Gingko Bioworks uses $90M funding round to launch ingredients firm Motif

The new company, backed by an investment firm with Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Michael Bloomberg on its board, will use biologic engineering to recreate proteins from dairy, egg and meat to use in plant-based alternatives.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 27, 2019

Dean Foods explores 'strategic alternatives,' including sale

The company, which owns more than 50 dairy brands, private labels and legacy products, reported a net income loss of $260.1 million in fourth quarter earnings Wednesday. 

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 27, 2019

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

Campbell Soup announces sale of Garden Fresh Gourmet as Q2 results top expectations

The New Jersey company said consumers purchased more V8 and Pepperidge Farm products during the quarter, while buying less Prego, fresh items and condensed soups.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 27, 2019

Danone tops ranking of food companies based on environmental footprint

When it comes to preparation for integrated sustainability, a report found the French company is at the top for readiness to transition to a low-carbon economy, while Kraft Heinz ranked last. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 26, 2019

Why lab-created milk is a threat to dairy farmers

While plant-based alternatives are stealing market share from creameries, California-based Perfect Day could hold the key to the largest decline of all.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 26, 2019

Kraft Heinz considers options for Maxwell House, including sale

CNBC said the 127-year old brand, which could fetch $3 billion from a buyer, may be the first in a series of divestitures for the troubled CPG giant. 

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 25, 2019

Campbell inks deal to sell refrigerated soup factory

The 225,000-square-foot plant in Everett, Washington, is being bought by an affiliate of Seattle-based Joshua Green Corporation, a private investment firm. 

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 25, 2019

After cost cutting, Big Food builds its future on investing for growth

Companies such as General Mills, Kellogg and Mondelez are back to spending in an effort to reignite sales, compete with more nimble upstarts and keep up with shifting consumer tastes.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 25, 2019

Califia Farms to unveil line of protein-enriched oat beverages

The company will debut three varieties of its Übermilk beverage this spring, all with less sugar and more fiber, calcium and vitamin D than the same amount of 2% dairy milk.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 22, 2019

Kraft Heinz shares plunge more than 28% after $12.6B loss, SEC investigation and dividend cut

The CPG giant left markets reeling as it dropped a bombshell of an earnings report — yet company leaders are optimistic about the future.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 22, 2019

JUST Egg cracks the substitute category wide open

The mung bean-based vegan breakfast item is taking grocery shelves by storm, reinvigorating the category and aiming at new markets with big manufacturing and distribution partnerships.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 21, 2019

Glanbia acquires ingredients company Watson for $89M

With its latest acquisition, the Irish company hopes to break further into the health and wellness sector with specifically tailored product offerings.

By Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 21, 2019

Hershey CEO: Not moving beyond candy would be a missed opportunity

While the 125-year-old company has added better-for-you snacking brands such as Skinny Pop and Pirate's Booty to its portfolio, the chocolate maker is still actively looking to grow through M&A. 

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 21, 2019

Hormel to sell its CytoSport business to Pepsi

The company is selling the Muscle Milk maker to the soft drink and snacks giant for $465 million. 

By Lillianna Byington • Updated Feb. 21, 2019

Canopy Growth CEO: Cannabis hasn't caught the attention of Big Food — yet

While beer and tobacco have looked into marijuana, Bruce Linton said the substance hasn't had a significantly disruptive impact on most CPG companies. 

By Christopher Doering • Updated June 17, 2019

Tilray buys hemp food maker Manitoba Harvest for $317M

The Canadian cannabis producer plans to collaborate with the world leader for edible products made from the nutrient-rich seeds and oils.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 20, 2019

Flowers Foods CEO to retire after 40 years with the company

Allen Shiver will step down after about six years in the top spot and current COO Ryals McMullian will take over. 

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 19, 2019

Applegate Farms launches sausage line sourced from regenerative agriculture

The Hormel subsidiary's New Food Collective features pork from small farms certified by the American Grassfed Association.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 19, 2019

Danone taps portfolio of 'tools and weapons' to serve changing consumer tastes

Mariano Lozano, CEO of the French giant's North American operations, said the company benefits from its diverse set of options, including probiotics, grass-fed, organic, non-GMO, low sugar, plant-based and traditional dairy.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 19, 2019

Will GMA's new strategy bring back former members?

The CPG industry group said its long-term strategy is to fundamentally transform the organization, which recently went through some difficult times as companies including Nestlé, Campbell Soup and Kraft Heinz left.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 15, 2019

Nestlé considers selling its cold cuts business as sales surge

The Swiss food giant emphasized the success of its deals in 2018 as net acquisitions pushed up sales by 0.7% and offset divestments.

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 14, 2019

Coca-Cola soda sales slide in Q4 as 2019 outlook disappoints

Despite a drop in its core sparkling business, the beverage giant benefited from growth in coffee, water, sports drinks and teas. 

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 14, 2019

Cupid strikes food makers as they take aim at lucrative Valentine's Day sales

Consumers are expected to spend $21 billion on the romantic holiday this year, and Kellogg and Hershey are among the companies tailoring products to it. 

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 14, 2019

Ultra-processed foods can increase risk of early death, study finds

These items, which are mostly snacks, desserts or ready-to-eat meals, now account for more than 29% of total calories consumed, researchers said.

By Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 13, 2019

AB InBev launches Ritas Spritz to target more female consumers

Amid an industry-wide slowdown, the brewer's newest product targets women in hopes of actively persuading the demographic to purchase more beverages. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 13, 2019