Headlines

Trying to continue safely supporting the natural products community, media and events company New Hope announced today that it would cancel the in-person aspect of its annual Natural Products Expo West conference, moving the event to a virtual format.

Botanical tonic brand Sunwink is expanding its plant-based platform outside of ready-to-drink beverages with the launch of Superfood Powder Mixes.

Yesterday Post Holdings company announced the formation of a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) entitled Post Holdings Partnering Corporation (PHPC). The blank check company plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange with the intent of raising $400 million.

According to the National Confectioners Association, 86% of Americans said they plan to share a gift of chocolate and candy this Valentine’s Day. To offer consumers a variety of seasonal treats to choose from, brands rolled out several sweet (and a few salty) limited edition products to celebrate the holiday. Check out the gallery for notable Valentine’s Day offerings, including new Theo Chocolate and Honey Mama’s flavors and the return of Grillo’s Pickle Bouquet Kit.

High-protein snack maker Powerful Nutrition announced last week it has combined with consumer products investing platform MMG Consumer Brands to form Powerful Brands, a CPG holding company focused on launching and acquiring health and wellness companies.

Direct-to-consumer wellness brand beam has raised $5 million in a Series A financing round, the company announced today. This month, beam made its first expansion outside of the CBD space with the launch of Elevate, a line of powdered hydration drinks packaged in single-serve sticks.

It was one of the first companies to offer food and beverage brands an online wholesaling platform, but pioneering e-marketplace Hubba announced last week it would cease operations, cutting brands off from a popular way to introduce and supply their products to small, independent retailers.

In this week’s Checkout: Hakuna Brands rebrands to Must Love; Red Clay Hot Sauce raises $1.5 million; Hershey’s reports Q4 earnings; Dole launches a new “Malnutrition Label” marketing campaign; and Frito-Lay and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin project Super Bowl snacking stats.

Yesterday ecommerce platform Good Eggs announced the close of a $100 million round of capital, an infusion that will help the company expand into a new geographic region, build out assortment and bring on more support for the growing business.

Brain health bar brand IQBAR is ready to start thinking bigger after securing a new round of funding led by CircleUp Growth Partners, with plans to expand into a new category and grow its presence in ecommerce and retail this year.