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From ongoing supply chain disruptions to economic instability, food makers continued to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021. However, the industry pressed onward embracing challenges and pivoting with new product lines, formats and strategies to keep their heads above water. Considering all of the upheaval of 2020, the theme of this past year is slightly more positive with plenty of new entries to the industry, investments in plant-based and strategic acquisitions.

In anticipation of Veganuary, food companies have been experimenting with a range of dairy alternative launches both sweet and savory. From collabs between Chance the Rapper and Ben & Jerry’s to partnerships between animal-free food tech company Perfect Day and General Mills, consumers have a range of new vegan products to choose from in the new year.

The plant-based trend isn’t limited to nuggets and burgers, as over the past year confectionary brands have turned their eyes towards consumers’ rising interest in animal-free products.

In this week’s checkout: NotCo launches NotChicken line in Latin America, Marley Spoon acquires Australian meal service Chefgood, Dole Foods renews No Kid Hungry Partnership and Kernel Mycofoods secures $15 millions in funding round.

In this People Moves: Ethical Brands names Melissa Feldman as CEO, General Mill’s chief brand officer takes on “disruptive growth” responsibilities, Jan Albert joins Clio Snacks as COO, Capello’s makes two hires on leadership team and more.

Yesterday’s $67 million fundraise by baby brand Yumi caps off a year of acquisitions and investments in the category — attention that is reflective of both increased discussion of contaminants in baby food and growing interest in getting products to parents through newer distribution methods.

General Mills’ net sales increased to $5 billion during the second fiscal quarter this year, but as with the supply chain snarls that are making things harder for smaller competitors, the cost of making products increased for the CPG giant as well.

Today San Francisco Equity Partners (SFEP) announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Rustic Bakery, the organic food producer and cafe owner behind the Rustic Bakery line of crisps and cookies.

In this week’s distribution roundup: Yolélé launches its West African inspired products at Target, African Dream Foods partners with zoos across the country, Blue Apron innovates with Amazon Alexa, Bubbies introduces its mochi to Publix and more.

Walmart broke down its approach to climate change initiatives during an ESG-focused discussion for investors earlier this month, committing to reducing its emissions company-wide to zero by 2040 and actively assisting its suppliers with climate-positive innovations.