5@5: Unilever under pressure | Sunrise Strategic invests in Vital Farms

Unilever to sell its spreads business and restructure

Under pressure to cut costs and appease investors after an unsuccessful takeover bid from Kraft Heinz earlier this year, Unilever says it will explore a sale of its spreads business, restructure into two major divisions and buy back $5.3 billion in stock. Its spreads business includes I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Country Crock and Flora, and was merged with the baking and cooking segment of Unilever's food division two years ago. While the business is achieving moderate sales growth in emerging markets, sales in developed markets continue to decline. Read more at New York Times...

Vital Farms receives minority investment from Sunrise Strategic Partners

The Austin-based pasture-raised egg company has received an undisclosed investment from Sunrise Strategic Partners, a growth equity firm cofounded by former Boulder Brands CEO Stephen Hughes. This is the firm's fourth investment in companies focused on humanely treated animal products and its seventh overall since launching in 2016; other portfolio companies include Maple Hill Creamery, Pact | Organic and Perky Jerky. Read more at Finsmes...

Bankers prepare US$1.5bn to supplement Nature's Bounty sale

Private equity firm Carlyle Group bought Nature's Bounty (formerly NBTY Inc.) in 2010 and hired Goldman Sachs earlier this year to explore a sale. The sale is expected to happen through an auction process, with first round bids due next week, sources say. Read more at Reuters...

Colorado organic dairy building $90 million Missouri plant

Aurora Organic Dairy will bring 150 jobs and a $90 million plant to northeast Columbia, Missouri, with site preparation beginning this spring. The plant is expected to be in operation by 2019. Read more at The Denver Post...

Former Josephine house chef launches healthy food delivery service

Lucky Lime is a new Austin-based food delivery service focused on "healthy happy" food, which ranges from superfood bowls to vegan desserts. Each week, Lucky sends a menu to its customers who have until the end of the week to pick what they want. Read more at Eater...