International Flavors & Fragrances buys Israel's Frutarom for $7.1B

The companies said the new combined firm would give customers access to more products, with an increased focus on naturals and health and wellness.

By Cathy Siegner • May 8, 2018

Nestlé pays $7.15B for rights to sell Starbucks products globally

The deal gives the Swiss company a stronger presence in coffee, a segment growing in popularity as consumers look to healthier beverages and RTD options.

By Christopher Doering • Updated May 7, 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

Jose Cuervo preps partiers for Cinco de Mayo with James Van Der Beek workout series

Because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year — and won't do so again until 2029 — the tequila brand wants people primed for a 24-hour celebration. 

By Erica Sweeney • May 4, 2018

Budweiser debuts limited-edition beer based on George Washington's recipe

Freedom Reserve Red Lager is brewed by company employees who are military veterans and is sold in both cans and vintage stubby bottles. 

By Cathy Siegner • May 4, 2018

Molson Coors hurt by weak US demand, softness in beer industry

Total sales dropped 4.8% to $2.33 billion, while domestically they fell 5.8% to $1.65 billion. The company's CEO cited improving conditions for the remainder of 2018.

By Christopher Doering • May 2, 2018

Does the new tax bill favor craft breweries over industry giants?

Supporters say the law put into place late last year will allow smaller makers of the beverage to improve equipment, distribution and to hire more workers.

By Patti Zarling • May 1, 2018

Anheuser-Busch CEO downplays AB InBev's urge for more M&A

The brewer is focusing on organic growth after its $100 billion purchase in 2016 of SABMiller that brought Stella Artois, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra under one roof — but increased the company's debt level.

By Christopher Doering • April 30, 2018

Boston Beer credits new products for Q1 jumps in sales and shipments

The earnings report shows the impact of a significant increase in distribution and the difference the debut of innovative new products can make. 

By Cathy Siegner • April 26, 2018

Pepsi earnings fizz on strong snack sales, better beverage performance

North American beverage sales still slipped 1%, but the company's Frito-Lay division rose 3.4%.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 26, 2018

Big Beer struggles to tap into shifting consumer trends

AB InBev, MillerCoors and other large brewers are turning to premium products, innovation and finding new drinking occasions to reverse a multi-year loss in market share.

By Christopher Doering • April 26, 2018

Dr Pepper earnings slip, but soda volumes jump in Q1

As the beverage maker's merger with Keurig Green Mountain approaches completion, the diversification and new access it offers could bring further differentiation — and new growth pockets. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 25, 2018

How soda will keep fizzing as consumers look to other options

At the Beverage Forum, Coca-Cola chairman and former CEO Muhtar Kent said keeping up with health trends will make the segment's pace of change "much more enormous."

By Christopher Doering • April 25, 2018

Diet Coke, sparkling water products lift Coca-Cola's Q1 earnings past estimates

While net revenues declined 16% for the quarter, Coca-Cola's North American sales grew from its Diet Coke reboot, Topo Chico sparkling water, Zero Sugar and tea and coffee brands.

By Cathy Siegner • April 23, 2018

Can organic milk survive dairy's decline?

Oversupply, lower prices and competition from plant-based alternatives have finally started to impact the sector, prompting new ideas for byproducts and market expansion.

By Cathy Siegner • April 23, 2018

Coca-Cola to freshen Fresca brand with new look and flavors

The beverage company is trying to attract millennials by rebranding its fruit juice soda, which hits on a lot of current beverage trends.

By Cathy Siegner • April 19, 2018

Philadelphia's soda tax works, but who benefits?

Drexel University researchers found city residents are less likely to consume soft drinks every day, but 58% more likely to drink bottled water.

By Cathy Siegner • April 18, 2018

Vita Coco introduces PET bottle and plans to enter sparkling space

The market leader in coconut water is exclusively offering its new bottles at 7-Eleven while debuting its fizzy water alternative at Kroger.

By Cathy Siegner • April 18, 2018

No whey! Researchers make sustainable beer from dairy waste

A Cornell researcher has converted leftover lactose from New York's Greek yogurt industry into alcohol, producing a 2.7% alcohol by volume beverage with a sour and salty flavor. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 17, 2018

Study: Guidelines on alcohol consumption limits should be lower

Drinking more than five glasses of wine or pints of beer each week could increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and fatal aneurysms, according to a study in The Lancet medical journal.

By Cathy Siegner • April 16, 2018

7-Eleven launches new premium African coffee

The c-store says it is part of a new segment business, which will include beans from exotic locales.

By Alicia Kelso • April 13, 2018

Nestle, JAB tried to buy premium coffee maker Lavazza

Executives with the 123-year-old Italian company say it plans to remain independent and has turned down all bids to be acquired.

By Cathy Siegner • April 13, 2018

Will consumers worry if GMO yeast makes beer hoppy?

While genetic modification is divisive, the benefits of this kind of non-agricultural product might not be as controversial.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 12, 2018

Soylent meal-replacement drinks to be sold at Walmart

"We are committed to making our offline experience as robust as our thriving online business," said Melody Conner, Soylent's vice president of sales. 

By Cathy Siegner • April 11, 2018

Pennsylvania dairy milking fresh trend with delivery partnership

Kreider Farms is working with Doorstep Dairy in Pennsylvania to bring its products directly to customers, appealing to people who like the idea of the old-fashioned tradition.

By Cathy Siegner • April 10, 2018

How will consumers respond to PepsiCo's new water refilling machine?

The beverage giant is trying 30 Aquafina stations that provide both flavored sparkling and still water products. Some of the devices are charging for the liquid while others are giving it out for free.

By Cathy Siegner • April 9, 2018