General Mills’ CEO says M&A not a priority in challenging environment

Jeff Harmening said there is a “high bar” for acquisitions, but the food maker could consider additional divestitures.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 10, 2026

Arizona Beverages inks deal to bring Italian sparkling water to US

The deal includes an exclusive line of flavored sparkling waters catered to the U.S. market.

By Laurel Deppen • Sept. 8, 2026

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

Campbell’s slashes 13% of salaried workforce as part of $500M cost-cutting plan

The soup maker will also close two snack plants and cut its dividend as CEO Mick Beekhuizen said the company needs to take “decisive action.”

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 3, 2026

PepsiCo puts fresh foods in focus as consumers move away from processed snacks

The CPG giant is taking aim at the fast-growing $271 billion store perimeter with healthier fare such as guacamole, hummus and gazpacho.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 3, 2026

Nestlé reaches $1B deal to sell 7 vitamin, mineral and supplement brands

The company said the divestiture of mainstream offerings, including Nature’s Bounty and Ester-C, will allow it to prioritize businesses with the “strongest competitive advantage.”

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 1, 2026

Chobani to spend $1.2B to buy and invest in Pennsylvania plant

The Greek yogurt maker is buying the facility from Keurig Dr Pepper, which it will convert into a “major new hub” for growth.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 1, 2026

Keurig Dr Pepper sells equity stake back to Chobani for $800M

The soda and coffeemaker said the transactions will help reduce debt as it prepares to split the company in early 2027.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 1, 2026

Mondelēz brings UK protein bar Grenade to the US

The Clif and Perfect Bar owner is doubling down on its domestic bar portfolio to leverage growing consumer demand for protein and portability.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 25, 2026

B&G Foods’ Green Giant sale runs into antitrust concerns in Canada

The sale of two vegetable brands to Nortera Foods could lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers, the country’s Competition Bureau claimed.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 20, 2026

JBS makes bid for remainder of Pilgrim’s Pride

The Brazil-based beef giant submitted a fresh bid for full control the chicken producer in a deal that could run into antitrust concerns. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 19, 2026

Sazerac buys UK-based canned cocktail brand Au Vodka

The acquisition broadens the BuzzBallz owner's RTD portfolio while opening the door for U.S. expansion.

By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 18, 2026

Ardagh considers sale of metal beverage can business

The company’s beverage can sales and global volumes were down 1% year over year in its most recent quarter. 

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 18, 2026

Ferrero to buy better-for-you breakfast brand Purely Elizabeth

The deal builds on the Luxembourg-based food giant's $3.1 billion acquisition of cereal maker WK Kellogg in 2025.

By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 14, 2026

B&G Foods replaces CEO after 5 years

The Ortega and Crisco owner has named Tractor Supply executive Robert Mills to replace Casey Keller.

By Christopher Doering • Updated Aug. 10, 2026

The biggest food M&A deals of 2026 so far

Companies focused on clean-label ingredients and high-protein made up the bulk of acquisition activity as big brands strategically capitalize on new trends.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 5, 2026

Sargento buys dips and spreads maker La Terra Fina

The deal brings the cheesemaker into the deli section and reflects its ambitions to grow in snacks and mealtime occasions.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 3, 2026

‘Bean Appétit’: How Jelly Belly is positioning itself as a luxury candy

Ferrara is framing the jelly bean as an alternative to high-end chocolate, which has become a thriving category as consumers flock to premium offerings.

By Christopher Doering • July 29, 2026

Spam maker Hormel Foods elevates insider to CEO

CPG veteran John Ghingo will assume the top role on Oct. 26, telling Food Dive he has plans to “accelerate” investments in critical areas such as data and artificial intelligence.

By Christopher Doering • July 28, 2026

Brown-Forman rejects Sazerac takeover bid

The Jack Daniel's owner said the proposal wasn’t “actionable” months after declining a separate offer from Pernod Ricard.

By Laurel Deppen • July 27, 2026

Nestlé to sell half of waters business in $3.4B deal

The transaction creates a newly independent company called Peranel, which will house brands such as S.Pellegrino and Source Perrier.

By Laurel Deppen • July 24, 2026

McCormick outlines operating structure ahead of Unilever combination

The spice giant disclosed its new executive team after its $44 billion acquisition made some investors "squeamish," according to one analyst.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 23, 2026

IFF sells natural ingredients business

Nutraceutical firm SuanNutra is acquiring the fragrance and flavor giant’s range of natural colors and functional ingredients.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 22, 2026

Snacks maker Utz Brands sold for $2.9B in go-private deal

Germany-based Intersnack will purchase the chip maker for $14.25 a share, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter.

By Christopher Doering • July 21, 2026

Kraft Heinz, Disney enter long-term strategic marketing partnership

The partnership spans marketing campaigns, digital content and other branded opportunities across Disney’s media outlets, cruise line, parks and events.

By Chris Kelly • July 21, 2026

How Dum Dums owner Spangler created a candy empire built on nostalgia

The sweets maker has carved out an enviable niche in the $55 billion candy space with a unique collection of brands with storied histories, such as Sweethearts and Bit-O-Honey.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2026