The "A Balancing Act" series examines trends uncovered in earnings reports and discusses strategies that impact the balance sheet. The stories are sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, a leader in commercial banking. BMO Harris Bank has no influence over Food Dive's coverage.
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What to evaluate when acquiring a startup
How might the brand impact revenue and profitability five or six years out? That's a key question for acquiring companies, according to Todd Giles, managing director for Food and Consumer at BMO Harris Bank's Atlanta office. Read More >>
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5 food and beverage categories losing market share — an analyst's perspective
From soda and cereal to frozen concentrates, these segments offer manufacturers valuable lessons in resilience. Read More >>
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How frozen food manufacturers are bouncing back from lost market share
Brands are tapping consumer health trends, innovation, and steep marketing investments to bring consumers back to the frozen foods aisle. Read More >>
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The present and future of VC investments
"It's looking at general market dynamics and the category ... consumer demand and what we call 'sustainable shifts in consumer behavior' rather than 'fads,'" said AccelFoods co-founder and managing partner Lauren Jupiter. Read More >>
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Why experts say food and beverage M&A is not in a downturn
In Q1 2016, deal values were down a whopping 93.9% year over year at only $4.1 billion, the lowest value for this sector since Q1 2009, according to a Mergermarket report. Read More >>
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4 potential food and beverage deals on the radar
Although this contract approach comes with both positives and negatives for owners and contractors, it can be the best option when executed effectively. Read More >>
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Why zero-based budgeting isn't always beneficial for manufacturers
The question is whether a purely cost-cutting strategy is sustainable when a company also needs to reignite top-line growth. Read More >>
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Leveraging startup investments by looking at the end game
From incorporation clauses to mechanics' lien language, legal experts explain the terms that create the most confusion among contractors. Read More >>
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Different ways individual investors can access food companies
U.S. investors represent a large capital market, and there are new ways for them to get their money into food companies that reflect their passions. Read More >>
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5 factors for a healthy food and beverage M&A environment
“Sometimes the factors that drive M&A are not necessarily the typical capital market factors that you might think about,” Ben Rudman, director at SDR Ventures, told Food Dive. Read More >>
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How brand mash-ups make delicious innovations — and profits
From Dunkin' Donuts Pop-Tarts to Special K Crustless Quiche, well-known brands are joining forces to cook up new products that are still familiar to the consumer. Read More >>
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How premium packaging leads to profits
Today's consumers want something that catches their eye and meets their needs for freshness, sustainability, messaging and fun. Read More >>
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Why incubator success is far from a sure thing
Coca-Cola ended its venture capital program, but companies like General Mills and Chobani are finding success with their efforts. Read More >>
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Does getting acquired tarnish the health halo of better-for-you brands?
As major manufacturers add smaller brands to their portfolios, they can either use them to boost their potential or contribute to their demise. Read More >>
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How to go from idea to successful food startup
It's not just hard work — investors, incubators, analysts and entrepreneurs lay out the often difficult path to success. Read More >>
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What M&A activity is on the food industry's horizon for the rest of 2017?
Food and beverage companies are changing the way they do business, and analysts see more consolidation and venture capital funding coming in the near future. Read More >>
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In the food VC arms race, it's 'buy or be eaten'
As legacy companies struggle to keep pace with emerging trendsetters, the pressure is on to acquire upstarts that will revive sales before they are snapped up by a competitor — or become competition themselves. Read More >>
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Finding a winning recipe for top line growth
Strategies like production innovation, small brand acquisition and capturing new consumers pose both opportunity and challenges. Read More >>
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E-grocery startups challenge Amazon and Instacart for online supremacy
From Thrive Market to Good Eggs, a collection of specialty-focused startups hope to stake their claim and upend established players in the fast-growing industry. Read More >>