Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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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 -
Inside Ferrero's quest for sweet success in the competitive US candy market
The Italian maker of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher has spent billions to bulk up its position in confections, making it a more formidable rival to industry leaders Hershey and Mars.
Christopher Doering • June 10, 2019 -
Glass: Packaging that's clearly worth a second look
As consumers want packaging that is safe, sustainable, premium and transparent, manufacturers are increasingly going back to an old stalwart.
Jessi Devenyns • May 30, 2019 -
Big Food turning to regenerative agriculture to meet sustainability goals
Companies such as General Mills and Hormel Foods are embracing the practice to help their businesses and respond to consumers who consider environmental stewardship in their buying habits.
Lillianna Byington • May 20, 2019 -
Why international investment is the lucrative path forward for food and beverage
While CPG companies like Tyson, Mondelez and Kellogg are thought of as all-American, M&A is helping them expand their reach — and revenues — across the globe.
Jessi Devenyns • April 30, 2019 -
International flavors spice up what is thought of as American food
Today's consumers want more than tahini and turmeric, focusing on hyper-local flavors such as Cantonese XO sauce and Javanese sambal oelek.
Jessi Devenyns • April 08, 2019 -
Restaurant brands bring recognition, familiarity and innovation to Big Food's menu
From Conagra's P.F. Chang's frozen meals to Nestlé's California Pizza Kitchen line, these products stand out on a crowded grocery shelf.
Christopher Doering • April 08, 2019 -
Alternative proteins could become a food staple for more US consumers
From plant based to insects, a growing number of people are turning to products that are less taxing on the environment as the world's population increases.
Jessi Devenyns • March 26, 2019 -
FreshDirect fights back
CEO David McInerney said the e-grocer is "turning up the throttle" at its new fulfillment center as it battles for customers and pushes into new markets.
Krishna Thakker • March 25, 2019 -
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 -
From CBD to plant based: 4 trends that dominated Expo West in 2019
The topics were among those prominent at the five-day conference in California that included thousands of exhibitors launching new products and panel discussions on what's next for food and beverages.
Lillianna Byington • March 11, 2019
