Functional drinks are playing the claim game

Beverages touting specific health benefits are drawing increased investment, but while sales of some drinks are growing, most fail to become a mainstream trend. 

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 28, 2018

Some Walmart stores now carry a2 Milk

The company's products, which it claims are gut-friendly, can be found on Walmart shelves in Texas and the East Coast.  

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 27, 2018

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

Cannabis stocks get high as Diageo pursues deal

The global alcohol giant, which owns Guinness and Captain Morgan rum, has been in talks with at least three Canadian producers.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 27, 2018

Campbell Soup launches new V8 plant-based drink

The hydration beverage will be sold at Amazon, Walmart.com and Peapod, as well as retail outlets.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 27, 2018

New protein water lines bulk up the drink market

The Agropur Dairy Cooperative has added a line under its biPro brand, which comes in three flavors and contains 20 grams of protein per bottle. 

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 20, 2018

PepsiCo pivots away from sugary drinks with $3.2B SodaStream buy

The acquisition expands the beverage giant's reach into healthier drinks that previously included kombucha and sparkling water.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 20, 2018

Massachusetts governor vetoes raw milk distribution, seeks stricter regulation

The proposal would have expanded availability of the unpasteurized product through agriculture groups and at certain farm stands.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 17, 2018

The price is right: Why food, drink brands spend big money for celebrity endorsers

While stars have long pitched consumers to buy a product, shoppers now expect them to bring authenticity and believability along with their famous names.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 16, 2018

USDA buying $50M of surplus milk amid industry glut

The liquid, which will be donated to local food banks, marks the first time the department has purchased excess supply of the dairy product.

By Patti Zarling • Aug. 16, 2018

Constellation blazes trail in marijuana, investing $3.9B more in Canopy Growth

The maker of Corona and Modelo beer is increasing its ownership in the Canadian cannabis firm to 38%, a move that could keep it at the forefront of this budding industry. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 15, 2018

Coca-Cola culling portfolio to rid it of 'zombie brands'

CEO James Quincey said that "taking a more disciplined approach" to the beverage giant's portfolio is one way to reduce complexity in its operations.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 15, 2018

Heineken CFO: To do well in today's beer market, think locally

The fiscal head of the world's second-largest brewer told The Wall Street Journal they are focusing on brands with a defined personality and story.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 15, 2018

Coca-Cola takes stake in BodyArmor in effort to unseat Gatorade

The beverage giant paid an undisclosed amount for a portion of the sports drink startup, with an option to take full ownership in the future.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 14, 2018

Many 'organic' dairy products aren't truly organic, Cornucopia Institute says

The watchdog group said in a report that many factory farms are cheating customers by flooding the market with milk that's not truly organic — driving out family businesses and harming rural areas in the process.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 14, 2018

Tea makers stepping up as millennials, Gen Z demand more

Younger consumers are looking for higher-quality varieties of the product, and the market is responding by producing more upscale, organic and natural versions.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 9, 2018

Monster reports strong sales gains, but margin pressures persist

The energy drink maker said its performance was negatively impacted during the second quarter by higher costs for promotions and aluminum cans. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 9, 2018

Sales surge at newly merged Keurig Dr Pepper​

In its first earnings announcement since the tie-up in July, the beverage giant reported strong results in K-cups, Canada Dry, Bai and Mott's juices. 

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 8, 2018

Walmart pushes into the premium coffee space

The country's largest retailer is taking aim at the "third wave" of premium coffee consumption by exclusively offering the organic Mash-Up Coffee brand.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 7, 2018

MillerCoors pulls millennial-focused beer 6 months after launch

The decision to end production of Two Hats comes as the company focuses more attention on improving the health of its ailing Coors Light brand.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 7, 2018

AB InBev's new accelerator zeroes in on sustainability-focused startups

The beer giant wants applications by Sept. 14 for its pilot 100+ Accelerator initiative designed to help solve a number of global environmental issues.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 6, 2018

PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi to leave CEO post after 12 years at the helm

Current president Ramon Laguarta, a 22-year veteran of the New York-based beverage and snacks maker, will take over the role on Oct. 3.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 6, 2018

Protein packing a punch as more foods tout the trendy nutrient

While its roots may be in chicken, nuts and eggs, growing consumer demand has prompted manufacturers to add it to chips, bars, shakes, ice cream and even candy.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 6, 2018

Nestlé works to convince US consumers it's more than a chocolate company

The Swiss company is constantly adjusting its portfolio to better reflect trends in food, with M&A expected to be a big part of that strategy going forward, according to one executive.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 2, 2018

Molson Coors plans to 'aggressively address' flat North American sales

The brewer of Miller Lite and Coors Light also said its Canadian unit formed a joint venture with Hydropothecary Corp. to develop non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 1, 2018

Nestlé names new CMO for North American water portfolio

Yumi Clevenger-Lee​'s background in product innovation and launches could help the marketer stay competitive in a quickly moving category.

By Erica Sweeney • Aug. 1, 2018