News

Just two weeks after closing on the acquisition of Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Company, Canadian cannabis company Aphria has reached an agreement to merge with Tilray, forming the world’s largest cannabis company valued at $3.8 billion.

NOSH honors the companies, brands, individuals, products, ideas and trends that shaped the natural food landscape during a year of unprecedented challenges and disruption.

Greenjoy CEO and founder Jenny Cawthon announced last week that the superfood dressing and snack brand was closing. The South Carolina-based brand decided to end its eight year run following expensive operational issues at the end of last year compounded by the tepid investment landscape at the beginning of the pandemic.

Israel-based alt-dairy start-up Remilk announced yesterday it has raised $11.3 million to expand production and distribution capabilities of its animal-free proteins in preparation for commercial launch as an ingredient supplier in the U.S. and other global markets.

The NOSH Live Winter 2020 — taking place on Dec. 14-16 — features some of the leading executives and thought leaders in the industry over the three-day conference. Access the event venue.

In the latest distribution news, Outer Aisle adds 2,200 new doors, Hooray Foods debuts its plant-based bacon in Whole Foods, Ithaca Hummus brings four flavors to Sprouts nationwide and Catalina Crunch launches new flavors of its keto-friendly cereal in retail.

In this week’s investment-focused Checkout, Serenity Kids raises $3 million to add to its executive team and launch new products; TerraCycle closes a $25 million funding round to grow reusable CPG platform Loop; Gotham Greens brings in $87 million to expand operations; and My/Mo Mochi secures investment from Bregal Partners.

After celebrating a decade in business this fall, which consisted of a “series of small victories,” according to founder and CEO Starr Edwards, Bitchin’ Sauce is taking on a new challenge. Eyeing growth beyond its core sauce line, the almond dip brand is targeting the convenience store channel with its new Bitchin’ Snacks line, which rolled out at 7-Eleven locations across Southern California last month after an initial launch through the retailer’s Sips & Snacks program.

Building out their stake in rising consumer trends like gut health and plant-based diets, Chobani this month is releasing a broad slate of new products, including the Chobani Probiotics line of yogurts and drinks, and flavor extensions to its existing oat milk and creamers portfolio.

Chicago-based food tech company Nature’s Fynd announced this week it has raised $45 million in funding and has added four new food industry veterans as the company gears up to bring its animal-free meat and dairy alternatives made from fungi protein to market next year.