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A new generation of coffee alternative brands are pitching themselves as the solution to coffee’s sustainability problems. Food tech operations say their processes and products use less land, less water and have a lower carbon footprint but still produces a cup that looks, smells and tastes like the real thing.

Belgium-based Lotus Bakeries announced it has taken a minority stake in functional food brand IQBAR leading the bar maker’s Series B funding round through its venture arm, Fast Forward 2032.

Boston-based air-popped water lily seed snack maker Bohana has been acquired by Ore City, Texas-based Boon Distribution, according to an email the brand sent to NOSH last week. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Since the onset of the pandemic, wellness and better-for-you attributes continue to play a prominent role in eating trends, and the snack set is no exception.

Despite the economic and inflationary environment, brands continued secure large checks and close a few notable acquisitions this year. While 2021 was all about post-pandemic recovery, 2022 saw companies strategizing for long term growth and positioning themselves to navigate the unforeseen bumps and blunders ahead.

As 2022 comes to a close, we reached out to entrepreneurs, thought leaders and industry experts for their takes on the 2003 economic outlook for CPG, as well as the major market trends they’ll be watching for in the new year.

Eastern Standard Provisions has completed a funding round with participation from Mondelēz International’s venture arm SnackFutures.

Nestlé-owned ready-made meal delivery platform Freshly appears to be shutting down its direct-to-consumer business, according to media reports and a LinkedIn post from the company’s co-founder.

Under the leadership of Adam Grogan, meat juggernaut Maple Leaf Farms is broadening how it looks at the alt-protein category by partnering with The Better Meat Co. and exploring new food-tech offerings.

Regardless of what it’s called – plant-based, alternative, animal-free, fake meat – 2022 saw plenty of money and movement in the category of non-animal-derived protein. Check out the timeline for highlights from the emerging and tumultuous industry.