Why mega-mergers alone won't solve the food industry's growth problems

Struggling for growth, major food brands like Coca-Cola, General Mills and Campbell Soup have recently been touted in M&A rumors. But deal making won't address the underlying challenges.

By Christopher Doering • April 25, 2017

Coca-Cola to escalate cost cuts as earnings fizzle

The report comes as James Quincey takes over as CEO next week with a promise to remake the iconic soda maker into "a total beverage company."

By Christopher Doering • April 25, 2017

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How AI is transforming the food and beverage industry

Companies are leaning on the technology across nearly all parts of their operations, from marketing to product design.

By Food Dive staff

Huge increase in foodborne illnesses may be the result of better testing

CDC data shows confirmed cases of campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, vibrio and yersinia infections grew 114% in 2016.

By Keith Loria • April 24, 2017

Report: Clean labels and product innovation could revive the frozen department

Sales have been dropping because of more competition from other convenience foods and consumers snacking instead of eating meals. 

By Doug Harris • April 24, 2017

A Balancing Act: Does getting acquired tarnish the health halo of better-for-you brands?

As major manufacturers add smaller brands to their portfolios, they can either use them to boost their potential or contribute to their demise.

By Keith Loria • April 24, 2017

Study: Researchers link artificially sweetened sodas to increased risk of dementia and stroke

While the data suggest a possible tie between diet soda and health risks, the findings do not definitively connect the beverage to these illnesses.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 24, 2017

Swedish Chef professes love for cooking spray PAM in new ads

The Muppet favorite is no stranger to television commercials after appearing in spots for Bounty five years ago.

By Keith Loria • April 24, 2017

Danone looks to WhiteWave to boost sales as yogurt slips

The company intends to create a new division, dubbed DanoneWave, to include the newly acquired and fresh dairy products businesses.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 21, 2017

Unilever boosts packaged food business with Sir Kensington's purchase

The CPG giant has added the natural and organic condiment maker to its growing stable of specialty brands.

By Jeff Wells • April 21, 2017

What happens next after Trump called Canadian dairy policy 'a disgrace'?

The president spoke out on an issue that farmers have been hoping he'd pay attention to for months as he's preparing his plans for renegotiating NAFTA.

By Megan Poinski • April 21, 2017

Kellogg sees the future with cost-cutting VR store simulations

The company uses a cloud-based virtual store to boost sales, increase efficiencies and show managers what branded displays will look like in each retailer's format. 

By Keith Loria • April 21, 2017

Growth in private store brands poised to accelerate through 2022

Kantar Retail grocery analyst Diana Sheehan said an increase in millennial shoppers and coastal retailers' private label products will drive sales.

By Jeff Wells • April 21, 2017

Ice cream makers struggle to find low-sugar option

Manufacturers of the dairy treat are looking to reduce levels of the sweetener or find a substitute without sacrificing taste and texture.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 20, 2017

Could oils from fruit fly larvae and algae feed the world?

These oils are environmentally friendly, but consumers may not be able to overcome the ick factor.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 20, 2017

Southern Living serves up its own line of RTE meals

The meals are inspired by classic comfort foods and will be available in select grocery stores and via AmazonFresh next week.

By Doug Harris • April 20, 2017

Snack brands go to court over popcorn trademark dispute

Skinnypop owner Amplify Snack Brands claims that Snyder's-Lance will infringe on its legal rights if UK brand Metcalfe's Skinny is sold in the U.S.

By Keith Loria • April 20, 2017

Coke uses data on shoppers' smartphones to lure them to the beverage aisle

The flashy signage uses a mix of Google Cloud technologies to offer brand campaign videos, store-specific promotions or app-guided shopping lists tailored to individuals that pass by. 

By Keith Loria • April 20, 2017

CVS to cutback on candy and soda sales in favor of healthier items

The move comes after the drugstore chain decided to stop selling tobacco products and change the snack mix offered near some registers.

By Keith Loria • April 20, 2017

Perfect strangers? Dean and Kraft Heinz partner for new campaign

The new marketing promotion will include in-store presence, special product labels and social media outreach.

By Keith Loria • April 20, 2017

Too busy to shop? Meal planner site links with Peapod

Dinners are selected by taking into account factors such as a person's tastes, time constraints, budget and dietary restrictions.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 20, 2017

New flavors on the block? Floral, seaweed and exotic citrus long for staying power

Creative flavors are in demand as consumers look for authentic tastes, but many manufacturers struggle to keep up with new trends. 

By Caroline Macdonald • April 20, 2017

Millennial habits drive rapid innovation at McCormick

The spice manufacturer plans to move into breakfast flavorings, tapping into growth and trends involving the first meal of the day. 

By Caroline Macdonald • April 19, 2017

Martha Stewart delivers meal kit line to AmazonFresh

Martha & Marley Spoon features recipes and pre-portioned seasonal ingredients, and doesn't require users to commit to buying a certain number of meals or placing orders weeks in advance.

By Keith Loria • April 19, 2017

Connecticut is latest state to consider soda tax

The proposal, which is under review by the state legislature, would add a penny-per-ounce tax to drinks with high-calorie sweeteners.

By Keith Loria • April 19, 2017

How food companies can mitigate the risks of a global supply chain

Longer supply chains contribute to a lack of visibility, which could cause safety problems in the industry.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 19, 2017