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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.

In this presentation at NOSH Live Winter 2019, Junea Rocha, Brazi Bites’ co-founder and CMO, described the company’s five year-long “epic grind” — which eventually led to an appearance on Shark Tank and a big boost for the brand.

Chickpea brand Hippeas has always wanted to move beyond its initial line of puffs and become a “lifestyle” platform brand. Now the brand is taking its first steps in that direction; last week it launched a line of chickpea-based tortilla chips nationwide in retailer Whole Foods Market.

Kroger tests new plant-based meat section, federal bill funds CBD research and regulation and more in this week’s Checkout.

This week, members of the BevNET and NOSH editorial teams joined us for a discussion of some of the major news stories, trends and innovation from 2019. Among the topics of conversation were developments in the burgeoning cannabis CPG segment, explosive growth in the oat milk and sparkling water categories and the evolution of frozen food and plant-based meats.

Confection brand Little Secrets is ready to give consumers their chocolate fix — while also fixing conventional candy offerings. The brand launches today a line of Cookie Bars (a Twix Bar alternative), a new almond butter flavor of its Crispy Wafers (which are similar to Kit Kats) and multipack bags of mini Crispy Wafers.