Dairy Deals & Senate Saga
No one wants their milk rn, but people still want Satsumas
Good morning, how we doing, how we feeling. I’m in a rush so let’s cut to the chase.
🥛Danone Sells Dairy Brands
Danone announced it’s agreed to sell its organic US dairy brands, Horizon Organic and Wallaby, to investment firm Platinum Equity for an undisclosed sum. This isn’t too surprising since they food group announced a broader portfolio review and asset rotation program in March 2022 and those dairy brands represented approximately 3% of Danone's global revenues. I thought whole milk was making a comeback?
🐄Senate Blocks Schools Serving Whole Milk In Schools
Speaking of whole milk, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 made it through the House, but not the Senate. It’s been almost fifteen years since whole milk was allowed in schools and the act would allow it to be served again. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids act passed in 2010 which determined only low-fat or fat free milk could be served. Dairy is still a politicized topic, meanwhile kids are tired of pizza and want some egg rolls or sushi in the rotation.
💰SYSTM Foods Acquires Humm Kombucha
Functional beverage brand SYSTM Foods announced the acquisition of Humm Kombucha earlier this week. SYSTM is eager to add a like-minded brand to their portfolio of functional beverages which includes REBBL and Chameleon Organic Coffee. If you’re currently doing Whole30 for January, you might know Humm as one of the few kombucha brands you can drink since they have no sugar. Fun fact, I used to drink Humm Kombucha back when they were called Kombucha Mama and only available locally in Central Oregon. I’d bike to the market and fill up a growler with their coconut lime flavor (yes this is still their most popular flavor) and put it in my bike basket for the ride home.
🍊The Satsuma Tangerine Craze is Here to Stay
Anyone else notice Satsuma Tangerines everywhere lately? They seemed to find themselves on everyone’s tablescapes for the holidays, they’re featured in advertisements, and they were discussed on the Taste podcast by host
and guest Sundberg, author of newsletter. I kind of thought they were seasonal and they’d die down after the holidays. But yesterday, I saw this display at the grocery store and it seems they’re here to stay in the new year.
🧜Starbucks Now Accepting Reusable Cups
The coffee giant will now make your coffee in your personal mug. Starbucks is the only national coffeehouse in the US offering this option which includes drive-throughs and mobile ordering. I normally don’t like Starbucks, but I’m tempted to go down the street just to see how this works with their extremely optimized model.
🥤The Cup That People Camped Overnight For
Speaking of reusable cups, Starbucks partnered with Stanley Thermos on a limited edition pink Stanley Tumbler which people camped overnight for. The tumbler which was originally $49.95 is now selling for around $200 on eBay. Wild.
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🤖Chipotle’s Founder New Restaurant Concept Relies on Robots
Steve Ells is envisioning a new way of dining with his latest venture, Kernel—a plant-based, robot-powered restaurant set to open on Park Avenue South. He aims to address ecological concerns, reduce costs, and streamline the dining experience with an automated system which emphasizes efficiency. The downside to optimizing this much? Minimizing human interaction. As fast-food preferences evolve and automation gains momentum, Ells bets that consumers will prioritize speed and convenience over traditional aspects of dining, ushering in a new era in the lunchtime landscape. This reminded me of culture writer
and her piece “#45: rage against self check-out” which everyone should go read.🍸Drink Aura Bora is Calling 2023 the Year of Dunking on the Haters
After mixed reviews on their launch of a non-alcoholic canned Olive Oil Martini in collaboration with Graza, people were less than enthused. They didn’t pretend they weren’t listening and recently posted a carousel of some of the funniest comments.
☕Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee is Now in Whole Foods
Chamberlain Coffee is now available in Whole Foods, which both brands announced in a paparazzi-themed campaign. But she didn’t fool me, I see those boxes stacked up at the end of the aisle. I know it’s after hours and they’re restocking the shelves.
Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!