CPG News Roundup: January 9 – January 16
This Week’s CPG News at a Glance
The first full news cycle of 2026 came in fast. From private equity moving deeper into high-protein dairy to early Dry January wins in hemp-infused beer, this week’s CPG news reveals two core themes: proven trends getting institutional backing, and emerging categories refining their storytelling.
We saw a protein-fueled dairy deal, a bold women’s wellness launch, and a next-gen body care brand double down at Sephora. And on the retail side? Mass-market meets premium positioning, as brands test just how far they can stretch their origin stories.
Good Culture Sells Majority Stake to L Catterton
Good Culture has sold a majority stake to private equity firm L Catterton in a deal valuing the brand at over $500 million, according to sources cited by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. The move comes as consumer demand for high-protein dairy accelerates—cottage cheese alone is up 20% in retail sales YoY.
The investment will fund expanded manufacturing, increased distribution, and a deeper push into the protein-forward lifestyle positioning that’s fueled the brand’s fourfold sales growth over the last three years. With a portfolio that already includes Kodiak, L Catterton adds another high-protein brand to its stack—and signals ongoing conviction in clean-label, functional dairy.
Lemme Launches Creatine Gummies for Women
Lemme the wellness brand founded by Kourtney Kardashian Barker, launched a new creatine gummy aimed specifically at women. The NSF-certified formula includes 5g of micronized creatine monohydrate and AstraGin® for absorption—designed to support strength, recovery, and cognitive health.
While creatine has long been a staple in sports nutrition, women have often been underserved in the category. Lemme is positioning this launch as both a performance and lifestyle solution—bringing strength support into a daily gummy format that aligns with the brand’s broader wellness aesthetic.

Float House Debuts World’s First THC Nitro Brew
Float House continues to redefine the hemp beverage space with the release of THC NITRO, the world’s first nitro-infused THC brew. Available in 3mg and 10mg doses, the seasonal “highrish” stout-style beverage delivers the cascading pour and creamy body of a classic dark beer—without the alcohol.
As consumers blend Dry January with low-dose experimentation, Float House is carving a clear lane for beer-style THC drinks. With distribution in CT, RI, NJ, and online, the brand is building a portfolio around ritual, not just function—and establishing itself as a category leader in infused brews.
Bubble Launches New Balm at Ulta, Expands Globally
Bubble the Gen-Z skincare brand known for its affordable, dermatologist-backed products, dropped a new multi-use balm this week—designed to treat dryness and redness. The product launched both online and in-store at Ulta, with Target rollout in February and Walmart/Amazon to follow.
International expansion is also underway, with new launches scheduled across the UK, Denmark, and Canada through March. The balm continues Bubble’s track record of pairing social-first marketing with accessible innovation—and strengthens its position as a global mass-market skincare disruptor.
Elm Biosciences Drops Next-Gen Retinoid Night Cream
Elm Biosciences known for its science-forward positioning in skincare, unveiled its A3O Elemental Night Cream, a precision-formulated retinoid paired with the brand’s proprietary A3O Complex. Designed for nightly use, the cream targets fine lines and skin texture without the irritation typically associated with retinoids.
While this is a quieter launch, Elm continues to build credibility through biotech formulations and minimalist branding—a combination that’s gaining traction in premium skincare channels.
Horizon Organic Launches Real Dairy Creamers
Horizon Organic is entering the creamer category with a new line of Real Dairy Creamers made from just four ingredients: organic milk, cream, cane sugar, and natural flavors. Available in Homestyle Vanilla, Chantilly Sweet Cream, and Golden Caramel, the products aim to meet demand for clean-label coffee rituals at home.
With refrigerated creamers leading dairy category growth and 71% of U.S. coffee now consumed at home, the timing is smart. The brand is backing the launch with an ad campaign, influencer partnerships, and a giveaway in collaboration with Counter Culture Coffee and Loftie.
What This Week’s CPG News Means for the Industry
Institutional capital is betting on proven trends. High-protein dairy, clean-label wellness, and functional beverage formats aren’t emerging—they’re scaling. Good Culture’s deal with L Catterton is a signal: retail performance and narrative clarity now lead to real exits.
Meanwhile, we’re seeing thoughtful innovation at both ends of the spectrum. Lemme’s creatine launch expands what performance nutrition can look like—especially when designed for underrepresented consumers. And Float House proves that even niche beverage formats (like nitro stout) have room for reinvention when tied to occasion and experience.
On the retail side, brands like Bubble and Horizon are navigating mass distribution with precision—balancing accessibility with brand equity. And Elm? They’re proving that biotech doesn’t need to shout—it just needs to deliver.
The throughline this week: focus. Whether it’s raising capital, expanding SKUs, or entering a new channel, the strongest brands are choosing their next move with intention.
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