Image Credit: Green Queen

Every week we track the business, tech and investment trends in CPG, retail, restaurants, agriculture, cooking and health, so you don’t have to. Here are some of this week’s top headlines.

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that regenerative business pioneer Carol Sanford has begun her transition out of this world.For those who don’t know Carol, she is a visionary leader, teacher, and author who revolutionized the way we think about business, leadership, and sustainability. As a pioneer of regenerative business practices, she dedicated her life to empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful change in the world. Through her groundbreaking books, workshops, and mentorship, Carol inspired countless people to rethink their roles as stewards of the planet and society. Her profound wisdom, unwavering spirit, and compassionate guidance will continue to influence generations to come.

In other news, we’ve wrapped the first season of our podcast in partnership with AgFunder: New Food Order, a nuanced investigation into the business of tackling our climate and social crises through food and agriculture. Read all about why we launched the podcast, and be sure to subscribe and share!

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1. Danish Parliament Agrees Green Deal to Tax Meat Production & Promote Plant-Based Foods – Green Queen

After months of negotiations, Denmark’s policymakers have agreed on how to implement the livestock emissions tax they announced in June.

2. Oishii Raises Additional Funding to Close Series B at $150M, Preps First International Expansion – AFN

The vertical farmer best known for its strawberries is also gearing up for its first international expansion via a new R&D center in Tokyo.

3. A 12-Year-Old’s Journey Into the World of Ozempic – WSJ

A mother found success with a weight-loss drug after a lifelong battle. Noticing her daughter start down the same path, she decided to have her try semaglutide.

4. Gaming Out Key Trump Cabinet Picks — and What Comes Next – Food Fix

President-elect Donald Trump has named just over half his cabinet. Who’s left and what’s next?

5. 7-Eleven, the Slurpee and a $47B Takeover Battle – WSJ

The convenience chain is at the center of a bidding war between would-be buyers on two continents. Here’s why they’re hungry for it.

6. Blackstone’s Acquisition of Jersey Mike’s Subs: Strategic Partnership – Forbes

The $8b sale marks a significant milestone for Jersey Mike’s, a rapidly growing sandwich chain, and demonstrates the increasing interest of private equity firms in the quick-service restaurant sector.

7. Asia-Pacific Agrifoodtech Funding Recovers with 38% YoY Increase to $4.2B So Far in 2024 – AFN

APAC agrifoodtech startups have shown resilience against global market headwinds, securing $4.2 billion and 31% of global sector funding.

8. Farms, Meat Plants Brace for Trump Immigration Crackdown – WSJ

Agriculture companies and laborers fear raids; 42% of crop farmhands aren’t legally authorized to work in US.