Business
Branding for Buyout©: A New Playbook for the Food Industry
The Grist and FRESH Communications announced today that together they're bringing Branding for Buyout© to the food industry, at scale, helping growing brands across the globe increase value and drive demand from potential buyers. The agencies first came together on PopCorners, to build a brand that was ultimately acquired by PepsiCo and set a new benchmark for maximizing the value of better-for-you brands.
About this update from Pepsico, Inc.
The Grist and FRESH Communications Partner to Redefine How Brands Scale and Position for Acquisition BOSTON, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Grist and FRESH Communications announced today that together they're bringing Branding for Buyout© to the food industry, at scale, helping growing brands across the globe increase value and drive demand from potential buyers. The agencies first came together on PopCorners, to build a brand that was ultimately acquired by PepsiCo and set a new benchmark for maximizing the value of better-for-you brands. "I saw firsthand how the partnership between The Grist and FRESH Communications helped build real momentum and ultimately position PopCorners for a successful acquisition," said Paul Nardone, food industry veteran and former CEO of PopCorners. "What excites me now is seeing more founders in the food industry gain access to this same level of strategy and discipline. This partnership offers a clear path to building brand value, and the industry should be paying attention." FRESH Communications helps food and beverage brands tell the right story at the right time, especially when the stakes are high. Established by registered dietitians Stephanie Ferrari and Sheri Kasper, the agency has supported leading food and beverage brands —including Whole Earth Brands, Cleveland Kitchen, Sweet Loren's, and Perfect Bar— as they grow, expand into new markets, and prepare for major business milestones. By building visibility and trust with consumers, retailers, and investors, FRESH helps strong brands get the recognition they deserve. "What makes this partnership with FRESH so powerful is the combination of strategic rigor and category credibility. Together, we are giving food and beverage brands a playbook to unlock value, scale smart, and exit strong," said Ted Schlueter, Founder and CEO of The Grist and creator of Branding for Buyout. "I have spent decades helping business owners execute a reimagined sell-side process, and one thing has always been clear: the strongest brands are built for exit long before the sale. Consolidation across the food and beverage category is accelerating, and the stakes for founders have never been higher. More than 90% of a company's value is now driven by intangible assets like brand equity, based on a 2025 Ocean Tomo analysis. At the same ti...