Shiver me timbers! Hershey buys Pirate Brands for $420M

The confectioner takes another step in its transformation into an "innovative snacking powerhouse" by acquiring a successful B&G Foods brand that was not up for sale. 

By Megan Poinski • Sept. 13, 2018

Heineken tracks story behind new H41 beer with Nat Geo

A three-minute mini-documentary details the discovery of a rare wild yeast in Patagonia, which is the main ingredient in the brew. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 12, 2018

How free-from foods are changing manufacturing

The trend toward more products without gluten, GMOs, antibiotics, pesticides or allergens is having a significant impact on how companies source, process and package products.

By Cathy Siegner • Sept. 12, 2018

Are premium hard-boiled eggs the next trendy snack?

Peckish, a new brand from California-based incubator Sonoma Brands, is hoping its packaged products will appeal to protein-hungry consumers. 

By Patti Zarling • Sept. 12, 2018

Amid trucking shortage, Walmart doubles spending on drivers

The retailer plans to offer referral bonuses, reduce the onboarding process and broadcast its first national TV ad to attract recruits. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 11, 2018

Häagen-Dazs tests geo-targeted, on-demand delivery

The General Mills brand has an app that enables ice cream to be sent to a customer's exact location, and allows users to track deliveries in real time. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 10, 2018

Efforts to curtail dairy consumption should be reconsidered

Researchers found the category was associated with a 2% lower risk of death from any cause, while consuming mostly cheese led to an 8% drop in mortality.

By Cathy Siegner • Sept. 6, 2018

Flavor innovation is heating up the RTE popcorn category

According to Mintel, the segment grew by a whopping 118% between 2012 and 2017, bringing the market to $1.1 billion and sparking a wave of M&A.

By Patti Zarling • Sept. 6, 2018

Kellogg challenges lawsuit claiming its cereals contain 'toxic' sugar levels

The company is disputing the class distinction of the suit, while arguing the sweetener found in Frosted Mini-Wheats, Smart Start and Raisin Bran is an ingredient "the body indisputably requires."

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 6, 2018

Nestlé's personalized nutrition pilot taps AI, uses consumer DNA

About 100,000 subscribers are sharing information with the company on their diet and health practices. The information is then used to tailor food products to meet those specifications.

By Cathy Siegner • Sept. 5, 2018

Why an M&A storm is brewing in the coffee market

As consumer demand for premium, on-the-go java skyrockets, Big Food companies such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola are expanding their presence in the space, spending more than $12 billion this year alone.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 4, 2018

Kombucha aims to cash in on cans to broaden reach

The fermented tea's traditional glass bottles give it premium positioning, but more convenient packaging could help capture more mainstream consumers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 4, 2018

Canned wine attracts new drinkers to traditional vintages

With more than 100 varieties to choose from, the informal packaging is tailor-made for millennials — but fast growth doesn't mean widespread popularity.

By Megan Poinski • Sept. 4, 2018

Coca-Cola buys Costa Coffee for $5.1B

The soda giant's purchase of the world's second biggest coffee chain is the latest in a wave of big companies perking up with acquisitions.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 31, 2018

Consumers aren't so sweet on sugar, studies find

Many are concerned about how much is in their foods and beverages, according to recent research from Kerry and Ingredion.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 30, 2018

Unicorns are everywhere, but could mermaids be next?

From cereal to ice cream to coffee drinks, the rainbow colors and super sweet flavors of the '90s are having a moment.

By Patti Zarling • Aug. 30, 2018

Campbell Soup will divest Fresh division and international brands to focus on soups and snacking

The CPG giant announced disappointing earnings with its plan to reset targets on greater growth. "Simply put, we lost focus," Interim President and CEO Keith McLoughlin said.

By Megan Poinski • Aug. 30, 2018

Brown-Forman tops earnings expectations, but cuts outlook as tariffs loom

The Jack Daniels parent saw sales jump 6% to $766 million, but soon-to-be CEO Lawson Whiting said there is "significant uncertainty" around the impact of duties. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 29, 2018

Will MillerCoors' second try at a millennial-targeted beverage be successful?

The brewer announced its flavored low-calorie Cape Line beverages soon after discontinuing its unsuccessful Two Hats line.

By Patti Zarling • Aug. 29, 2018

How will new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines impact CPG sales?

In a policy statement, the group said that the FDA's requirements for its GRAS designation aren't sufficient enough to ensure food additives are safe.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 28, 2018

How brands learn from consolidation

Major food and beverage companies share lessons from their experiences and successes with smaller brands they acquire. But these larger brands would be remiss to believe they have nothing left to learn from their acquisition targets.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Aug. 28, 2018

US sales slump continues, but Hain Celestial remains upbeat

The company's exiting CEO seems eager to focus on 2019 and the revenue growth and margin expansion expected in the next year.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Aug. 28, 2018

Ahold Delhaize launches new line to boost fruit sales

The company's Junk Fruit products offer peeled or cut-up produce to make it easier to snack on healthier foods on the go. 

By Patti Zarling • Aug. 27, 2018

Sustainable solutions for the world's growing protein demands

Almost a third of the calories people eat comes from meat, but population growth and sustainability concerns could strain the supply.

By Rainer Schindler • Aug. 24, 2018

UK's FSA survey: Consumers are more concerned about sugar in food than prices

As manufacturers try to formulate without the sweetener, the question is whether other options can actually deliver the taste consumers crave.

By Cathy Siegner • Aug. 23, 2018