Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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Less sugar, more problems: How reducing the popular sweetener causes reformulation challenges
Sugar helps with the texture, structure, color and shelf-life of products — all aspects that need to be replaced when manufacturers reduce the amount of the ingredient they use.
Megan Poinski • Oct. 22, 2020 -
Courtesy of Yuengling
Yuengling survived Prohibition and both World Wars. But can it beat the pandemic?
Despite recent challenges, the sixth-generation leaders of America's oldest brewery are leaning into its reputation as a "traditional" beer company, while pushing ahead on new initiatives including a partnership with Molson Coors.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Yunjin Kim/Food Dive
Is coronavirus accelerating the growth of plant-based meat?
Sales for the category have exploded as the pandemic disrupts business as usual. Is this because people are turning away from animal-based eating, or is it keeping with the segment's trends?
Megan Poinski • Oct. 13, 2020 -
Permission granted by Ferrero
Pandemic forces Halloween candy makers to get creative to protect $5B in sales
Mars Wrigley, Hershey and Ferrero, which prepare years in advance for the holiday, have quickly altered their strategies on packaging, selling and marketing their sweets.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 12, 2020 -
Adeline Kon/Food Dive
Where they stand: Political donations from 10 of the largest food and beverage makers
Companies appear to be sitting out of the heated election cycle as contributions across the board dropped this year, with Democrats receiving 30% less and the GOP and trade group PACs seeing a 50% drop.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 05, 2020 -
Permission granted by Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth's beverage head is 'bullish' on the future of the cannabis category
After a delayed launch and an ongoing turnaround effort for its earnings, the Constellation-backed company is No. 1 in dollar share in drinks in Canada and plans to launch into the U.S. in the near future.
Lillianna Byington • Sept. 17, 2020 -
Christopher Doering/Food Dive
Innovation takes on a different meaning as pandemic forces CPGs to get creative
Conagra and Campbell Soup are among companies that have tried new development strategies during the coronavirus — from mailing products for at-home testing to a greater social media presence — or risk losing ground.
Christopher Doering • Sept. 14, 2020 -
Big CPGs struggle to gain market share during COVID-19 despite sales boost
IRI data shows while large manufacturers grabbed shelf space at the height of the pandemic, upstarts are taking advantage of out-of-stocks and demand for variety to win it back.
Christopher Doering • Aug. 31, 2020 -
How food innovation has continued during the pandemic
Coronavirus has shifted the reasons, processes and funds for new ideas and products, but manufacturers, funders and experts agree: Stopping the process is not an option.
Megan Poinski • July 27, 2020 -
Less is more: Why retailers and CPGs are moving toward selling fewer products in stores
As the coronavirus pushes some items off supermarket shelves, the food industry is finding a smaller selection reduces consumer confusion, boosts sales and trims expenses for grocers.
Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020 -
Borden
Battling bankruptcy and a pandemic, Borden looks ahead
Departing CEO Tony Sarsam spoke to Food Dive about the challenges and future prospects for the dairy processor. Its $340 million sale to Capitol Peak Partners and KKR was approved on Friday.
Lillianna Byington • June 29, 2020 -
Adeline Kon/Food Dive
Flour power: How manufacturers helped baking become the hottest new trend
Consumers stuck at home during the pandemic turned to their ovens for solace, but were met with empty shelves. Here's how companies plan to meet demand.
Megan Poinski • June 25, 2020 -
A historic reckoning with race leaves problematic food brands without an easy path forward
Remaking Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben, with characters baked into brand identity, will require heavy investments. A pandemic-related windfall could help.
Peter Adams • June 24, 2020 -
Permission granted by Hershey
How Hershey CEO Michele Buck came to create a 'snacking powerhouse'
The food industry veteran has transformed the small-town maker of Kisses and Reese's through a series of acquisitions and innovation in core brands since taking over the 126-year-old company in 2017.
Christopher Doering • June 23, 2020 -
Christopher Doering/Food Dive
Private label prospects brighten as recession hits cash-strapped consumers
Even before the pandemic, sales growth in the sector was forecast to outpace that of national brands for the fourth straight year, according to IRI.
Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020 -
Adeline Kon/Food Dive
How coronavirus scrambled eggs
Prices have swung dramatically as the markets and demand have changed and consumers clamor for the protein staple.
Megan Poinski • June 15, 2020 -
Permission granted by PepsiCo
Consumers and manufacturers rethink DTC's promise as pandemic alters shopping habits
PepsiCo, Mondelez and Unilever are among the companies that have deployed direct-to-consumer shipping, which offers convenience for shoppers but complicated logistics.
Christopher Doering • May 26, 2020 -
Permission granted by Blue Mountain Brewery
Once thriving craft beer industry dealt crippling blow by coronavirus
With brewpubs and taprooms shuttered and consumers less willing to experiment, thousands of brewers could go out of business or experience major changes to their operations.
Christopher Doering • May 19, 2020 -
Permission granted by Minibar
Online alcohol sales may see permanent rise as coronavirus alters shopping habits
Data insights firm Kantar estimates that 30% of new customers who try buying booze through e-commerce for the first time during the pandemic will remain long-term users.
Christopher Doering • May 06, 2020 -
Photos by Getty; photo illustration by Kendall Davis/Food Dive
Meatpacking workers wonder whether job is a 'death sentence' amid outbreaks
Many are criticizing the industry’s response for waiting too long to implement safety precautions and close processing plants as thousands have tested positive for coronavirus.
Lillianna Byington • April 28, 2020 -
Megan Poinski/Food Dive
What will a virtual IFT be like?
Companies and scientists among the 25,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors usually at the annual event speculate about how the experience can be replicated online.
Megan Poinski • April 23, 2020 -
Permission granted by Veestro
Food startups grapple with financial roadmap as coronavirus sows uncertainty
The pandemic has made it harder to assess valuations for companies, forcing businesses to alter strategies on how and when to raise money.
Christopher Doering • April 20, 2020 -
Permission granted by Ajinomoto
From the blacklist to the spotlight: How MSG is staging a comeback
Ever since a 1968 editorial, consumers have shied away from monosodium glutamate, but manufacturers have continued to use it. Now the ingredient is beginning to lose its bad reputation.
Megan Poinski • April 16, 2020 -
Antitrust concerns cloud DFA's purchase of Dean Foods' assets
Although the bankruptcy court approved the sale, it needs the U.S. Department of Justice to sign off. Some are hoping that roadblock will stop the deal.
Lillianna Byington • April 16, 2020 -
Emma Cosgrove
Coronavirus casts a spotlight on risks facing food workers, employers
While many CPG manufacturers have increased pay and improved safety within their facilities, some unions and employees have asked whether it is enough.
Christopher Doering • April 06, 2020
