Inside PepsiCo’s functional food strategy

The Latest

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  Oatly bets on fiber drinks to fuel plant-based turnaround

  The company wants to be “among the leaders in reducing the fiber gap” as it positions itself as a functional beverage rather than just a milk alternative.

  Ingredients

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  Why Nespresso brought its loyalty program back from dormancy

  The coffee brand rebuilt its 2000s-era loyalty program for the modern day with an emphasis on community and personalization.

  Corporate Operations

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  Why decaf coffee, alternative energy drinks are buzzing

  Beverages touting lower or no caffeine are becoming mainstream as experts say consumers are rethinking the “daytime vice.”

  Beverages

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  Column

  Leftovers: Pop-Tarts launches flavor inspired by Liquid Death | Bachan’s enters Japanese mayo

  The breakfast pastry and canned water brands are joining together for a second collaboration, while That's it. fruit bars extend into granola.

  Corporate Operations

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  Consumer appetite for ultraprocessed food reform extends beyond MAHA

  Close to two-thirds of Americans support policies regulating chemicals and additives in food, according to a University of Pennsylvania study.

  Ingredients

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  Are grocers ready to help shoppers getting off GLP-1s?

  Retailers need to think about the long game to support people whose shopping habits change after they come off the weight loss medications, experts said.

  Corporate Operations

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  Danone changes US leadership in ‘offensive phase’ of its turnaround

  The Oikos maker named Francois Lacombe as president of Danone U.S. to improve performance in the region, which has faced surging demand for its products and lagging customer service.

  Corporate Operations

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  Hershey warns consumer financial stress could weigh on Halloween sales

  CEO Kirk Tanner said the final days leading up to the holiday will be “really critical.”

  Corporate Operations

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  Mystery flavors keep consumers guessing

  From Chips Ahoy! to Hi-Chew, brands are leaning into gamified experiences and nostalgia to engage shoppers.

  Innovation

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  General Mills upgrades Cheerios cereal boxes with resealable bags

  The food giant is teaming up with Ziploc to help consumers preserve freshness and prevent spills.

  Corporate Operations

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  Atkins weight loss brand repositions to reach lapsed GLP-1 users

  The shift comes as parent company Simply Good Foods struggles to capitalize on recent health trends, with sales for Atkins alone dropping 20.9% in its 2026 fiscal year.

  Corporate Operations

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  Danone joins Nestlé, Coca-Cola in revising recycling labels after EU greenwashing probe

  The Evian owner committed to specifying what parts of its water bottles are made from 100% recycled plastics and will refrain from misleading marketing.

  Corporate Operations

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  Boston Beer CEO says hard sports drinks are alcohol’s ‘next big thing’

  The Sam Adams maker has entered the emerging vodka ade space, which has “exploded faster” than hard teas or seltzers, according to Jim Koch.

  Beverages

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  Ultraprocessed food labels could cost industry $14B a year

  A labeling mandate would apply to 72% of packaged foods and lead to higher reformulation and ingredient costs, according to a University of Chicago study.

  Corporate Operations

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  Uncrustables becomes fridge friendly as sales top $1B

  Owner J.M. Smucker developed a way to store the crustless sandwich without a freezer, solving one of the biggest obstacles preventing the fast-growing brand from reaching new consumers.

  Corporate Operations

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  Yasso embarks on international expansion as yogurt bar sales soar

  The brand, owned by Ben & Jerry’s parent The Magnum Ice Cream Company, is entering Canada as more consumers seek wellness-focused frozen desserts.

  Corporate Operations

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  Why candy prices are scary high ahead of Halloween

  Rising ingredient costs have prompted confectionery giants such as Hershey to broaden trick-or-treating options to include salty snacks.

  Updated Oct. 26, 2026

  Corporate Operations

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  Zevia nabs $20M investment to fund turnaround

  The money from GP Investments will help the better-for-you soda brand diversify its product offerings and increase distribution.

  Corporate Operations

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  Nestlé turnaround taking shape a year after new CEO

  Philipp Navratil said innovations and category divestitures have helped lead to improvements in key markets like North America, but he’s still “not satisfied” with the company’s performance.

  Corporate Operations

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  Right on the Dot’s: Why the pretzel brand is key to Hershey’s salty snack ambitions

  The food manufacturer is aiming for $1 billion in sales for Dot’s by entering other categories, such as snack mixes, that are ripe for disruption.

  Corporate Operations

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  Column

  Leftovers: Lays gives thanks with holiday flavors | Dogfish Head brews ‘ancient’ beer

  The potato chip brand is releasing a seasonal lineup based on Thanksgiving favorites, while Tajín introduces a swicy chamoy sauce.

  Ingredients

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  How AB InBev built a culture of creative effectiveness that drives growth

  To focus its marketing efforts, the Bud Light owner looks for opportunities at the intersection of consumer needs and business problems, rather than chasing creative ideas intended to generate hype or buzz. 

  Corporate Operations

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  Food and beverage layoffs accelerate

  The sector has slashed close to 30,000 jobs as of September, up 76% from the same period last year. 

  Corporate Operations

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  General Mills brings Epic into meat sticks

  The launch taps into growing consumer interest in protein snacks, pitting it against competitors such as Chomps and PepsiCo’s Good Warrior.

  Ingredients

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  Abbott plans to spin out its nutrition business

  The Ensure and Pedialyte owner said the move would allow it to better capitalize on growing demand for functional nutritition.

  Corporate Operations

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