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

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

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

La Colombe looking to sell part of coffee company at $1B valuation

The premium brand, which is majority owned by Chobani yogurt founder Hamdi Ulukaya, has benefited from consumer demand for healthier drinks and convenience.

By Alicia Kelso • April 6, 2018

Campbell Soup names COO as part of sweeping reorganization

Luca Mignini will now oversee more than 90% of the company's product volume that includes snacks and soups, potentially positioning him as the successor to current CEO Denise Morrison.

By Christopher Doering • April 6, 2018

Jim Beam and Budweiser brewing up a limited-edition lager

The beverage will be made using two-row barley and aged on bourbon barrel staves. It will debut in September on the 85th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.

By Cathy Siegner • April 5, 2018

Craft beer industry showing signs of saturation

Despite growing sales, the maturing space had 165 breweries close in 2017, an increase of 70% from the prior year.

By Alicia Kelso • April 4, 2018

Hydrogen water brands gas up to capture health-conscious consumers

Infused water products making functional health claims are hitting the U.S. marketplace, but questions remain about their efficacy.

By Cathy Siegner • April 3, 2018

Optimism is high for Blue Moon founder's THC nonalcoholic beer launch

Keith Villa, who left MolsonCoors in January after 32 years, plans to introduce cannabis-infused beverages later this year.

By Alicia Kelso • April 3, 2018

Majority of consumers prefer the taste of dairy to alternatives

A study from Cargill found two-thirds of consumers use animal-based products on a regular basis, while half of those trying plant-based options also consume dairy.

By Cathy Siegner • April 3, 2018

Coffee sold in California must have cancer warning, judge rules

The decision could subject more than 90 companies — including Starbucks, Whole Foods and Target — to millions in fines for failing to inform consumers of acrylamide levels, and may have a ripple effect on the entire segment. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 2, 2018

Ocean Spray petitioning FDA to allow cranberry health claim

The fruit cooperative wants to advertise that daily consumption of its products, including juice, berries and powder, may help prevent recurring urinary tract infections.

By Caroline Macdonald • March 29, 2018

Constellation Brands toasts to Q4 as sales rise for beer, wine and spirits

The New York-based company posted increases in its major segments during the past quarter, with full fiscal year earnings up 3%.

By Cathy Siegner • March 29, 2018

Electric vehicles could hurt beverage sales at the convenience store

Fewer consumer visits might affect Monster Beverage, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple, which depend on impulse purchases and immediate consumption, according to Morgan Stanley analysts.

By Dan Alaimo • March 29, 2018

Why beverage makers should leverage gluten-free oats and quinoa powders

These drink mixes could help companies qualify for the Whole Grain Stamp and bolster the health halos of their products, increasing their appeal for consumers. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 29, 2018

Will calorie counts impact alcohol sales?

The new menu labeling law will require them to be printed on packaging as consumer demand for transparency grows.

By Alicia Kelso • March 27, 2018

Bacardi bets on premium rum

The Caribbean distiller says it's time to take its place alongside top-shelf tequila, gin and bourbon, which have helped drive recent growth for the industry.

By Cathy Siegner • March 26, 2018

Could dairy standards of identity make any difference for plant-based alternatives?

The $1.3-trillion omnibus spending bill has a paragraph giving the FDA 180 days to define these products and come up with ways to require enforcement. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 26, 2018

Would a UK-style soda tax reduce sugar in US beverages?

Coca-Cola and Nestle have already cut sweeteners in some of their drinks, even though the new assessment doesn't go into effect until April 6.

By Cathy Siegner • March 23, 2018

Diageo serves up mixology skills on Amazon Alexa

The voice-enabled app offers bar recommendations and cocktail recipe suggestions, including hip-hop celebrity Snoop Dogg's drink of choice.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Convenience and premium varieties jolt coffee consumption to multi-year peak

As daily demand for the beverage rises to its highest level since 2012, companies like Nestle and J.M. Smucker have introduced new upscale products and acquired brands. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 21, 2018

Spindrift secures $20M to ramp up advertising in sparkling water sector

The company, which has experienced 1,000% revenue growth during the past three years, is confident that its use of real fruit will help it stand out from players like La Croix and PepsiCo's Bubly. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 20, 2018

Plastic particles in bottled water — ubiquitous or dangerous?

Coca-Cola, Nestle and other bottled-water manufacturers said the levels found by Orb Media are inconsequential and that their products are safe.  

By Cathy Siegner • March 19, 2018