Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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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 -
Deep data: What it tells retailers about shoppers, preferences and selection
Retailers are getting a lot of shopper information through e-commerce. So how can they use it effectively to build sales online and in their stores?
Megan Poinski • July 30, 2018 -
How Big Food drives impulse buys online
Whether it's via Instagram, a manufacturer's direct-to-consumer site or a click-and-collect grocery platform, legacy snack and candy brands are fighting to spark last-minute purchases.
Emma Liem • July 30, 2018 -
David versus Amazon: Can independent grocers profit off e-commerce?
While large competitors often win on price and convenience, experts say small retailers can’t afford to shy away from online shopping.
Jeff Wells • July 30, 2018 -
Peeking inside the pod: A deep look inside Peapod's grocery delivery business
As competition increases and more consumers purchase food online, the Chicago company increasingly depends on drivers like Ron Gordon to be the face of its business.
Christopher Doering • July 30, 2018 -
With Supervalu acquisition, UNFI gets a company in transition
The combination will create a new wholesaling entity offering a wide variety of products, but both companies have significant challenges to overcome in order to make the deal work.
Jeff Wells • July 27, 2018 -
Are clean label foods healthy?
At IFT18, panelists discussed the disconnect between consumer perception of the mega trend's benefits and the actual impact it has on nutrition and sustainability.
Emma Liem • July 23, 2018 -
3 unanswered questions from IFT18
While clean labeling, the definition of healthy and the future of lab-grown meat were on the menu again this year, attendees questioned — and challenged — the benefits of these trends.
Emma Liem • July 23, 2018 -
Are grocers solving the e-commerce riddle? Depends on whom you ask
Most major supermarket chains have made investments or partnerships in the space, but some experts question whether they are doing enough to separate themselves from their competitors.
Christopher Doering • July 23, 2018 -
Intelligent design: How smart packaging can shape the future of food safety
Technology can protect food from post-processing contamination, signal when a product has spoiled and could allow consumers to add preservatives to items at home.
Emma Liem • July 20, 2018 -
The collapse of Chef'd illustrates meal kits' challenges
Slowing sales growth could put pressure on weaker companies that remain to improve their businesses, find a buyer or be forced to close.
Christopher Doering • July 19, 2018 -
The 3 things in lab-grown meat's way to industry transformation
Silicon Valley startups and NGOs believe this cutting-edge innovation has great potential, but regulatory red tape, the cost of commercialization and lack of government funding are proving to be obstacles.
Emma Liem • July 18, 2018 -
How Coke amplifies in-stadium experiences through digital tech
The beverage giant engages sports fans by working with partner MVP Interactive on activations that leverage AR/VR, facial recognition and more.
Peter Adams • July 18, 2018