Unilever sells Lipton, other teas to private-equity firm for $5B

The sale to CVC Capital Partners includes 34 brands that generated more than $2 billion in sales in 2020. It will allow the CPG giant to focus on higher-growth businesses.

By Christopher Doering • Updated Nov. 19, 2021

Leftovers: Jeni's brings state fair-inspired flavors to ice cream; Quokka Brew makes jitter-free coffee

The frozen dessert maker will release a new midway-inspired flavor every Thursday this summer, and Heaven's Lettuce launches chips to convince consumers "happiness is hemp."

By Food Dive staff • July 24, 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

Better Juice partners with US companies to further its sugar-reduction technology

The Israel-based company converts natural sugars in 100% orange juice into other components for a less sweet beverage.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 23, 2020

Ocean Spray names former Tyson Foods chief as its CEO

In addition to his time running the meat and poultry processing giant, Tom Hayes also previously worked at CPG giants such as Kraft and Conagra.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020

Leftovers: Sweet Earth ups the Awesome on its plant-based burger; Busch Light launches apple-flavored beer

Nestlé combines two animal-free products to make the vegan version of a bacon burger, and Eat Howl taps chefs to add authentic flavor to its macaroni and cheese.

By Food Dive staff • July 17, 2020

Trade group releases 1st code of practice for kombucha

After a slew of lawsuits, Kombucha Brewers International is establishing quality standards for the beverage and also developing a seal for manufacturers.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 16, 2020

Dietary Guidelines scientific report could deliver a plant-based policy win

The document, which will be used by the federal government for the new official guidelines for a healthy diet, encourages more consumption of fruits and vegetables, and less red meat, alcohol and sugar.

By Megan Poinski • July 16, 2020

Oatly sells $200M stake to fuel growth

Investors in the fast-growing Swedish company include private-equity giant Blackstone, Oprah Winfrey and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 15, 2020

SnackMagic brings small brands directly to consumers

The platform carries a few Big Food brands, but sees itself as a way for shoppers to discover snacks they likely won't be able to find on store shelves.

By Christopher Doering • July 15, 2020

Diageo and PepsiCo will debut paper bottles in 2021

The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 14, 2020

Leftovers: Swiss Miss gets magically delicious; Ritz says 'cheese'

The cocoa brand adds Lucky Charms' marshmallow goodness and Outshine frozen treats get a bit of heat, courtesy of Tajín.

By Food Dive staff • July 10, 2020

A passing grade? Inside Anheuser-Busch's test panels that rate its beers

From Bud Light to Straw-Ber-Rita, tasters with the alcohol giant meet regularly to check the flavor, texture, smell and appearance of its signature brews and trendy products. 

By Christopher Doering • July 8, 2020

Analyst: Monster likely to launch hard seltzer brand

Stifel's Mark Astrachan wrote that if it were as successful as Reign, the energy drink giant's alcoholic beverage could generate $76 million in annual sales.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 7, 2020

Coca-Cola sells Odwalla to investment firm

Full Sail purchased the juice and smoothie product for an undisclosed amount from the beverage giant.

By Jessi Devenyns • Updated Sept. 14, 2021

Sustainable packaging company launches wine bottle made from 94% recycled paper

The Frugal Bottle has a carbon footprint up to 84% lower than a glass bottle and a third less than a recycled plastic one. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 2, 2020

Lawsuit accuses DFA leadership of 'extortion' and 'cartel' tactics after Dean Foods sale

The complaint argues the U.S. dairy industry was facing a collapse before the pandemic because of the co-op and is now unfairly expanding its reach. DFA called the suit "ridiculous and without merit."

By Lillianna Byington • July 2, 2020

Kerry introduces flavors targeting no- and low-alcohol beverages

The options, which include juniper, rosebud, elderflower, turmeric and cinnamon, are primarily aimed at spirits makers.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 1, 2020

Constellation Brands buys DTC company Empathy Wines

The upstart founded in 2019 produces high quality, sustainably made bottles sold through its e-commerce platform. The purchase price was not disclosed.

By Christopher Doering • July 1, 2020

Beverage makers disproportionately market sugary beverages to Black, Hispanic youth

Total sugary drink advertising expenditures increased 41% in 2018 as compared to 2013, according to a study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut.

By Dianna Christie • June 30, 2020

Constellation Brands trims spirits portfolio with $225M divestiture

The marketer of Corona and Modelo Especial said it would sell its Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy brand to the Sazerac Company.

By Christopher Doering • June 29, 2020

​Battling bankruptcy and a pandemic, Borden looks ahead

Departing CEO Tony Sarsam spoke to Food Dive about the challenges and future prospects for the dairy processor. Its $340 million sale to Capitol Peak Partners and KKR was approved on Friday.

By Lillianna Byington • June 29, 2020

Whole Foods' bottled water brand has 'concerning levels' of arsenic, Consumer Reports says

The retailer's Starkey Spring Water, which was recalled three years ago because of elevated levels of the chemical element, has been called out by the organization before.

By Jessi Devenyns • June 26, 2020

Borden CEO to step down as bankruptcy sale secures approval

Tony Sarsam will leave in July as Gregg Engles, a former CEO of Dean Foods and founder of Capitol Peak, takes over running the dairy processor.

By Lillianna Byington • June 26, 2020

Dairy industry faces a slow recovery from the pandemic

A new Rabobank report predicts higher sales at retail and lower ones in foodservice will converge and bring back a more normal balance, but there are still challenges ahead. 

By Lillianna Byington • June 24, 2020

Will food and drink companies' commitments to the Black community make a difference?

Diageo and PepsiCo are the latest to pledge their support, with the soft drink titan promising to increase the number of Black managers and executives in the next five years.

By Jessi Devenyns • June 17, 2020