Babybel owner partners to put real fruit at center of snack innovation

Bel US will leverage Foodberry’s plant-based coatings to develop products prioritizing nutrition and convenience, beginning with a protein and fruit snack.

Mission Produce buys avocado rival Calavo in deal worth $430M

The acquisition gives the produce giant a path to enter the ready-made guacamole market and expand its portfolio to include tomatoes and papayas.

Energy drinks’ fortunes are still rising. Here’s how to ride the wave.

While the category is gaining market share with fresh flavors and ideas, competition from other beverages is cutting into sales.

How Kellanova tailors innovation to meet evolving consumer needs

Nico Amaya, the company’s North America president, discusses why product development has moved away from a one-size-fits-all solution and the role that AI is playing in his business.

Danone invests $4M to expand Texas plant amid yogurt boom

The expansion comes as the food giant struggles to meet surging consumer demand for high-protein dairy products.

Abandoning packaging sustainability is a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a report.

Vita Coco flexes back into sports and fitness

The coconut water brand, with more than $500 million in annual sales, is going back to its roots to help boost revenue and attract younger consumers.

Heineken CEO to step down as beer sales slump

Dolf van den Brink is leaving at the end of May as the company implements a reorganization plan.

Save A Lot to remove artificial food dyes from private label products

The grocer’s move reflects an effort by the FDA to eliminate synthetic colors from the nation’s food supply.

Good Culture sells majority stake to private-equity firm L Catterton

The deal comes amid strong sales for the company as consumers flock to cottage cheese for its high-protein content.

How Recess is rethinking Dry January as drinking trends toward moderation

The functional beverage brand is championing balance instead of abstinence, bucking a trend among nonalcoholic brands.

Impossible Foods bulks up protein presence with partnership

The plant-based meat company struck a licensing agreement with bread and pasta maker Equii to create products that pair with Impossible’s offerings.

The food and beverage trends to watch in 2026

Companies are leaning on innovation, M&A and healthier options to navigate sometimes contradictory consumer preferences.

Nutri-Grain goes crunchy | Premier Protein launches muffins

Mars-owned Nutri-Grain is tapping into consumer demand for healthier ingredients, while Stone Brewing partners with Hopwtr on an IPA-flavored sparkling water.

USDA outlines retailer compliance for state SNAP waivers

FMI has been pushing for clarified guidance for months, and said the new rules — which ban products like candy and soda — still lack clarity.

US dietary guidelines tell Americans to avoid highly processed foods

The Trump administration is overhauling federal dietary advice to align with some MAHA priorities.

Updated Jan. 7, 2026

Hershey gives Shaq-A-Licious some game with multi-textured gummy

New gummy balls coated in crunchy candies encourage consumers to play with their food while mixing and matching flavors.

Brewers can use kosher certifications to win vegan, vegetarian consumers

Labeling items for kosher standards, such as avoiding shellfish and dairy, could also benefit those with dietary restrictions and allergies, writes Moshe Elefant, rabbi and chief operating officer of OU Kosher.

AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants

The Bud Light maker sold a minority stake in the business to investors in 2020.

Beyond Meat taps new chief accounting officer amid financial overhaul

Tony Kalajian’s appointment comes as the embattled plant-based meat maker identified a material weakness late last year.

West Virginia artificial dye ban temporarily blocked by court

The ruling is a setback for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which has pushed ingredient restrictions in states.

Tyson agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit

Meat giants have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to settle claims that they artificially raised prices for years.

Food makers cut prices to reignite growth

PepsiCo and General Mills are among a handful of companies planning to boost affordability as shoppers tighten their spending.

Can schools handle federal calls for fewer ultraprocessed foods?

Some 95% of school nutrition directors are concerned about the financial sustainability of their meal programs, School Nutrition Association data shows.

Coca-Cola begins corporate restructuring with 75 layoffs

Future cuts at the beverage giant are expected to occur in phases during the coming months.