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The cannabis industry remains a complex one to navigate, even if some consumers view the plant as a gateway to a simpler state of mind. To help food and drink entrepreneurs better understand the industry and grow their businesses, experts presented data and insights Friday during BevNET’s third Cannabis Forum in Santa Monica.

Canadian Cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation announced today the appointment of David Klein as CEO, effective January 14, 2020. Klein has served as the chief financial officer of Constellation Brands since mid-2015.

The market for cannabis products is broad and blossoming. At Cannabis Forum Winter 2019 in Santa Monica, experts unpacked the world of ingredient sourcing and testing, growing investor interest and more. Here are three takeaways from today’s presentation.

Zoe Feldman, the director of Chobani Incubator, spoke about why she’s emphasized the incubator’s focus on diversity as part of its selection criteria, how prior roles as an executive at PepsiCo and in venture capital shaped her perspective on the importance of diversity in business and why “representation is hugely critical” to the future of our industry.

Day two of NOSH Live Winter 2019, held today in Santa Monica, California, offered insight from industry leaders on growing and scaling brands, cutting through the noise of a crowded space and when to follow your gut when making pivotal business decisions.

The future may be less sweet, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Ketogenic brand Know Brainer won the NOSH Live Winter 2019 Pitch Slam for MaxMallow, its new line of sugar-free, ketogenic marshmallows.

From starting unique, disruptive brands to navigating the process of securing investment, day one of NOSH Live Winter 2019, held today in Santa Monica, California, provided fresh perspectives from industry leaders on finding a successful route to market in a rapidly changing food industry.

It’s with great respect and honor for the food business that we present NOSH’s Best Of 2019 awards, our inaugural celebration of annual excellence and innovation in the industry. NOSH’s Best Of awards recognize individuals, brands, products and strategies that have demonstrated excellence during the year and resonance that will extend beyond the calendar. We cherish the opportunity to use our platform to highlight these companies, people, and ideas.

We’re now in the thick of the busy holiday shopping season and plenty of new products are hitting brick-and-mortar store shelves as well as online retailers, from wellness offerings to on-the-go meals and snacks. Check out the gallery to see some of the month’s notable new products, including coffee launches from ThinkNOO and illy, plant-based meals from Gabriella’s Kitchen and seasonal offerings from Siete and Supernatural.

Today PepsiCo announced its intent to acquire better-for-you snack producer BFY Brands — the maker of PopCorners snacks and co-packer of some PepsiCo snacks. Upon closing, BFY will roll into PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division.