Brad Avery

Following a year plagued by out-of-stock issues and high shipping costs, plant-based food and beverage brand New Barn is scaling back retail distribution for its product portfolio to service only the West Coast as it focuses on integrating an omnichannel strategy in 2020.

Texas-based Dean Foods, the largest milk processor in the U.S., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The dairy producer announced yesterday it will use the process to “protect and support” ongoing business operations and address debt and pension obligations.

Plant-based food and beverage brand Forager Project announced this week that it has received a minority investment from Danone Manifesto Ventures. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Over the past year, the food and beverage space has witnessed a “green rush” of CBD startups entering the market in a race to capitalize on the trend. With no shortage of competition, Seattle-based Docklight Brands is also hoping to get on board the cannabis wave with 13 brands of its own.

Dave Asprey, founder of nutrition platform brand Bulletproof 360, has stepped down as CEO and will move into the role of executive chairman effective October 1, the company announced this week. He will be replaced by Sovos Brands CFO Larry Bodner.

CBD-infused drink mix maker OLEO, Inc. announced today it has raised $1.5 million in a convertible note round, which will help the Seattle-based brand scale distribution for its line of products.

Earlier this week, Inc. released the 2019 edition of the Inc. 5000 list — a ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. This year’s list featured dozens of natural food and beverage companies, showing the industry’s increasing impact on the American economy.

CBD-infused snack and beverage maker Weller has raised $3 million in a funding round led by Brand Foundry Ventures, the company announced Friday. As part of the raise, Brand Foundry founder and general partner Andrew Mitchell will gain a seat on Weller’s board of directors.

Apple cider vinegar maker Bragg Live Food Products announced today it has been acquired by an investor group led by private equity firm Swander Pace Capital, positioning the 107-year-old wellness brand for expansion and innovation.

In the face of a changing consumer landscape, food and beverage brands marketing “indulgent” products must grapple with new challenges where consumers are planning their indulgence occasions, governments are increasing regulations, and innovation crossovers are blurring the lines between not just categories but whole industries.