Snoop Dogg joins crowded celebrity gin space with Indoggo release

The alcohol sector has been popular with big-name investors such as Ryan Reynolds, Jay-Z, Post Malone and George Clooney.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 2, 2020

Plant-based food maker Laird Superfood files for $40M IPO

The company, which counts Danone Manifesto Ventures as its largest shareholder, posted $11.1 million in sales during the first six months of 2020.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 1, 2020

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

Big CPGs struggle to gain market share during COVID-19 despite sales boost

IRI data shows while large manufacturers grabbed shelf space at the height of the pandemic, upstarts are taking advantage of out-of-stocks and demand for variety to win it back. 

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 31, 2020

Coca-Cola to offer buyouts to 4,000 employees, with layoffs to follow

The beverage giant is streamlining its operations to avoid duplication, help with innovation and get products to market more quickly.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 28, 2020

Good Karma buys its majority stake back from bankrupt Dean Foods

The plant-based milk brand also raised new capital in a funding round from Valor Siren Ventures and existing investor 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners. 

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 25, 2020

Game on: fueling the emerging market for esports

Welcome to the age of premium, high-performance energy drinks fueling the gaming industry.

By Brian Zapp - AFS • Aug. 25, 2020

Craft spirits revenue plunges $700M as pandemic curtails on-premise operations

With 40% of the country's craft distilleries generating half of their sales from tasting rooms that were or remain closed, many are looking for other sources of income to stay afloat. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 24, 2020

Coca-Cola names company veteran to head its North American business

Alfredo Rivera, president of its Latin American group and a 23-year veteran of the beverage giant, replaces Jim Dinkins, who is retiring. 

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 24, 2020

A2 Milk's revenue jumps 91% in US

The New Zealand company attributed the increase in consumer demand to expanded distribution, new packaging and a national TV advertising campaign.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 21, 2020

Drizly raises $50M as e-commerce alcohol delivery surges

The company says it has grown more than 350% this year, while achieving sustained profitability during the pandemic.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 21, 2020

PepsiCo taps head of World Trade Organization for C-suite role

Roberto Azevedo will hold the newly created chief corporate affairs officer position, which brings the snack and beverage giant's public policy, government affairs and communications under one umbrella. 

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 20, 2020

Flavored-water maker Hint raises $25M in its latest funding round

The company looks to capitalize on the momentum it has established during the pandemic and use the funds to grow sales and distribution.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 19, 2020

Water brand Lemon Perfect raises $6.6M to expand

The funding, which came from traditional VC companies as well as a long lineup of NBA luminaries, will go toward growing distribution, increasing marketing and recruiting new talent.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 18, 2020

Diageo to pay up to $610M to buy Ryan Reynolds-backed Aviation Gin

The purchase of the fast-growing brand gives the liquor maker a bigger stake in premium alcohol and adds to its portfolio of brands with celebrity connections.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 17, 2020

Leftovers: Fat Tire toasts the environment; Flora spreads into the United States

New Belgium Brewing's beverage was certified as the nation's first nationally distributed carbon neutral beer last week, and Vive adds some spritz to fall with Pumpkin Spice Hard Seltzer.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 14, 2020

Lawsuit challenges California's ban on soda taxes

The plaintiffs argue the law prohibiting cities from enacting them until 2031 is illegal because it curtails local governments’ ability to raise funds for public services.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 11, 2020

Atomo Coffee gets $9M for a molecular morning jolt

The Seattle startup, which makes the brewed beverage from upcycled ingredients that chemically match conventional coffee, will build a roastery and have products on the market next year.

By Megan Poinski • Aug. 11, 2020

Private equity firm Sonoma Brands remains 'active' in search for new deals

The investment firm, founded by Krave founder Jon Sebastiani, owns or has minority stakes in more than a dozen companies including Hu, Dang and Smashmallow.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 11, 2020

Leftovers: Trolli's crunchy gummies could make others squirm; Angostura mixes it up with cocoa

Candy maker Ferrera adds new innovation to the chewy worm-shaped sweet, while Hershey shrinks One bars.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 7, 2020

How a nearly 100-year-old maker of pudding and frozen ice pops competes with Big Food

Jel Sert, a manufacturer of Royal instant mixes and Fla-Vor-Ice frozen treats, has turned to alcohol, healthier trends and licensing deals with Mars Wrigley and Coca-Cola to boost sales.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 5, 2020

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer will be manufactured, marketed and distributed by Molson Coors

The agreement, similar to one signed with Yuengling earlier this month, gives the company known for beer a third hard seltzer brand in its portfolio.

By Jessi Devenyns • Updated Sept. 29, 2020

Coca-Cola to debut coffee-flavored cola in the US

The beverage, which is already available in international markets, will launch on the company's subscription service this year before hitting shelves across the country in January.

By Lillianna Byington • July 31, 2020

Leftovers: America runs on Dunkin' cereal; French's and Oskar Blues brew mustard beer

Post's new breakfast offerings are inspired by the restaurant's popular coffee drinks, and PBR gets into the summer with hard peach iced tea.

By Food Dive staff • July 31, 2020

FDA grants Ocean Spray qualified health claim for its cranberry juice

The company can label some products to indicate a relationship between their consmption and reduced risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in healthy women.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 30, 2020

Budweiser launches its 1st nonalcoholic beer

Anheuser-Busch's legacy beer brand is tapping NBA star Dwyane Wade as it markets Budweiser Zero, which has zero sugar and 50 calories.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 30, 2020