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

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

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

ADM to scale egg proteins with precision fermentation

The ingredients giant is collaborating with startup Every’s OvoPro to give food companies innovative new protein options.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 16, 2026

Conagra’s new CEO ready to take ‘bold actions’ to turn around food giant

John Brase, who recently joined from J.M. Smucker, told Food Dive he is “not happy” with the Slim Jim maker's performance and that divestitures of brands could be on the table.

By Christopher Doering • July 15, 2026

Bakery ingredients supplier AAK to scale Savor’s carbon-based fats

The companies entered a two-year agreement to jointly develop sustainable solutions for bakery and dairy alternative markets.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 13, 2026

Premier Protein maker taps salty snack leader as CEO

Bellring Brands named Michael Axelrod to lead the company as it looks to maintain its top spot amid increased protein shake competition.

By Laurel Deppen • July 13, 2026

How Doritos gets global, year-round scale with Formula 1 partnership

Kyle Gore, vice president of global marketing for Doritos, compares the brand’s efforts to what’s required for the Super Bowl — but on a much larger scale.

By Chris Kelly • July 9, 2026

110-year-old Turtles candy is ready to ‘break out of its shell’

The caramel nut cluster brand is boosting innovation and marketing to reach a new generation of consumers inundated with choice in the $55 billion confectionery space. 

By Christopher Doering • July 9, 2026

Hormel winning big as protein craze shows ‘resilience’

The Spam and Planters maker has posted organic sales growth for six consecutive quarters, bucking a downturn across the broader food space.

By Christopher Doering • July 7, 2026

CVC Capital builds out ingredients portfolio with Irca acquisition

The deal for the Italian dessert ingredients supplier comes about a month after the private equity firm purchased IFF's ingredients business for $4.3 billion.

By Sarah Zimmerman • June 30, 2026

How TikTok Shop is changing innovation for food and beverage brands

Big companies, including PepsiCo and Mars, are using the app’s e-commerce feature to drive sales and inform new products, according to the platform’s head of food.

By Michael Brady • June 29, 2026

Better together: Hershey’s combined sweets and snacks business pays off for retailers, consumers

The merging of the company’s sweet, salty and protein brands under one umbrella called “One Hershey” allows the Reese’s maker to boost sales and help stores plan for big events.

By Christopher Doering • June 18, 2026

PepsiCo expanding autonomous truck use in its supply chain

The multiyear deal with Gatik will help the food and beverage giant increase capacity in "hard to staff" areas of its transportation network.

By Alejandra Carranza • June 15, 2026

Brownie Brittle owner buys meat snack maker Tillamook Country Smoker

The acquisition by Second Nature gives it a presence in the fast-growing protein snacks space, which had been missing from its portfolio.

By Christopher Doering • June 8, 2026

Ingredion strikes deal to buy Tate & Lyle for $3.6B

The combined company will generate nearly $10 billion in annual revenue and have a broad portfolio to address more consumer needs such as clean label and lower sugar.

By Christopher Doering • June 8, 2026

Sunflower power: Inside Barry Callebault’s bid to win the chocolate alternatives race

The world’s largest chocolate supplier is partnering with Planet A Foods to scale its cocoa-free substitute ChoViva, which has received “very strong” interest from U.S. food manufacturers.

By Christopher Doering • June 4, 2026

Nestlé buys rest of ready-to-drink meals brand

The purchase of the remaining 51% of yfood Labs comes three years after the food giant’s initial investment, and will give Nestlé a bigger presence in healthier, portable offerings.

By Christopher Doering • June 3, 2026

IFF to sell food ingredients business for $4.3B

The transaction with CVC Capital Partners marks the latest step by IFF to improve growth and boost profitability.

By Christopher Doering • May 29, 2026

Splenda owner to buy Equal sweeteners maker

Heartland Food Products will acquire Whole Earth Brands’ Americas business in a deal combining some of the most recognized sugar substitute brands.  

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 27, 2026

Nutella maker Ferrero may take ‘a breather’ in large-scale M&A in the US

After spending more than $8 billion for brands such as Keebler, Butterfinger and Rice Krispies, the sweets giant is turning its attention to innovation and boosting efficiencies.

By Christopher Doering • May 27, 2026

How the food and beverage industry is rethinking manufacturing investments

Companies are increasingly focused on modernizing facilities as they shrink their footprints.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 26, 2026