Chobani Invests $500M, HiBall Returns to Retail ⚡️

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CPG WIRE
March 25, 2025

Welcome back to This Week in CPG, folks. Here’s what we’re covering this morning:

  • ASW Distillery grabs funding 🥃

  • Hourglass opens flagship 💄

  • The Ordinary x MSCHF 🥚

  • Odd Cookie launches 🍪

  • No Sugar Company bets on soda 🫧

Deals 💰

Mergers & Acquisitions 

  • Sammontana Italia, one of the leading gelato manufacturers in Italy, has acquired La Rocco Creative Cakes, a Canadian manufacturer of cakes, desserts, and frozen pastries. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed but the acquisition was made via Sammontana North America, a newly formed entity. Just Food

  • Megalabs USA has acquired Geologie, a skin, hair, and body care brand that retails at Target. New York-based Geologie was founded by Nick Allen and Dave Skaff in 2018. WWD

Fundraising

  • According to PitchBook, Atlanta’s ASW Distillery raised over $4.8M in fresh funding on March 13th. ASW Distillery produces a wide variety of spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, and vodka. PitchBook

What’s New 🤩

Apparel, Cosmetics, and Wellness

  • Hourglass, the color cosmetics brand that Unilever acquired in 2017, is opening a flagship store in New York City. The 1,500-square-foot store was designed by TMR Design and Crozier Studies. Hourglass previously had two retail stores but closed both during the pandemic. WWD

  • Loewe, the Spanish fashion label that LVMH acquired in 1996, has named Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez as the brand’s next Creative Directors. Prior to joining Loewe, McCollough and Hernandez co-founded Proenza Schouler. Business of Fashion

  • Zara opened a flagship store in Nanjing that features a cafe and a content creation studio. Fashion Network

  • Makeup brand Patrick Ta Beauty is reportedly expanding into the body care category. The new collection will launch on March 30th. Cosmetics Business

  • Skincare brand The Ordinary partnered with MSCHF to sell low-priced eggs at two of its stores in New York City. It’s a fun marketing stunt and The Dieline had some great takes. The Cut

Food, Beverage, and Alcohol

  • Chobani is investing $500M to expand its manufacturing facility in Idaho by 500,000 square feet. The move will increase production by 50% and create 160 additional jobs. Food Manufacturing

  • Canadian snack brand Odd Cookie officially launched. The company is a purveyor of extra thin cookies that look delicious. Devin Connell, a best-selling cookbook author, and Lauren Levy, a recipe developer, are behind the brand. Odd Cookie manufactures its own products and the branding is very good. Odd Cookie

  • Performance nutrition brand Cadence is preparing to launch a new flavor of its popular electrolyte beverage. These guys are running a masterclass in brand building. Instagram

  • Ontario-based No Sugar Company is expanding into the better-for-you soda category via its Joyburst beverage brand. The new line, dubbed Joyburst Super Soda, features active ingredients that support gut and immune health. It looks like they’re launching with six flavors. Stack3d

  • Paperboy Ventures officially launched season 3 of its content series. Paperboy Ventures is a content platform that connects investors with high-potential CPG brands. I spent a little time with Kyle Fitzpatrick, the founder of Paperboy Ventures, at Expo West and can confirm that he’s a good dude. LinkedIn

  • HiBall Energy is returning to retail after being acquired by Tilray Brands in mid-2023. HiBall Energy will make its retail debut at Whole Foods Market in the coming weeks. GlobeNewswire

  • UK-based Cognibites is launching a protein bar line that includes 20g of protein along with nootropics and prebiotics. Stack3d

  • The newest flavor from HIPPEAS is a Dill Pickle collaboration with Grillo’s Pickles. You can find the new flavor on their website and at Sprouts. I spoke to a few snack founders at Expo West and Dill Pickle was a top performing flavor for them at retail. Also flavor licensing with brands like Grillo’s Pickles and Mike’s Hot Honey is just taking over the snack aisle. Instagram

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Data 🖥️

  • Sales of CBD-infused beverages have skyrocketed lately. According to Grand View Research, the global market is valued at $1.1B and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% over the next five years. Food Navigator

Distribution News 🚚