Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

How companies respond when consumers blame ingredients for making them ill

Shoppers have wanted more transparency about the food and drinks they buy, demanding additional testing to ensure the safety of products.
Lillianna Byington • March 21, 2019
Cereal sweetens the deal, adding indulgent varieties to attract consumers

Sour Patch Kids, Hostess Honey Buns, Churros, Nutter Butters and Peeps are now appearing in breakfast bowls.
Lillianna Byington • March 05, 2019
Big Food turns to small deals as major M&A transactions likely to pause in 2019

After completing larger transformational buys in 2018, companies such as Campbell Soup, General Mills, Hershey and Conagra will focus on digesting the purchases and lowering their debt levels.
Christopher Doering • March 04, 2019
NYC crackdown slows momentum of CBD-infused food and drink

Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive marijuana extract, has been tapped as a top restaurant trend for 2019. But the FDA has halted sales in some markets — leaving operators confused about its future.
Alicia Kelso • Feb. 28, 2019
As robots invade the grocery aisle, a promising but uncertain future awaits

Automating everything from stock checks to floor scrubbing can save retailers money, but even cute googly-eyed robots have their detractors.
Christopher Doering • Feb. 26, 2019
After cost cutting, Big Food builds its future on investing for growth

Companies such as General Mills, Kellogg and Mondelez are back to spending in an effort to reignite sales, compete with more nimble upstarts and keep up with shifting consumer tastes.
Christopher Doering • Feb. 25, 2019
Cupid strikes food makers as they take aim at lucrative Valentine's Day sales

Consumers are expected to spend $21 billion on the romantic holiday this year, and Kellogg and Hershey are among the companies tailoring products to it.
Lauren Manning • Feb. 14, 2019
Reformulation is a gamble: The high stakes behind innovation

While the payoff for success can be worth the risk, companies must consider the potential pitfalls of changing up a consumer favorite.
Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 12, 2019
How grant and award winners predict the future of the food industry

Brands that have recently won these prizes and the companies that deal them out said that startups are already tackling big issues by launching healthier ingredients, innovative technology and sustainable solutions.
Lillianna Byington • Jan. 30, 2019
'Hey Alexa, what's the future of voice ordering for groceries?'

Analysts say voice shopping will begin to mature in five to 10 years but still has too much friction for convenience-seeking customers.
Krishna Thakker • Jan. 29, 2019
Onward and upward: Clean label trend shows no signs of slowing

Despite the proliferation of products with simpler ingredient lists, experts say there is plenty of room to grow — especially down the supply chain.
Jessi Devenyns • Jan. 14, 2019
Tapped out? Brewpubs, taprooms inundate beer scene as brewers aim to stand out

With more than 6,000 craft beers in the U.S., makers of the popular alcoholic drink are focusing on creating an immersive experience through food, entertainment and, of course, tasty and cleverly named beverages.
Christopher Doering • Jan. 14, 2019
6 trends to impact the food industry in 2019

Concepts that started rocking the business in 2018 will continue, making this year sure to be full of big deals, new functional ingredients and items that are sustainable on many levels.
Megan Poinski, Christopher Doering and Lillianna Byington • Jan. 07, 2019
Eat, drink and be merry: Food holidays provide delicious celebrations all year

There's always a tasty reason to fete — but who dreamed up celebrations for empanadas and chocolate-covered cashews, and why?
Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 19, 2018
Why cannabis is more than just a buzzy investment for food and beverage companies

Changing attitudes, consumer acceptance and legalization have shifted the substance's domain from lazy stoners to big businesses.
Megan Poinski • Dec. 18, 2018
Food manufacturing is hungry for workers

As today's job seekers look for an integrative culture and benefits like education, the once-stable industry is struggling to find people and keep them from leaving.
Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 17, 2018
It's not easy being green: Romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak rattles food, grocery industries

The FDA's decision to request that the popular green gets pulled from shelves sent "a strong message" to the produce sector, according to a former agency official, while costing supermarkets millions of dollars in losses.
Christopher Doering • Dec. 10, 2018
Campbell Soup interim CEO focused on turnaround, but 'much more work lies ahead'

While the maker of namesake soups, V8 drinks and Emerald nuts has made progress implementing changes at the nearly 150-year old company, Keith McLoughlin told shareholders it's too early to declare victory.
Christopher Doering • Nov. 29, 2018
'No second thoughts': Assessing the Ahold Delhaize merger two years later

The grocer says it has achieved significant cost savings and is ready to grow, but experts question whether it has done enough to differentiate itself.
Christopher Doering • Nov. 27, 2018
Start me up: How big food companies' incubator programs help new companies get going

Most manufacturers have a division dedicated to assisting young, trendy brands in their journey toward success — and maybe an eventual acquisition.
Megan Poinski • Nov. 12, 2018
How 4 disruptive startups upended the status quo

Young companies often enter a market that was underserved or untapped, and with the right product and timing, can end up completely changing the game.
Christopher Doering • Nov. 12, 2018
How food and beverage companies score celebrity investments

Endorsements are out, as big-name stars and athletes put money — and influence — behind their favorite products.
Lillianna Byington • Nov. 12, 2018
3 measures on the ballot that could impact food and grocery

Voters will decide whether to ban all new grocery taxes — including those on soda — in Washington and Oregon, and may change animal welfare requirements for meat and eggs sold in California.
Lillianna Byington • Nov. 06, 2018
Sweet innovation: How private label candy wins with consumers

While these smaller manufacturers don't have recognizable brand labels, they can bring a creative and premium product to tempt the sweet tooth of specific consumer groups.
Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 31, 2018
How M&A brings new products and fresh insight to Big Food

From knowledge about plant-based foods to sourcing organic crops, buyers are looking for more than cost savings when they make a purchase — but those benefits can sometimes be hard to find.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 30, 2018