Could Kroger and Ahold Delhaize be headed for a merger?

Kroger’s stock rose 4% on the speculation earlier this week, which heated up after a Bernstein analyst noted that Ahold had reportedly hired advisers to explore a bid. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 5, 2017

PUR Popcorn explodes into the snack aisle next year

But will consumers want to buy their salty snacks from the same company that makes mints and gum?

By Erika Kincaid • Oct. 5, 2017

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

Triumph Foods expands Missouri plant, automating it with robotic technology

These facilities can improve operational efficiency by increasing shipping speed and reducing manual handling of finished products, but could also cost the food industry jobs.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 5, 2017

How an old-fashioned grocery chain is finding success in the age of Amazon

Market Basket is winning with the basics, focusing on low prices and customer service while leaving the technological innovations to its competitors. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 5, 2017

Can a podcast help turn Blue Apron around?

The online meal kit company is adding an educational audio program to an already heavily burdened marketing budget, which may raise eyebrows among financial analysts.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 5, 2017

General Mills patents way to extend shelf life of ready-made dough

The method of deactivating some enzymes in white flour could add an extra 30 days to many of the company's products including its Pillsbury crescent rolls or biscuits.

By Erika Kincaid • Oct. 5, 2017

Largest US egg producer curtails production of cage-free variety as demand wanes

Cal-Maine said even though food service providers, restaurants and retailers have vowed to move away from conventional varieties, higher prices have slowed adoption.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 5, 2017

Has the market overreacted to Kroger's woes?

The grocer is fundamentally sound but may need to expand experimental projects like home delivery and meal kits more quickly to keep ahead of intense competitive pressure. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 4, 2017

Amazon reportedly targeting France for its next grocery acquisition

If the online giant does complete a brick-and-mortar grocery deal in the country, it could prove a major asset to its U.S. and European ambitions.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 4, 2017

PepsiCo's snack revenue far outpaces beverages in latest quarter

A top financial officer told The Wall Street Journal that increased marketing efforts in healthier drinks didn't pay off as much as anticipated.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 4, 2017

Sprouts to grow footprint with Mid-Atlantic expansion

A new location in Ellicott City, Maryland joins thirty other openings slated for the fast-growing discount natural and organic chain in 2018.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 4, 2017

Tetra Pak makes strides toward sustainability goals

With packaging firms in the eco-friendly spotlight, the company has increased its recycling efforts, created bio-based caps and started a consumer campaign on renewable materials.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 4, 2017

Northgate Gonzalez Markets sees results from gamified employee training

Workers for the Hispanic grocer can take interactive quizzes on everything from safety training to increasing customer satisfaction and receive prizes for high scores.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 3, 2017

Leadership of the Smarties Candy Company passes to the third generation

Edward Dee launched the iconic New Jersey-based family candy operation in 1949. His three granddaughters are now taking the helm.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 3, 2017

Hannaford's first loyalty program incentivizes store brand purchases

The Ahold Delhaize–owned chain’s new My Hannaford Rewards program, which is in a 11-store trial right now, will offer 2% rewards for private label purchases.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 3, 2017

Coca-Cola acquires Mexico's Topo Chico sparkling water for $220M

The purchase of the beverage company helps Coke diversify its drink portfolio and better position itself to compete with La Croix in the popular space.

By Erika Kincaid • Oct. 3, 2017

Conagra CEO says food maker looking at more acquisitions

Fresh off its purchase of Angie’s Boomchickapop, the company is eyeing further deals to "modernize, innovate, and renovate" its product portfolio.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 3, 2017

Hy-Vee announces locations of two hybrid convenience stores

Close to the grocer's hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, Fast & Fresh stores will be around 10,000 square feet and include an assortment of groceries and a Market Grille Express station. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 2, 2017

Can fizzy milk make dairy popular again?

Arla is starting a U.K. trial of a carbonated fruity beverage it hopes will catch on with consumers, despite past rejection of similar products. 

By Erika Kincaid • Oct. 2, 2017

Tetra Pak overhauling Texas plant to address changes in packaging

Besides fulfilling demand in the U.S. and Canada for aseptic containers with screw caps, the $36 million factory expansion will allow the company to relocate some production from Mexico.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 2, 2017

Ball plant falls victim to diminishing demand for food cans

Consumer preference for fresh foods and sustainable practices is causing some CPG makers to reformulate products and rethink packaging, putting pressure on some suppliers.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 2, 2017

Publix becomes the latest grocer to try curbside pickup

Slow to ramp up its e-commerce capabilities, the regional supermarket chain is now well on its way with this click-and-collect test, as well as an aggressive home delivery expansion.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 2, 2017

Jet.com will soon launch its own grocery line

The new brand, Uniquely J, will initially focus on consumables like coffee, laundry detergent and paper towels, and is seen as a response to Amazon’s growing private label selection.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 29, 2017

Report: Walmart will sell meal kits on its website starting in December

The retailer will offer meal kits from various companies as it tests the growing market, according to one supplier who’s been in talks with the chain.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 29, 2017

7-Eleven and General Mills partner on exclusive breakfast item

The Pillsbury Stuffed Waffle, which will be available all day, is the latest partnership between the retailer and the CPG manufacturer since 2013.

By Erika Kincaid • Sept. 29, 2017