Finances and Deals
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From Coke to Hershey, CPGs search for their sweet spot in pack size
Consumers are increasingly interested in smaller portion sizes, as well as value-priced multipacks, for their snacks and soda. These changing sizes can have implications from production to recycling.
By Shefali Kapadia • March 18, 2024 -
Marlboro maker Altria sells $2B stake in AB InBev
The sale is the latest headache for the alcohol manufacturer as it attempts to shake off a drop in beer consumption and fallout from a controversial 2023 marketing campaign with a transgender influencer.
By Chris Casey • March 15, 2024 -
Campbell Soup a ‘compelling story’ after closing $2.7B Sovos deal
The deal, which closed Tuesday, broadens the CPG giant’s footprint in premium offerings and complements its core meals and beverage business which includes its namesake soup and V8.
By Christopher Doering • March 12, 2024 -
Liquid Death valued at $1.4B after latest funding round
The beverage maker, which is reportedly looking to go public this year, said the $67 million in new financing will be used to grow distribution and accelerate product innovation.
By Christopher Doering • March 11, 2024 -
WK Kellogg focusing on cereal before turning to M&A, CEO says
Five months after being spun off, Gary Pilnick is upbeat that the Rice Krispies maker can modernize its business and improve its product offerings that for years were being “deprioritized” in favor of snacks.
By Christopher Doering • March 11, 2024 -
Food execs signal a strong appetite for M&A in 2024
As Mondelēz, General Mills and other CPG firms scour the market for deals, high asking prices could remain a sticking point preventing some purchases from taking place.
By Christopher Doering • March 4, 2024 -
To farm or fabricate? 3D printing’s role in the food industry
As food production startups begin commercializing 3D-printed seafood, some experts question the viability of the technology in the broader market.
By Megan Ruggles • March 4, 2024 -
Anheuser-Busch avoids strike in deal with union
Though tentative, the agreement would include wage increases and improved benefits to the 5,000 manufacturing workers represented by the Teamsters.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 29, 2024 -
Beyond Meat plans steep cost cuts as U.S. demand remains weak
While the company had lowered prices in the past to entice budget-conscious shoppers, an increase in prices on some of its product lines is planned to help restore margins.
By Elizabeth Flood • Feb. 28, 2024 -
Why Waterdrop’s CEO sees hydration beverages overtaking soft drinks
Martin Donald Murray said the viral water bottle craze will continue to benefit the company’s “microdrink” given its better-for-you and sustainability benefits.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 27, 2024 -
Q&A
From hostess to CEO, how Norma Chu is making an Asian food empire
The DayDayCook founder and CEO is spearheading an aggressive growth strategy to become “the future General Mills for Asian food.”
By Judy McGuire • Feb. 26, 2024 -
Molson Coors brewery workers strike in Texas
The local Teamsters chapter in Fort Worth is demanding pay raises to account for inflation, as another potential picket line looms over AB InBev.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 21, 2024 -
Molson Coors bullish on beer as AB InBev cedes market share
Core brands in the category like Coors Light have seen growth over the last nine months, a trend the company’s CEO does not see going away.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 14, 2024 -
Equal owner Whole Earth Brands to go private in sweetened takeover bid
The company, which has been exploring strategic alternatives, agreed to a $4.875 per share offer by an affiliate of Sababa Holdings FREE. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.
By Christopher Doering • Feb. 13, 2024 -
Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre bring hit ‘Gin & Juice’ to the beverage space
Thirty years after the two unleashed the namesake song to the public, the rappers have partnered on a RTD cocktail offering.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 13, 2024 -
Kellanova to close US frozen foods plant, UK factory
The closures are part of the CPG giant’s cost-cutting plan, which it accelerated after spinning off its cereal business in 2023.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 9, 2024 -
Louis Dreyfus building new pea protein facility
An increasing shift to plant-based protein, especially for dairy products, is driving demand for the ingredient.
By Rose Palazzolo • Feb. 8, 2024 -
Seth Rogen’s lifestyle brand partners with frozen coffee maker
The collaboration is the first product in the food and beverage space from the actor’s brand which targets cannabis consumers.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Surging cocoa prices could lead to Valentine’s Day sticker shock
Supply remains scarce due to heavy rains and the spread of black pod disease in West Africa, according to a recent CoBank report.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Behind White Claw’s big nonalcoholic seltzer bet
The hard seltzer pioneer is targeting drinking-aged consumers who are looking to imbibe less or stop altogether, a top executive said.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Tyson signals ‘bold actions’ are working amid beef headwinds
After several plant closures last year, more cost-cutting could be on the horizon with the CEO vowing that “everything remains on the table.”
By Nathan Owens • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Opinion
Why a new ‘tomato tax’ is rotten to the core
Suspending the tomato trade agreement between the U.S. and Mexico would cost jobs and lead to higher prices for retailers and consumers, a NatureSweet exec writes.
By Skip Hulett • Feb. 5, 2024 -
Meati Foods names CPG veteran to CFO as company juggles growth, profitability
The appointment of Phil Graves comes amid a slowdown in plant-based sales as cash-strapped consumers watch their spending.
By Christopher Doering • Feb. 5, 2024 -
Keurig Dr Pepper expands partnership with Lavazza
The beverage giant will sell and distribute Lavazza’s K-Cups more widely while introducing the Italian company's Kicking Horse brand to the popular pod format.
By Christopher Doering • Feb. 2, 2024 -
Phytolon, Ginkgo Bioworks reach milestone with natural colors
The biotech companies developed a range of yellow to purple hues using yeast fermentation, with the intent of bringing the products to market soon.
By Chris Casey • Feb. 1, 2024