Gathered Foods reels in Christine Mei as CEO

The new leader of the company that produces plant-based seafood brand Good Catch has more than 30 years of experience in the CPG industry. Co-founder Chris Kerr will become executive chair. 

By Jessi Devenyns • July 24, 2020

Leftovers: Jeni's brings state fair-inspired flavors to ice cream; Quokka Brew makes jitter-free coffee

The frozen dessert maker will release a new midway-inspired flavor every Thursday this summer, and Heaven's Lettuce launches chips to convince consumers "happiness is hemp."

By Food Dive staff • July 24, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

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

USDA suggests changes to beef market as investigation continues

The report said the price-fixing probe is ongoing, but offered ideas on how the industry could increase transparency and create opportunities for smaller producers.

By Lillianna Byington • July 23, 2020

Pork producers face $5B in losses with surplus of hogs

The closure of plants because of the coronavirus has slowed meat processing. The National Pork Producers Council is calling on Congress to pass financial aid for farmers.

By Lillianna Byington • July 22, 2020

How a Russian company will bring cell-based chicken to KFC

3D Bioprinting Solutions will use a high-tech printer to make nuggets out of a hybrid of cell and plant-based materials for the chain in Russia. It plans to create similar relationships to develop products in the U.S. 

By Megan Poinski • July 22, 2020

Ready, Set, Food gets $3M in funding led by Danone's VC unit

The investment will be used by the upstart to help prevent babies from developing severe food allergies to peanut, egg and milk.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 22, 2020

Kraft Heinz leads $6.9M investment in sweet protein company

In addition to the CPG behemoth's investment arm Evolv Ventures, Joywell Foods also received funding from Khosla Ventures and SOSV.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 21, 2020

Startup FoodID develops test for 95% of the most common antibiotics

The company, co-founded by Bill Niman, hopes to bring more transparency with its adulterant test and label claim authentication for beef, pork and poultry.

By Lillianna Byington • July 21, 2020

Chobani taps into probiotics, nutrition-packed yogurt with new offerings

The dairy giant is introducing Chobani Probiotic, a fruity plant-based beverage, and Chobani Complete, a lactose-free Greek yogurt high in protein and with no added sugar.

By Christopher Doering • July 21, 2020

Ocean Spray names former Tyson Foods chief as its CEO

In addition to his time running the meat and poultry processing giant, Tom Hayes also previously worked at CPG giants such as Kraft and Conagra.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020

Wonder Bread maker Flowers Foods cuts 250 jobs in reorganization

The maker of Nature's Own and Tastykake said the restructuring will include combining its fresh packaged bread business unit and specialty/snacking operation.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020

Less is more: Why retailers and CPGs are moving toward selling fewer products in stores

As the coronavirus pushes some items off supermarket shelves, the food industry is finding a smaller selection reduces consumer confusion, boosts sales and trims expenses for grocers.

By Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020

Coca-Cola's Fairlife dairy brand expands into ice cream

The move into the frozen treat comes six months after the beverage giant purchased the remaining stake it didn't own in the ultra-filtered milk brand.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 20, 2020

HumanCo acquires majority stake in vegan ice cream Coconut Bliss

The firm, created by Hu founder Jason Karp, said it is committed to investing in CPG brands that espouse its values for healthier living, transparency and sustainability.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 17, 2020

Leftovers: Sweet Earth ups the Awesome on its plant-based burger; Busch Light launches apple-flavored beer

Nestlé combines two animal-free products to make the vegan version of a bacon burger, and Eat Howl taps chefs to add authentic flavor to its macaroni and cheese.

By Food Dive staff • July 17, 2020

Perfect Day creates The Urgent Company for CPGs

Brave Robot ice cream is the first brand under the new company, which is independent and can quickly launch products featuring the animal-free dairy proteins.

By Megan Poinski • July 17, 2020

How CEO Jeff Harmening is getting General Mills through 2020

The Minneapolis company's leader spoke at a forum about communication, sales and the national reckoning on race that started in the business' hometown.

By Megan Poinski • July 16, 2020

Oatly sells $200M stake to fuel growth

Investors in the fast-growing Swedish company include private-equity giant Blackstone, Oprah Winfrey and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 15, 2020

SnackMagic brings small brands directly to consumers

The platform carries a few Big Food brands, but sees itself as a way for shoppers to discover snacks they likely won't be able to find on store shelves.

By Christopher Doering • July 15, 2020

Diageo and PepsiCo will debut paper bottles in 2021

The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 14, 2020

Antitrust accusations escalate in the food industry as DOJ cracks down

Analysts say the department has focused more on prosecuting executives because it is a more effective deterrent. Allegations are piling up as more seek leniency.

By Lillianna Byington • July 13, 2020

Goya faces boycott backlash after CEO praises Trump

Despite calls on social media from people such as Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda to never buy from the company again, Robert Unanue said he isn't apologizing for his comments.

By Lillianna Byington • July 13, 2020

Tyson Foods speeds up plans for robot butchers during pandemic

Even though use is growing across the industry, variability in poultry and livestock carcasses has slowed wider adoption by large processors.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 13, 2020

Plant-based chicken startup Nuggs gets $4.1M investment and creates parent corporation

Simulate, the new company, brought on two industry veterans and has plans to launch a spicy version of its nuggets, chicken patties and hot dogs.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 10, 2020

Leftovers: Swiss Miss gets magically delicious; Ritz says 'cheese'

The cocoa brand adds Lucky Charms' marshmallow goodness and Outshine frozen treats get a bit of heat, courtesy of Tajín.

By Food Dive staff • July 10, 2020