New VC funding for CPG brands

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Create a digital version of a product, and it can be put to work across the creation phase, and the shopper experience. Emersya is helping brands introduce 3D assets to product detail pages, augmented reality and virtual try-on. The digital twins are also used in the design process. “Rather than investing in different solutions for each touchpoint, you can have one solution that adapts,” Emersya’s Emma Freeman told The Current.

While Conagra spun out large business units in the last decade, it has no plans to do so at this time due to the risk of “destroying value,” CEO Sean Connolly told Food Dive. In recent years, the activity has been more on the acquisition side, as the company added Pinnacle Foods, Angie’s Boomchickapop and Duke’s meat snacks. – Food Dive

There are no signs of a VC slowdown for consumer brands on this week’s Dealboard. Oats Overnight, BelliWelli and Poppy all raised new funding as they eye expansion. Meanwhile, nutrition bar brand Thunderbird was acquired. Plus, startups in grocery fulfillment and apparel recycling raised new funds.

Fresh off implementing Adobe’s customer data platform, a network refresh in stores and improvements to intent search, The Home Depot is investing in the customer experience. The retailer is also making improvements to delivery that range from homes to job sites. “It is one feat to power a supply chain that can handle small packages or large products, but another to be flexible enough to manage various sized, urgent deliveries,” said SVP of Technology Angie Brown. – Retail Customer Experience

Gift with purchase is now a feature of a Rent the Runway subscription. RTR is including an additional fashion item with each order for subscribers. It’s a move to invest in the customer experience at a time when the economic environment is leading many in retail to focus on growing with existing customers.

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