In Episode 7 of Unpackaged Goods, we cover the biggest moves in CPG this week, including Recess's $30M Series B as they expand beyond CBD, Fruitist's $150M raise at $400M revenue, and Target's aggressive push into wellness shots.

Then, we sit down with the founders of Stesh to discuss how they're revolutionizing the nut butter category with premium California pistachio butter.

We explore:

• Building a luxury brand in a commodity category
• The challenges of pistachio sourcing and production
• Converting consumers at premium price points
• Their vision for expanding beyond traditional nut butters

Plus: A critical segment on the SNAP benefits crisis affecting 42 million Americans. As the government shutdown threatens food assistance, we discuss how CPG brands can help make their products accessible to everyone - because premium doesn't have to mean exclusive.

Other stories this week:

• Novak Djokovic joins Cob as co-founder (sorghum popcorn)
• Chomps opens second manufacturing facility
• Man Cereal launches with creatine-infused breakfast
• Magic Mind, Supergut, and more score major distribution wins

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#CPG #Entrepreneurship #FoodJustice #UnpackagedGoods #ConsumerGoods

In Episode 6 of Unpackaged Goods, Jonathan tackles this week's viral Consumer Reports article about heavy metals in protein powder - and explains why the fear-mongering doesn't match the science.

This week's major moves:

• LVMH explores exit from Fenty Beauty ($450M in sales)
• Grüns crosses $300M in revenue while staying profitable
• Advent seeks $2B for luxury fragrance brands
• Unilever's $9B ice cream spinoff delayed by shutdown
• Carbone Fine Food expands to simmer sauces near $100M mark

Plus: A fact-based breakdown of the protein powder controversy. We compare actual heavy metal levels to everyday foods, explain why California Prop 65 is meaningless, and share what consumers should really focus on when buying supplements.

The truth? Your spinach has more lead than your protein powder. But fear sells better than facts.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get podcasts.

In Episode 5 of Unpackaged Goods, Jonathan covers the week's biggest CPG moves including BUILT Bar's potential sale, Sprinter Spirits' $4M raise, and why luxury butter needs venture funding.

Then, the founder of Trelli Health shares their mission to create cleaner alternatives to everyday medicines. We discuss:

• Building plant-based alternatives to Tylenol, cold medicine, and IBS relief
• Why the OTC medicine aisle hasn't innovated in decades
• The challenges of competing with pharmaceutical giants
• Creating trust in a category dominated by legacy brands
• Their vision for the future of wellness medicine

Plus: Pop-Tarts adds protein, someone put creatine in a candy bar, and mac & cheese now comes with 47 grams of protein. We've officially reached peak protein absurdity.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get podcasts.

#CPG #HealthTech #Wellness #Entrepreneurship #UnpackagedGoods