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CB Insights has dubbed 2019 “the year of getting closer to the consumer,” predicting that the next year will see brands and corporations seek a more direct connection with consumers through e-commerce platforms and personalization.

Puff producer Hippeas this week closed an $8 million round of funding from previous investors. Hippeas has previously raised $14 million, with the last round of $4 million closing earlier this year.

The former members of shared kitchen space Pilotworks were dealt another blow this week as Nursery, the incubator set to reopen in the space, ultimately decided to not move forward with its plans. Nursery founder Adam Melonas cited “conditions” found during pre-inspection.

Condiment company Sir Kensington’s is spicing things up with a new product line and sales channel. The brand, which was acquired by Unilever in April 2017 for $140 million, last week launched a spice kit that is sold direct-to-consumers via a microsite. Eventually the line may be sold in retail

Novamex has acquired Tio Gazpacho for an undisclosed sum, the company announced today, more than a year after the Hispanic-focused beverage marketer first invested in the drinkable soup brand. Primarily an importer of Mexican brands such as Jarritos and Mineragua, Novamex said in the announcement that it is focusing on becoming a growth platform for natural and organic beverages, such as the organic certified Tio Gazpacho.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new mandatory disclosure requirements for labelling genetically modified foods that will take effect in 2020.

At this year’s NOSH Live Alex Trott, merchandising client lead for natural foods at Kroger subsidiary 84.51°, and Katherine Bousson, category manager at Kroger, discussed how the grocery chain has transformed its approach to working with emerging brands and why it’s been a vital component of the company’s success.

Mapping this new landscape of cannabis CPG and charting a path forward for the nascent industry was the focus of discussion at the first-ever Cannabis Forum for Food & Beverage, presented by BevNET and NOSH, on Dec. 1 in Santa Monica, Calif.

What’s the right way to approach the keto diet? Consuming bars and drinks that are high in fat and artificial sweeteners, or taking the steak-and-asparagus approach that many keto-focused brands suggest. Ancient Nutrition co-founder and health influencer Dr. Josh Axe has an angle of his own, and he’s introduced a certification to help consumers decide.

While the finalized version of the 2018 Farm Bill, which is expected to receive President Trump’s signature before the close of the current legislative session, represents a watershed moment in the pro-hemp movement, it doesn’t mark the end of the journey.