3 ways to prepare for the year ahead in food and beverages

To stand out, the food and beverage industry needs to connect with consumers using things like precision manufacturing and creating a personal connection, says Laura Gurski with Accenture.

By Laura Gurski • Jan. 31, 2019

Coca-Cola emails disclose more about controversial talks with health officials

A new report reveals additional details about communication between the company and the CDC from 2011 to 2015, showing the beverage giant trying to influence World Health Organization policy.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 30, 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

How grant and award winners predict the future of the food industry

Brands that have recently won these prizes and the companies that deal them out said that startups are already tackling big issues by launching healthier ingredients, innovative technology and sustainable solutions.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 30, 2019

B&G Foods CEO Robert Cantwell to retire in April

The 35-year company veteran will continue to work as an M&A adviser. Kenneth Romanzi, who is currently the COO, will take over the top post.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 30, 2019

Kraft Heinz's Devour places ad on porn site for edgy Super Bowl campaign

The frozen meals maker confirmed that the Pornhub media placement was intentional, continuing Devour's "food porn" theme for its Super Bowl debut.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2019

Why are chicken producers pursuing Non-GMO Project verification?

Springer Mountain Farms recently was approved for the symbol on its PLUS line, but according to federal law, meat and poultry cannot be considered genetically modified.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 29, 2019

StarKist settles price fixing claims with Walmart for $20.5M

After the company pleaded guilty to one count of artificially inflating costs in October, it still faces a federal fine of up to $100 million.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 29, 2019

Darden Restaurants accuses chicken producers of overcharging

A federal lawsuit claims they conspired to sell products to the parent company of establishments including Olive Garden at artificially inflated prices from 2008 through 2016.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 29, 2019

'Hey Alexa, what's the future of voice ordering for groceries?'

Analysts say voice shopping will begin to mature in five to 10 years but still has too much friction for convenience-seeking customers. 

By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 29, 2019

Frozen food sales fuel center store growth, study says

Innovation is driving consumption, but research from the Food Marketing Institute and the American Frozen Food Institute notes negative perceptions still persist around its health and quality.  

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 28, 2019

Amazon pushes for more companies to create exclusive brands

After finding that it was too expensive to develop exclusive brands independently, the retail giant started pushing established food and beverage manufacturers to take on the R&D work.

By Nina Sparling • Jan. 28, 2019

Will Nitro Pepsi gas up soda sales?

The company will start serving at exclusive venues like the Super Bowl in an attempt to cross beverage boundaries and market to new consumers.

By Jessi Devenyns • Jan. 28, 2019

From salsa to nuggets, FoodStory Brands fills 'white space' untapped by industry giants

Company president Jay Whitney said they have benefited from consumer trends like transparency and clean label, as well as a lack of shopper trust in big food manufacturers. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 28, 2019

Häagen-Dazs will be delivered in reusable containers in a pilot project with Loop

The ice cream will be delivered in reusable double-walled steel containers — designed by Nestlé's global research and development group — to keep it cold during delivery. 

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 25, 2019

Chicken with a side of facts: Information hungry consumers expect more

Tom Super, senior vice president of communications at the National Chicken Council, said diners are rightfully asking more questions about how food is grown and raised.

By Tom Super • Jan. 25, 2019

Leftovers: Ice cream made for a midnight snack; Hostess enters the cereal bowl

Nightfood hopes to satisfy indulgent cravings and help people sleep, while Ben & Jerry's gets unbaked to the core.

By Food Dive staff • Jan. 25, 2019

Kerry expands cocoa offerings as chocolate demand grows

The increase comes as the crop faces challenges from climate change, as well as forest destruction, child labor and low farmer incomes.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 24, 2019

Lightlife Foods launches a plant-based burger

The plant-based pioneer's new products hitting grocery shelves this spring are made with pea protein and are free of GMOs, gluten, soy and artificial flavors.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 24, 2019

TreeHouse Foods to close St. Louis office, lay off 170 employees

This latest closure is part of the company's previously announced restructuring program to reduce costs and turn around the company.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 24, 2019

McCormick sales flat in Q4, but bland 2019 outlook sinks stock

The Maryland spice and flavor company forecast growth of between 1% and 3% this year, compared to a 12% increase in 2018. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 24, 2019

Sprouted grain cereal maker sued for fraudulent and misleading claims

The plaintiff says Food for Life Baking is describing the product as nutritionally superior even though there's no way to accurately evaluate such an assessment. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 24, 2019

Survey: Technology is important to the food business, but not many invest

Decision makers from 29 countries said it could help deal with big challenges, including global legislation on food safety and traceability, retailer requirements and demand for quality.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 23, 2019

How Kombrewcha used consumer research to increase alcohol levels

Research found the company's base customer is a middle-aged active mom who needs to feel good about her beverages — and wants the effect of drinking beer.

By Megan Poinski • Jan. 23, 2019

MillerCoors names former Kraft Heinz exec as first-ever female CMO

Michelle St. Jacques will take over on Feb. 4 as MillerCoors ramps up its digital and non-traditional marketing strategy.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 22, 2019

Report: Ferrero, Hostess and B&G express interest in Kellogg's cookies

Two months after announcing the sale of brands including Keebler and Famous Amos, the first bids were reportedly made behind closed doors.

By Jessi Devenyns • Jan. 22, 2019