The Weekly Sip: Monster’s bet on alcohol stumbles | Sparkling Ice maker pops into prebiotic soda

In other beverage news, seltzer brand Waterloo debuts new fruity flavors to welcome the start of spring.

By Chris Casey • March 6, 2025

General Mills shuts down innovation unit, pauses venture investments

The Cheerios maker said the changes are part of a broader shift in how the Minnesota company pursues new growth.

By Christopher Doering • March 5, 2025

Food and beverage giants prioritizing small-scale M&A for a foothold in trendy areas

Kraft Heinz, Hershey and Molson Coors are among the firms looking for deals to boost sales and get them more exposure in fast-growing categories.

By Christopher Doering • March 5, 2025

Celsius names PepsiCo executive to newly created COO role

Eric Hanson, who has nearly three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, will be responsible for accelerating the energy drink giant’s growth and expansion efforts.

By Christopher Doering • March 3, 2025

Spindrift splashes into soda to capitalize on the better-for-you craze

The seltzer maker aims to stand out in the trendy category with fresh juice-infused drinks, eschewing the gut-health approach of rivals.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 26, 2025

Threat of Trump’s tariffs force food and beverage giants to prepare

Mondelēz, Conagra and Diageo are among the CPG manufacturers positioning their businesses ahead of potential taxes on Mexico and Canada imports.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 24, 2025

Celsius buys energy drink rival Alani Nu for $1.8B

The purchase allows Celsius to add a fast-growing beverage popular with young women while better positioning it to compete against rivals Red Bull and Monster.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 20, 2025

Heineken, Molson Coors tout premium and nonalcoholic brews as beer struggles

Traditional giants are prioritizing pricier craft brands to secure growth in the flailing category.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 19, 2025

French ingredients supplier Solina expands further into US with seasoning acquisitions

The company wants to become a “one-stop shop” for dry and liquid flavors following the purchase of Sokol Custom Food Ingredients and Advanced Food Systems.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 13, 2025

Olipop valued at nearly $2B following latest funding round

The prebiotic soda offering is the top non-alcoholic brand in the U.S. by dollar sales and unit growth, according to the company.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 12, 2025

Wonder bread owner Flowers Foods positioned to weather GLP-1 uncertainty, CEO says

Ryals McMullian noted consumers are moving away from traditional white and wheat bread into organic, keto, gluten-free and premium areas.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 12, 2025

JBS spends $200M to expand US beef production

The investment by the Brazil-based meat giant comes as it prepares for a rebound in the cattle supply after a period of contraction. 

By Chris Casey • Feb. 10, 2025

Ball buys Florida can maker, plans Oregon plant

The packaging company is gaining a Southeast facility through a $160 million deal and will build a plant in the Pacific Northwest to better align with customer needs.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 7, 2025

Guinness owner Diageo says it could lose $200M in profits from tariffs

The company is warning investors of the potential impact — if tariffs take effect next month — on the spirits business’ bottom line.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 5, 2025

PepsiCo to focus on value, healthier offerings amid slump in snacks

CEO Ramon Laguarta said the Doritos maker hasn’t seen a “direct impact” from GLP-1 medications despite higher consumer interest in health and wellness.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 5, 2025

Heinz teams with hip-hop hitmaker Mustard for new product, campaign

The marketer launched the culturally minded — and perhaps overdue — campaign with a spot that aired during the Grammy Awards.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 4, 2025

Mexican beer, Kentucky bourbon: Alcohol caught in the crosshairs of Trump tariff threats

A brewing North American trade war could raise prices of iconic brands like Modelo and Don Julio.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 4, 2025

JM Smucker to divest some sweets brands for $40M as it focuses on Hostess

The sale of the Cloverhill and Big Texas brands, as well as certain private-label products, also will help cut costs and reduce complexity across its manufacturing network.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 3, 2025

Slice Soda returns to shelves as healthier offering

The beverage, once owned by PepsiCo, is tapping into consumer interest in nostalgia and better-for-you products made with real ingredients, probiotics and low amounts of sugar. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 28, 2025

Ferrero buys protein snack company Power Crunch

The purchase expands the Nutella maker's presence in the better-for-you category while increasing its U.S. footprint. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 24, 2025

Inside the evolution of Danone’s Stōk

The fast-growing beverage has expanded into a cappuccino-inspired cold brew, seasonal flavors and energy, bringing new usage occasions and consumers to the brand.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 22, 2025

Private label sales hit record $271B in 2024

All 10 food and nonedible departments tracked by Circana showed store brand dollar growth over 2023, a new report found.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 21, 2025

Molson Coors refuses bid by Leinenkugel’s family to buy back plant

The Coors Light producer said it plans to use the Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, facility as a pilot brewery.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 21, 2025

The changing habits of value-driven shoppers

Discover how inflation is reshaping shopper habits and what brands can do to stay relevant in 2025.

By April Masters, Senior Content Marketing Manager, RRD • Jan. 21, 2025

Spindrift names former Boston Beer head as CEO, sells majority stake to PE firm

The 15-year-old brand has become popular with consumers who are lowering their sugar intake while prioritizing recognizable ingredients — all without sacrificing a fizzy mouthfeel.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 16, 2025