Big Food turns to small deals as major M&A transactions likely to pause in 2019

After completing larger transformational buys in 2018, companies such as Campbell Soup, General Mills, Hershey and Conagra will focus on digesting the purchases and lowering their debt levels.

By Christopher Doering • March 4, 2019

How blockchain can protect reputations and attract committed customers

Amid the uptick in recent recalls, Anant Kadiyala of Oracle writes blockchain technology can help businesses regain and reinforce trust from the public.

By Anant Kadiyala • March 1, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Moringa superfood producer Kuli Kuli gets $5M in funding led by Kellogg

Founder Lisa Curtis said the investment will help her nascent company launch its new ingredient business while continuing to scale its powder, bar and shot offerings.

By Jessi Devenyns • March 1, 2019

Leftovers: A (100th!) birthday CupCake, grain-free pretzels offer a new twist on classic snacks

Hostess celebrates its centennial with sprinkles, and everything about Martha Stewart's new partnership is pretty fishy.

By Food Dive staff • March 1, 2019

Good Culture raises $8M to expand cottage cheese distribution

The company, which has grown 500% in four years and is now in more than 11,000 stores nationwide, has received investments from General Mills' 301 Inc.

By Jessi Devenyns • Feb. 28, 2019

Brown-Forman taps into data analytics to launch rye whiskey brand

The maker of Jack Daniel's, Old Forester and Woodford Reserve used consumer, production and sales data to determine if the U.S. market had room for another beverage line.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 28, 2019

TreeHouse Foods CEO: Customers couldn't trust our 'ability to execute'

With CEO Steve Oakland at the helm, the private label food manufacturer has closed plants, reduced its SKUs and changed how it sells products in a bid to reverse a multi-year decline in sales.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 28, 2019

Ingredion touts its 'tools in the toolbox' to address changing consumer trends, CEO says

Jim Zallie said on-the-go consumption as well as low sugar and plant-based options have created "tremendous growth opportunities" for his company.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 28, 2019

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

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

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

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

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