Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

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
The Honest truth: How a tiny tea company is poised to become one of Coca-Cola's next $1B brands

As more stores carried its products and sports drinks, lemonades and kids beverages were added to the lineup, revenue has soared from $38 million a decade ago to more than $500 million today.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 22, 2018
How sustainable is the food packaging industry?

More consumers are seeking products that are completely eco-friendly, but there are still many barriers on the design and manufacturing side.
Lillianna Byington • Oct. 15, 2018
Better together: Why some food companies enter into partnerships

In an industry that seems to be dominated by M&A, these agreements — often between companies that would otherwise be competitors — bring benefits to all involved.
Megan Poinski • Oct. 15, 2018
Inside Peapod's delivery planning, where every second counts

The grocery delivery company has amassed a trove of valuable data, but some analysts question whether it's effectively using that information to keep pace with competitors like Amazon and Instacart.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 08, 2018
M&A helps food and grocery companies do everything better

Adding trendy products? Reacting quickly to consumer feedback? Delivering groceries and ready-made meals to consumers' doors? Through acquisitions, some of the biggest industry players have added these capabilities.
Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 04, 2018
Why customer loyalty programs are more important than ever

From rewards points to cash back and personalized coupons, grocers and analysts discuss the best ways to capture consumers and keep them coming back.
Jessica Dumont • Sept. 26, 2018
Tyson Foods reduces worker injuries, illnesses with VR safety training

Employee training in the food processing industry can be hard to get right — and employee health often rides on its effectiveness.
Riia O'Donnell • Sept. 21, 2018
5 ways grocers are elevating the store experience

From store-grown produce to a renewed emphasis on service counters, retailers are focusing on innovation as well as time-honored strategies in an effort to keep their stores relevant.
Jeff Wells • Sept. 17, 2018
Grocers step up their game with flagship locations

From free popcorn to bars with a view, these next-generation stores are helping retailers differentiate themselves and test out new features in an increasingly competitive industry.
Jessica Dumont • Sept. 17, 2018
We go GMO: A look at companies that tout their genetically modified products

While some food companies are reformulating ahead of the new labeling law, others are doubling down on their use of biologically engineered ingredients — and proudly telling the world about it.
Megan Poinski • Sept. 10, 2018
Spamalot: Consumers can't get enough of the mercilessly mocked meat

The 81-year old Hormel Foods brand, ridiculed by Monty Python and tied to unwanted email, has remained popular amid shifts toward fresher foods — and record sales are forecast this year.
Christopher Doering • Sept. 05, 2018
Why an M&A storm is brewing in the coffee market

As consumer demand for premium, on-the-go java skyrockets, Big Food companies such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola are expanding their presence in the space, spending more than $12 billion this year alone.
Emma Liem • Sept. 04, 2018
How brands learn from consolidation

Major food and beverage companies share lessons from their experiences and successes with smaller brands they acquire. But these larger brands would be remiss to believe they have nothing left to learn from their acquisition targets.
Carolyn Heneghan • Aug. 28, 2018
Is marijuana food's next functional ingredient?

As Canada prepares to fully legalize cannabis and more U.S. states follow, many believe products made with cannabinoids could be a pot of gold — if the segment can survive its hurdles.
Emma Liem • Aug. 23, 2018
Feeding Fido: Food brands sniff out opportunities in the pet market

These investments have been CPGs' best friend. Just ask Smucker, whose entire profit in the last quarter came from the acquisition of a trendy brand.
Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 22, 2018
The price is right: Why food, drink brands spend big money for celebrity endorsers

While stars have long pitched consumers to buy a product, shoppers now expect them to bring authenticity and believability along with their famous names.
Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 16, 2018
Beef: It's still what's for dinner

Where's the beef? For many Americans, it's right on their plates. Despite health concerns and environmental worries, people are hungry for red meat.
Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 06, 2018
Protein packing a punch as more foods tout the trendy nutrient

While its roots may be in chicken, nuts and eggs, growing consumer demand has prompted manufacturers to add it to chips, bars, shakes, ice cream and even candy.
Krishna Thakker • Aug. 06, 2018
Going around the grocery: How brands use e-commerce to sell direct-to-consumer

As the model continues to expand, brands and grocers are searching for innovative methods to reach consumers through data, technology and content.
Krishna Thakker • July 30, 2018