Carol Ortenberg

Last week, Healthy Skoop, which produces plant-based nutrition powders, announced a $1.1 million dollar raise from new investment group Seurat Capital (a division of CPG consulting brand The Seurat Group). Skoop, which was founded in 2013, is the brainchild of beverage entrepreneurs Dr. James Rouse and Greg Stroh.

In this interview with Errol Schweizer, a strategic advisor for natural product companies and new member of the Board of Directors for Demeter, Project NOSH explores the growing popularity of biodynamic products. Schweizer discusses why he joined the organization (which is the U.S. certifying body for biodynamic farms and products), why he wants to see more biodynamic products and what challenges the movement faces.

At this year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago, both natural and conventional brands highlighted their natural, organic, sustainable or healthy confections.

At this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago, there certainly was a bonanza of candy, confections and chocolate to be had. But the other half of the equation, the snack industry and brands, weren’t about to take a backseat. While there certainly was a sweet bent to many of the snack products, salty had its place as well. Click through to see some of the snacks we crunched our way through at the expo.

As the summer picks up, several natural, organic, sustainable and healthy brands have been picked up by major retailers to round out their sets and appeal to consumers seeking cleaner options.

Kite Hill, which produces plant-based alternatives to dairy products, closed an $18 million investment today led by General Mills’ venture arm, 301 Inc, and CAVU Ventures, a partnership between Clayton Christopher, Rohan Oza and Brett Thomas. The brand, which is only three years old, produces yogurt, cream cheese, aged cheeses and cheese-filled ravioli, all made with almond milk.

Demonstrating the ongoing interest in next-generation food brands, CPG giant Hormel today announced the acquisition of natural nut butter and snack maker Justin’s for $286 million. Justin Gold, Founder of Justin’s, told Project NOSH that the brand admires Hormel’s success and looks forward to learning from the larger company.

R.e.d.d, a Portland, Maine-based company, announced today it had added two flavors to its superfood energy bar line and raised $1 million dollars from investors including Dan Nordstrom, CEO of Outdoor Enthusiast, and Greg Hanson, Founder and Managing Partner. Nordstrom and Hanson will both hold seats on R.e.d.d.’s Board of Directors and the capital will go towards marketing, production and distribution.