The natural product industry is booming and showing no signs of slowing. Big brands are taking note by scooping up smaller, innovative companies that are disrupting consumer products by adding a natural twist. Michael Cammarata, Co-Founder and CEO of Schmidt's Naturals, shared why his company was such an attractive target for Unilever.
Cammarata said Unilever was drawn to his brand due to its rapid growth and ability to go to market quickly. He said consumers have been the brands biggest advocate. The entrepreneur also added that the Unilever focuses on the founders and allows them to continue to operate the way they want.
All-natural has been all the rage as consumers increasingly opt for chemical-free products. He says his brand is unique because they focused on competing with brands in the traditional space. He added consumers are realizing products with natural ingredients are delivering similar results as the initial products.
Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate. The company announced on Monday that the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found that Freixe violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. He had been CEO for a year. Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive, will replace him. Chairman Paul Bulcke stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the company’s values and governance. Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 and has held various roles, including CEO of Nestlé's Nespresso division since 2024.
Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies a decade after they joined in a massive merger that created one of the biggest food companies on the planet. One of the companies will include brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other will include brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. When the company formed in 2015 it wanted to capitalize on its massive scale, but shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking to introduce healthier options at the table. Kraft Heinz's net revenue has fallen every year since 2020.
