Deep Dive: Page 2

Progress report: Brands face increasing pressure on recyclability claims in 2021

Major corporations have pledged to make big recycling-related changes by 2025, and environmental groups are holding them accountable through reporting requirements, shareholder agreements and lawsuits.

Megan Quinn • Aug. 17, 2021

Has the hard seltzer bubble popped? Analysts and beer makers say not so fast

Despite the abrupt warning by Truly maker Boston Beer in July that it overestimated demand, many predict further growth in the category and a few major players to eventually dominate.

Christopher Doering • Aug. 16, 2021

The thrill-seeking, concert-loving CEO behind Hain's rapid turnaround

Mark Schiller, whose rare blend of humor and business savvy played a part in reviving brands at PepsiCo and Pinnacle Foods, is immersed in his biggest challenge yet: Hain Celestial. 

Christopher Doering • July 27, 2021

Inside Hain Celestial's fight to regain its swagger

Once a disjointed collection of brands and close to having its stock delisted, the organic and natural products leader has cut money-losing products, prioritized innovation and improved its credibility with retailers. 

Christopher Doering • July 26, 2021

Why chicken is taking over plant-based meat

With Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods entering the space and new options filling freezer cases, the potential for the poultry analog suddenly seems limitless.

Megan Poinski • July 20, 2021

As canned cocktails boom, brands eyeing longevity face new marketing challenges

The explosive category is nearing an inflection point that will force companies to focus on deepening brand identity and targeting millennial drinkers.

Asa Hiken • July 12, 2021

How Impossible Foods is getting Gen Z interested in plant-based meat

With its products in public school cafeterias and a teen-focused website that connects animal agriculture to global warming, the company aims to feed and educate the next generation.

Megan Poinski • June 21, 2021

Molson Coors' CEO has a bold plan to 'fundamentally change' the beer maker. But will it work?

As consumers turn to other beverages, Gavin Hattersley has moved aggressively into energy drinks, diet soda and tequila to revive his company's portfolio — all while combating challenges like COVID-19 and a security breach.

Christopher Doering • June 15, 2021

Meat processors wrestle with worker shortages as US economy reopens from COVID-19

With protein demand soaring, companies like Tyson Foods are offering employees better benefits and flexible hours as they consider wider use of automation throughout their businesses.

Christopher Doering • June 9, 2021

Big Food hit pause on switching to natural colors. What will it take to make the shift?

Manufacturers point to a lack of consumer demand for swapping out artificial colors in brightly hued foods, but new research — and legislation — may force their hands.

Megan Poinski • June 3, 2021

As inflation rages, food and beverage manufacturers pass higher costs on to consumers

Coca-Cola, Nestlé and General Mills are just a few of the CPGs to announce hikes as they face a jump in expenses for ingredients, manufacturing, packaging and transportation.

Christopher Doering • May 4, 2021

After the pandemic, how is the food business likely to fare?

With recent growth rates likely to slow down, future success may depend on companies' plans to improve operations, innovate and prevent price increases. 

Megan Poinski • April 29, 2021

How COVID-19 impacted the food business

In a four-part series, Food Dive examines how CPG sales and demand were influenced by the pandemic and what business could look like going forward.

Megan Poinski • April 22, 2021

Why some food and drink companies lost sales during the COVID-19 pandemic

As consumers changed, they started looking at things to eat with a more critical eye, considering their health, well-being and wallets — and bringing declines in some categories.

Megan Poinski • April 22, 2021

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo proxy clash with activist investor over sugar hints at future skirmishes

The fight may be a prelude to more battles as shareholders seek greater influence in corporate America on issues such as politics, diversity, health and the environment.

Christopher Doering • April 19, 2021

How much of a boost did food companies get from COVID-19?

Publicly traded large CPGs had long been struggling with little or no sales growth because of shifting consumer preferences and challenger brands stealing market share. The pandemic changed all that. 

Megan Poinski • April 13, 2021

By the numbers: How food sales during COVID-19 compare to the year prior

The pandemic's shutdown of food and drink away from home was a boon to some companies and a bane to others, according to data from earnings reports.

Megan Poinski • April 13, 2021

Help wanted: Food manufacturers compete over workers as big data, e-commerce stoke hiring frenzy

While employers prioritize adding people who can pivot across multiple jobs, prospective employees are placing more value in what companies stand for before they accept a job.

Christopher Doering • March 22, 2021

Plant-based cheese is full of startups. Will dairy providers get into the segment?

New companies and entrenched plant-based food makers are bringing growth and innovation to the sector, while most traditional cheese makers are hanging back. Are they missing an opportunity, or is it not worth their effort?

Megan Poinski • March 16, 2021

Let's make a deal: How Nestlé is using M&A and multibillion-dollar divestitures to shape its portfolio

With more than $30 billion in transactions since 2018, the world's largest food company is refocusing its offerings on faster-growing categories popular with consumers.

Christopher Doering • March 1, 2021

Will 2021 be the turning point for food technology?

What we eat and drink could soon change thanks to advances that allow for the creation of better ingredients, crops and animals. The biggest challenge: explaining the science to consumers.

Megan Poinski • Jan. 26, 2021

How algae's potential could make other ingredients green with envy

The one-celled organism can be cultivated anywhere — and with research and Big Food partnerships, it might be the next great sustainability story.

Megan Poinski • Jan. 21, 2021

Could 2021 be the breakout year for cannabis-infused food and beverages?

Although the pandemic slowed progress, the outlook is brighter as more companies enter the market and the regulatory environment has the potential to change. 

Lillianna Byington • Jan. 19, 2021

CPGs wake up to breakfast's new future after coronavirus shakeup

With more people at home, a less hectic pace has boosted demand for sausage, waffles and cereal — a shift food manufacturers are confident will stick around after the pandemic.

Christopher Doering • Jan. 12, 2021

5 trends fueling food and beverage innovation in 2021

Consumers will pick up their pursuit of immunity boosts, new plant-based options, global flavors and tech-enhanced foods after a tough year.  

Lillianna Byington, Christopher Doering and Megan Poinski • Jan. 4, 2021