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Confectionary brand ChocXO is launching new packaging that executives hope can marry its roots in the keto community with a more premium positioning.

In addition to the latest low-carb offerings, June also brought new ice creams from brands such as Tipsy Scoops and McConnell’s while Oats in Coats and Vital Farms innovated in the convenient, better-for-you breakfast category. Check out the gallery for the latest seasonal launches, allergy-friendly innovations and plant-based protein products.

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with six founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the first half of 2021.

In this week’s Checkout, General Mills talks “organizational reshaping efforts” in its fiscal Q4 and full-year 2021 earnings call; The Simply Good Foods Company reports a “resurgence” of bars in its fiscal Q3 earnings call; SnackMagic launches new data initiative Snack Drop; and The Single Origin Food Company raises $1.1 million.

Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV) announced this week that it has acquired a majority ownership stake in coconut products maker Harmless Harvest. Speaking to BevNET, DMV CEO Laurent Marcel and Harmless Harvest CEO Ben Mand said the deal is primed to help the premium beverage and plant-based food maker to expand its presence in the global market.

California-based CBD company Kadenwood announced this week it has raised $50 million in funding, with $20 million allocated to an upcoming national media campaign to drive consumer awareness for its portfolio of CBD brands, including the recently acquired Healist Advanced Naturals and Social CBD.

June saw plenty of keto-friendly innovation from brands, ranging from spicy hot chicken chips to low-carb cereals and cookies. Check out the gallery for some of the month’s notable launches, including plant-based, grain-free products from RollinGreens, GOOD TO GO and Woodridge Snacks.

Frozen empanada brand Cocina 54 came out victorious at NOSH Pitch Slam 10 as the judges believed the brand’s convenient and authentic take on the Latin American staple will help it become a standout in the freezer aisle.

Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV) announced today that it has acquired a majority stake in premium coconut products maker Harmless Harvest. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Harmless Harvest is the first U.S. investment to become majority-owned by DMV, the venture arm of French multinational corporation Danone, the company said in a press release.

Low-carb donut producer and NOSH Pitch Slam Nine winner Elite Sweets announced today the closing of a $2 million round of funding. The capital will be used to help the two-year-old company reformulate its line and prepare for its launch into brick and mortar retailers.