Keurig Dr Pepper pays $300M for 33% stake in La Colombe, strikes licensing deal

The beverage giant has been deepening its ties to fast-growing companies with a presence in premium and trendy offerings, having previously invested in Athletic Brewing and C4 Energy drink maker Nutrabolt.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2023

Nestlé debuts ‘breakthrough’ technology that reduces sugars in key ingredients

The CPG giant said it developed an enzymatic process that cuts intrinsic levels of the sweetener in ingredients such as malt, milk and fruit juices by up to 30%, with a minimal impact on taste and texture. 

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Mergers and acquisitions

Declining sales and slowing consumption have more companies divesting brands, opening the door for smaller players and private equity firms to expand their portfolios.  

By Food Dive staff

Jim Beam owner names former Kraft, P&G executive as CEO

Greg Hughes, who has been at Beam Suntory since 2015 and most recently was responsible for growing the company’s brands and portfolio, will take over the top spot from Albert Baladi on Oct. 1.

By Christopher Doering • July 19, 2023

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo sales likely to withstand WHO aspartame cancer ruling

The beverage giants have large stakes in the sugar-free space with popular offerings such as Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi.

By Christopher Doering • July 17, 2023

Leftovers: Hostess combines Ding Dongs and Twinkies | Harpoon debuts THC-based beverage

The snack maker is fusing two of its most popular items, and Carbone is spicing up its pasta sauce line with an offering based on a popular dish from its New York City restaurant.

By Food Dive staff • July 14, 2023

Aspartame may cause cancer, but is safe within specific limits - WHO says

Conflicting information from two groups at the health organization is likely to sow further confusion over whether it’s safe to consume the sugar alternative used in about 6,000 products globally.

By Christopher Doering • July 14, 2023

Coca-Cola, 8 bottlers form $137.7M venture capital fund focusing on sustainability investments

Each of the nine entities, including the beverage giant, contributed about $15 million to the initiative. It will focus on five areas, including packaging, distribution and supply chain.

By Christopher Doering • July 12, 2023

Traceability company Oritain raises $57M to spur growth

Food and beverage producers, such as A2 Milk and Nestlé’s Nescafe, depend on the firm to assure customers that the items they purchase are genuine and sourced ethically.

By Christopher Doering • July 12, 2023

Oatly taps Mars alum for CFO

Marie-Jose David comes to the financial helm of the oat milk maker as the company looks to get “aggressive” this year.

By Elizabeth Flood • July 10, 2023

How Heineken disrupted the staid non-alcoholic beer industry

While the brand was the best-selling offering in the category in 2022, Heineken 0.0 wasn’t always a sure thing for the Netherlands-based brewer. 

By Christopher Doering • July 10, 2023

Leftovers: Pepsi puts pineapple on top; Pillsbury stuffs banana bread in a tube

The CPG beverage giant is rolling out the exclusive flavor at Little Caesars locations, and Peak State is debuting coffee made with adaptogenic mushrooms.

By Food Dive staff • July 7, 2023

Modelo dethroned Bud Light in America — here’s what the numbers say

While recent controversy played a role in the uncrowning, Modelo’s long-term strategy may have more to do with its success.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 5, 2023

Monster Beverage set to buy Bang Energy for up to $362M

A court filing showed the closure of the deal is being slowed by a review from the Federal Trade Commission. Bang warned it could be forced to liquidate if the transaction collapses.

By Christopher Doering • June 29, 2023

Jilted by Constellation Brands, Aperitif maker Haus finds new life after acquisition

The Naked Market purchased the low-alcohol aperitifs maker for an undisclosed amount and is re-launching it online. The brand shut down last year after a $10 million funding round fell through.

By Christopher Doering • June 29, 2023

Danone digs in at discount channels as consumer tastes change

The retail channel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the dairy and plant-based giant’s business in the U.S., with sales forecast to top $100 million in 2023. 

By Christopher Doering • June 28, 2023

PepsiCo’s Muscle Milk bulking up beyond the gym

Once associated with health clubs and hardcore athletes, the protein powder and shake offering is finding broader appeal among consumers as an ingredient in coffee, ice cream and baked goods.

By Christopher Doering • June 27, 2023

‘A new TreeHouse:’ Private label giant builds for success by thinking small, CEO says

Steve Oakland said the snacks and beverages manufacturer has evolved into a more focused company that can better innovate and respond to the needs of retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. 

By Christopher Doering • June 26, 2023

Coca-Cola’s BodyArmor enters rapid hydration with first major product launch in 2 years

The launch of BodyArmor Flash I.V. comes as the Atlanta-based beverage giant has struggled to integrate the energy drink after taking full control of it for $5.6 billion in 2021. 

By Christopher Doering • June 21, 2023

SunOpta upcycles oat milk byproduct for new cereal

The company collaborated with Seven Sundays to launch the breakfast item using protein left over from its plant-based milk.

By Chris Casey • June 15, 2023

Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory inks distribution deal for Mezcal Amarás

The alcohol giant said the partnership, which begins next month, is key to further premiumizing its portfolio and expanding its reach in the fast-growing agave-based spirits category.

By Christopher Doering • June 14, 2023

Chobani brings its Zero Sugar offering into drinkable yogurt

Since the dairy product line was launched in 2021, it has amassed 2.1% of the yogurt category, according to Nielsen, as consumers watch what they eat and reduce their intake of the sweetener.

By Christopher Doering • June 13, 2023

Why Oreo and Doritos could signify a bright future for Zevia, a soda with no sugar or calories

Once associated with people eating salads, kale chips and other healthy offerings, the beverage is finding acceptance with consumers improving parts of their diets while continuing to indulge in other areas.

By Christopher Doering • June 13, 2023

Leftovers: Oatly spreads into cream cheese; Kellogg harvests better-for-you Pringles

The Swedish oat milk maker’s new items come in Plain and Chive & Onion flavors, and Sam Adams provides beer drinkers with excuses to say no to their responsibilities.

By Food Dive staff • June 9, 2023

Jones Soda names former PepsiCo executive as new CEO

David Knight will take over at the company known for flavors such as Blue Bubblegum and Turkey-and-Gravy on June 23. He replaces Mark Murray, who is retiring.

By Christopher Doering • June 9, 2023

Lifeway Foods shareholder blasts CEO and board, calls for sale of the kefir maker

Kanen Wealth Management, which owns 4.1% of the company, claims the board and chief executive are “mis-managing the business” and not looking out for shareholders.

By Christopher Doering • June 8, 2023