Martín Caballero

After several days of community feedback, which included calls for cancellation or postponement, New Hope Network announced this evening that Natural Products Expo West 2020, scheduled for March 4-8 in Anaheim, California, is officially postponed.

A new generation of innovative start-ups are attempting to change the category’s trajectory with versatile, premium products that appeal to young consumers who grew up alongside the third-wave coffee movement.

Beyond THC and CBD, some studies suggest that other cannabinoids — such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) — offer a range of other functional benefits, including antibacterial and antispasmodic effects.

If it is passed and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, as is widely expected to happen within weeks, California Assembly Bill 228 will declare that foods, beverages and cosmetics made with industrial hemp should not be considered as adulterated. Until that occurs, however, brands and retailers in Southern California still face an uncertain existence from day to day.

With eyes on expanding beyond the yogurt set, Chobani announced yesterday the launch of a range of new both dairy and plant-based products, including its entry into the fast-growing oat “milk” category.

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.

Specialty food company Stonewall Kitchen this morning announced an agreement to purchase the Vermont Village brand, a producer of organic applesauce and raw apple cider vinegars, from parent company Village Cannery of Vermont. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in September, were not disclosed.

This month, San Diego-based Sunday Scaries, which produces CBD infused tinctures and gummy supplements, introduced its first ready-to-drink product: YOLO, a 2 oz. shot that pairs 50 mg of full spectrum CBD with a 200 mg dose of natural caffeine.

Yogurt maker Chobani is collaborating with Fair Trade USA on a new label that certifies the milk used in its products is sourced from farms that meet “comprehensive” standards for animal welfare and employee rights.

Boulder, Colo.-based premium instant tea maker Cusa Tea has completed a $2.5 million Series A funding round led by Break Trail Ventures and S Cap, the company announced yesterday.