Deep Dive: Page 3
Industry insights from our journalists
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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