

🎉 News to Celebrate

• 🎈 Black Ambition, founded by Pharrell Williams, is launching its next grant program with applications closing May 6, offering checks ranging from $15,000 to $1,000,000. Read more

• 🍿 Betty Lu of Confetti Snacks clinches $10,000 at this year's Snax Tank, highlighting the brand's innovation and impact. Read more

Have news to share?

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EVENTS

Maya French and Justin Baker co-founded Koia, the natural plant-based protein drink that’s been incredibly successful. Join me as they share how they helped build Koia to become a leading brand.

They’ll be joined by Marco Matla for a look at how to build a successful brand while avoiding operational pitfalls that early stage brands often face.

Register Now!

The path to purchase for customers is blurring the digital and physical world more than ever. People are browsing the web on their phone while in the store, and searching online at home to plan their in store purchases.

Are you making it easy for your customers to purchase when and where they want?

Join me as we do a deep dive on how to optimize your digital marketing and sales channels to maximize purchases.

We’ll share how to make shoppable your:

• Digital Ads

• Store Locator

• Website (multi-channel shoppable)

• Digital Coupons

• and more

I’ll be joined by Louis Condon from Pear Commerce.

Register Now!

PODCAST

165. Trashy: Upcycled Veggie Chips

Kaitlin Mogentale founded Pulp Pantry in 2019 to reduce food waste and increase nutrition using upcycled veggie pulp. She had great initial traction getting accepted into Target’s Accelerator, airing on Shark Tank, and launching in major retailers. She found that while consumers say they are interested in sustainable messaging, labeling her product as “pulp” and “upcycled” was turning away potential customers who thought they would taste bad.

So in 2024 Kaitlin listened to her customers and rebranded to Trashy, an energetic and edgy brand to attract a new wave of customers.

Listen in to hear behind the scenes of her transition.

Support her WeFunder Equity Crowdfunding campaign

Listen on:

APPLE PODCAST

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About Foodbevy

Foodbevy helps food and beverage brands grow from startup to scale through inspiration, education, and partnership.

Jordan Buckner

Founder

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