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88 Acres is growing beyond the seed, launching a line of protein bars online on Tuesday, January 14, and as an exclusive offering in Whole Foods Market globally next month.

Fueling a future in the snack bar set requires an innovative product, a sound strategy and the right timing. In a panel discussion at NOSH Live Winter 2019 in Santa Monica, Bill Keith, founder and CEO of Perfect Snacks; Peter Burns, president and CEO of ONE Brands; and Janica Lane, managing director at investment bank Piper Jaffray, discussed the art of deal making.

Plant-based beverage maker OWYN has raised $7.5 million in a financing round led by Powerplant Ventures, the company announced today. Powerplant co-founder and partner Mark Rampolla will join the brand’s board of directors.

The FDA’s new Nutrition Facts label regulations went into effect January 1 for companies with over $10 million in annual sales, and the agency issued final guidance to address questions submitted by the industry.

The word “wellness” is a buzzy term in the food industry, but what does it really mean? At NOSH Live Winter 2019, Elizabeth Stein, founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth; Neda Daneshzadeh, co-founder and partner at Prelude Growth Partners; and Colleen Wachob, co-founder and co-CEO of mindbodygreen, explored the world of the wellness consumer.

The final month of the decade saw product launches ranging from Michel et Augustin’s crispy take on a French pastry to New Primal’s fresh version of a classic condiment. Check out the gallery to see some of December’s notable product launches and rebrands, including the latest from Hippeas and Ka-Pop! and CBD launches from Everie, Beam and Vitafusion.

In a presentation at NOSH Live Winter 2019, Jessica Lukas, research firm BDS Analytics’ SVP of commercial development, addressed the state of cannabis, “a major disruptor across the CPG industry, across every consumer product category,” she said, with edibles playing a major role.

2019 saw brands take a step beyond better-for-you, seeking to infuse healthy products with additional (functional) benefits. The year also featured acquisitions, investments and product launches as brands both large and small try to better align themselves with an increasingly engaged consumer base.

From plant-based innovation to increased focus on mission and sustainability, in 2020 brands will have to stay on their toes to power consumer appetites. Here are five natural food trends experts say brands should consider in 2020.

In the latest distribution news, Costco adds Beyond Burger and Atlantic Natural, Walmart takes on Keen One and Everipe and Veggies Made Great expands its offerings at four retailers.