Diet Dr Pepper doesn't make false weight loss promises, court rules

This unanimous ruling at the close of 2019 from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could dissuade consumers from filing lawsuits about "diet" labels.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 2, 2020

Plant-based and functional flavors to dominate in 2020, experts say

Ingredient companies expect enhanced opportunities for hemp, botanicals and cleaner labels as healthier ways of limiting salt and sugar and covering off-notes.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 23, 2019

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

Leftovers: Siggi's launches plant-based and protein-packed skyr; Heineken gets 2020 off to an alcohol-free start

The Icelandic yogurt brand's new version uses a blend of coconut milk, macadamia and pea protein to deliver taste, texture and function; and Laird supercharges hot chocolate with mushrooms. 

By Food Dive staff • Dec. 20, 2019

Shifting food trends fuel M&A activity among ingredients companies

IFF's $26.2 billion purchase of DuPont's nutrition unit underscores the push to carve out a dominant position in healthier products while increasing the efficiency of R&D operations.

By Christopher Doering • Dec. 19, 2019

Huel brings bars that are 'nutritionally complete' to the US

The meal replacement company's new product contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals while also being high protein, gluten free and plant based. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 19, 2019

Can Coca-Cola escape the shadow of deceptive marketing campaigns in its past?

A paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found the company targeted teens and moms earlier in the decade — before committing to diversify its portfolio and reduce sugar intake.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 19, 2019

Coca-Cola's Insiders Club provides a taste of new flavors — before they hit shelves

The new subscription service, which will send 1,000 consumers a monthly shipment of new beverages — including Aha sparkling water and Coke Energy — sold out in three hours.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 17, 2019

Can caffeine added to Bolt24 sports drink energize Gatorade sales?

The new PepsiCo beverage will contain 50 to 75 mg of caffeine per bottle and electrolytes from watermelon and sea salt.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 17, 2019

Coke reinstates global CMO role in bid to unify marketing, operations

The role was scrapped just two years ago, with duties shifting to Chief Growth Officer Francisco Crespo, who will retire next year.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 16, 2019

Danone Waters accelerates push toward carbon neutrality

Four of the company's water brands, including Evian, have committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 16, 2019

Pricing pressures will curtail earnings growth for US packaged food companies in 2020, Moody's says

The financial services company also forecast a slowdown in M&A for the CPG space but notes other drivers, such as premiumization and increasing prices, will drive industry expansion.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 16, 2019

Will vitamin C-enhanced Vizzy spark a new hard seltzer trend?

MillerCoors' second offering in the trendy space gets the nutrient from acerola cherries, making the popular alcoholic drink functional.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 13, 2019

Pepsi Café, a cola-coffee blend, comes to stores next year

The drink mixes an Arabica brew with the company's namesake soda in 12-ounce cans, and has twice the caffeine as the regular beverage.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 13, 2019

PepsiCo CMO leaves amid beverage giant's marketing resurgence

Roberto Rios departs for Schwan's Company at a time when larger investments in media and advertising are bolstering the snack and soft drink maker's bottom line.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 10, 2019

Nestlé looks to functionality and caffeine to refresh its water business

As sales in the category struggle, the Swiss company will introduce two new lines of the bottled beverage in 2020, Poland Spring energy water and Nestlé Pure Life Plus.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 10, 2019

Canopy Growth taps Constellation Brands' David Klein as CEO

Mark Zekulin, who became the sole chief executive of the cannabis company when Bruce Linton ​was fired from his position earlier this year, will be stepping down this month.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 9, 2019

Startup of the Year: Ceria Brewing Co.

After launching last year, the fast-growing company has unveiled a lucrative THC-infused craft beer, expanded distribution and debuted a trendy non-infused nonalcoholic ale.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 9, 2019

Executive of the Year: James Quincey, Coca-Cola

Since he became CEO in May 2017, Quincey has added coffee, sports drinks and sparkling water to its portfolio while innovating some of its key brands such as Diet Coke.

By Christopher Doering • Dec. 9, 2019

The future is functional beverages, drink firm predicts

In its 2020 predictions, Imbibe says the new year will see innovations through holistic wellness, personalization and new experiences.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 6, 2019

Why Koios says nootropics are the 'next frontier' of functional beverages

The drinks, which have ingredients intended to improve cognitive abilities, are in more than 4,300 stores. CEO Chris Miller wants to triple that in 2020.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 5, 2019

BJ's adds premium spirits to private label line

The retailer's Wellsley Farms brand now includes vodka, Canadian whisky and Irish whiskey.

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 5, 2019

Is a coffee shortage percolating?

A new report from the International Coffee Organization says consumption is expected to exceed production next year as drought impacts the bean supply and demand keeps growing.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 5, 2019

White Claw, Impossible Foods and Kind Snacks are among 2019's fastest growing brands

The food and beverage industry dominated Morning Consult's annual rankings, with 11 of the top 20 spots going to CPG brands and delivery services.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 5, 2019

Constellation tosses Ballast Point to a Chicago-based craft brewer

In announcing the sale to Kings & Convicts Brewing Co., the alcohol giant's CEO Bill Newlands said trends have changed dramatically since the company bought the brand for $1 billion in 2015.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 4, 2019

Molson Coors moves beyond beer with hard coffee launch

As the popularity of core brews such as Coors Light and Miller Lite wanes, the beverage giant has been expanding into other alcoholic options to grow.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 3, 2019