Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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After the summer's hard seltzer spike, will the segment lose its fizz?
This year, market leader White Claw saw exploding sales and even a shortage — and legacy brewers are trying to cash in on what they hope is a lasting trend.
Lillianna Byington • Nov. 14, 2019 -
Does the beef against beef make financial sense?
As the holidays approach, plant-based protein companies are making a play for the dinner table.
Barbara Ballinger • Nov. 13, 2019 -
Why private equity firms are buying food and beverage brands
It's all about opportunity for return, helping brands get to the next level — and having something delicious in the portfolio, investors and analysts tell Food Dive.
Megan Poinski • Oct. 29, 2019 -
How soda gets healthy: Remaking the classic beverage with less sugar, more benefits
The drink has long been panned for its association with diseases, but upstarts are trying to redefine the category.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 28, 2019 -
How retro candy brands are hitting the nostalgia sweet spot
Just in time for Halloween, Russell Stover and others are rethinking their marketing and positioning. Will consumers bite?
Shane Schick • Oct. 24, 2019 -
How 5 food and beverage brands created lasting magic for a modern market
They have long legacies — and bright futures — as they keep their eyes on both the past and the trends that today's consumer is looking for.
Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 22, 2019 -
Turning back time: How brands tap into nostalgia to build their future
From Hostess Brands' Twinkies to B&G Foods' Green Giant vegetables, CPG companies are turning sentimental in an effort to reduce their marketing expenses and get consumers to open their wallets.
Anastassia Gliadkovskaya • Oct. 02, 2019 -
Why Chicago is the nation's capital of food and beverage manufacturing
About 4,500 companies call the metro area home today, employing about 130,000 people in manufacturing, distribution and marketing. Here's why they wouldn't be located anywhere else.
Megan Poinski • Oct. 01, 2019 -
How big name investors can change a brand's future
"It's like the cool kid in class. If the popular kids do it, then other people are more willing to try," said the CEO of Chirps Chips, a cricket snack brand that secured an investment from Mark Cuban.
Lillianna Byington • Sept. 24, 2019 -
How Folgers has ushered in almost 170 years of happy mornings
The coffee brand has stayed on top through innovation and an eye on its rich history despite growing competition, new trends and shifts in how and where people drink the beverage.
Megan Poinski • Sept. 23, 2019 -
3 hot trends on the Expo East show floor
From Katy Perry's appearance to CBD everything, the 35th annual showcase of natural products was a firework of new tastes and ideas.
Megan Poinski, Christopher Doering and Lillianna Byington • Sept. 16, 2019 -
Legacy veggie burgers fight to keep their sizzle in a Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods world
Conagra's Gardein, Kellogg's MorningStar Farms and Kraft Heinz's Boca have moved aggressively to keep pace as new products with a more meat-like taste and texture hit the market.
Christopher Doering • Sept. 11, 2019 -
Venture capitalists feast on food in search of big profits
Investors have pumped millions of dollars into nascent companies tied to trends such as plant based and sustainability with the hope of striking it rich.
Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 04, 2019 -
Food and beverage veterans make an exodus to cannabis
Despite regulatory complications, more executives have been recruited to the trendy space in recent months.
Lillianna Byington • Aug. 12, 2019 -
Beyond bottles: How today's drink packages quench consumers' thirst
Resealable cans, portability, sustainability and reinvented user experiences are helping beverage companies stand out on crowded shelves.
Jessi Devenyns • July 30, 2019 -
With the dairy industry in a sour state, Borden CEO plots comeback for one-time milk giant
In its heyday, the Texas company posted $7 billion in sales and was the nation's largest dairy producer. Today, revenue sits at $1.2 billion and its reach spans just 13 states.
Christopher Doering • July 23, 2019 -
Was Prime Day a grocery win for Amazon? Four experts weigh in
The company along with Whole Foods ran a slew of online and in-store promotions, though the ultimate measure of success may be a record number of Prime membership signups.
Jessica Dumont • July 18, 2019 -
How the food industry has weathered an unpredictable 2 years of Trump's trade tactics
With new tariffs announced in tweets, trade agreements awaiting approval and mixed signals from the White House, the period has been filled with ups and downs.
Lillianna Byington • June 26, 2019 -
Why reusable food packaging has a promising future
Consumers are looking for both convenience and sustainability, and companies are responding with containers, bottles and bags designed for many uses.
Jessi Devenyns • June 25, 2019 -
Maintaining mouthfeel: The challenge of preserving food texture on the shelf and during delivery
Manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, restaurants and packaging designers are all working together to make sure the consumer gets items that feel freshly made — wherever they are.
Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2019 -
Kokumi: The sensation that makes tasting better
The flavor on the cusp of food trends adds richness, roundness and craveability to everything from meat and salad dressing to chocolate mousse.
Jessi Devenyns • June 24, 2019 -
As consolidation sweeps the food space, why do some brands stay independent?
Companies such as Palermo's and Jelly Belly said remaining solo gives them more freedom and flexibility to run the business, connect with consumers and develop new products.
Christopher Doering • June 24, 2019 -
Tyson to unleash Big Food push into plant-based meats with new products
The protein giant is the latest CPG company to enter the rapidly growing space where Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods dominate. Perdue Farms, Nestlé and Hormel Foods also plan to enter the nascent market.
Christopher Doering • June 13, 2019 -
Upcycling: A Big Food problem with a startup solution?
Food waste is worth $46.7 billion and is expected to grow 5% during the next decade, providing companies with a lucrative way to make money and cater to consumers who value sustainability.
Thai Phi Le • June 10, 2019 -
4 eye-catching trends on the IFT19 show floor
If this trade event is any indication, expect to see a lot of pea protein, alternative sweeteners, previously blacklisted ingredients and CPGs successfully crossing over in the years ahead.
Megan Poinski • June 10, 2019
