Big Brands Seek to Capitalize on Plant-Based Beverage and Snack Trends

The buzz at this year’s premier natural foods trade show, Expo West, included talk about increasingly popular plant-based beverages as well as meatless, dairy-free and protein-packed snacks. KO partner Jennifer Rosenthal and attorney Samantha Pjesky attended the show, as they keep a close eye on trends in the industry and enjoy connecting with clients including both brands and investors.

As consumer preferences drive growth in these key areas, Rosenthal helps clients be prepared to create and respond to new opportunities.

“Large consumer product companies continue to snap up smaller brands to take advantage of these trends,” said Jennifer Rosenthal, head of KO’s natural foods practice. “It’s increasingly important to keep your company and records in good shape so that if you’re interested in receiving an investment or being acquired by one of these companies, you’re ready to hit the ground running on negotiation.”

KO has helped clients like Blue Bottle Coffee do just that, with their 2017 acquisition by international industry powerhouse Nestlé.

KO’s natural foods practice has grown over 100 percent for each of the last two years, both in terms of number of clients and revenue. KO’s team of natural food and beverage experts represents businesses, venture capital funds, investors and individuals in a broad range of sophisticated transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, entity formations and restructuring.

The firm also regularly advises clients on general corporate and business matters, serving as outside general counsel and drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of commercial contracts including supply, manufacturing, co-branding, equipment leasing, co-packing, distribution, employment, consulting and brokerage contracts.

Contact Jennifer if you’re interested in learning more about KO’s natural foods expertise.