Tate & Lyle buys 15% stake in U.S. stevia extract producer

The investment by the global ingredients producer in Sweet Green Fields comes after it signed an exclusive distribution deal with the company in 2017.

By Cathy Siegner • May 25, 2018

Nestlé's former U.S. candy brands getting a refresh under new owner

Ferrara, owned by Nutella maker The Ferrero Group, plans to reformulate and repackage some of the Swiss giant's former products, starting with Butterfinger.

By Cathy Siegner • May 25, 2018

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

British food companies fail to meet voluntary sugar reduction goals

Public Health England said it should have a clearer idea by next year about whether further action will be needed to compel companies to cut the sweetener.

By Caroline Macdonald • May 24, 2018

Necco auctioned off to Spangler Candy for $18.8M

The acquisition brings well-known and popular brands into Spangler's portfolio, and there are likely to be efficiencies between the companies' Ohio and Massachusetts plants.

By Cathy Siegner • May 24, 2018

Kroger buys meal kit maker Home Chef for $200M

The deal includes $500 million in additional incentives if the acquired company hits performance goals around online and in-store sales.

By Jeff Wells • May 24, 2018

Market fluctuations drag down Sanderson Farms earnings

Despite its disappointing Q2 results, the poultry giant's completion of its St. Pauls, North Carolina plant bodes well for the near future.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 24, 2018

Food AI platform Whisk acquires Avocando, giving it global reach

The company wants to be a one-stop platform for consumers to collect recipe and nutrition information, and for grocers to connect with hungry shoppers.

By Patti Zarling • May 24, 2018

Dollar General brings back summer product exclusives

The offerings, including limited-edition Red Bull cans and a special flavor of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, could spur novelty-driven sales this summer — particularly with millennials. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 24, 2018

Hormel posts record Q2, but shipping and commodity volatility prove challenging

The Minnesota company maintained its earnings guidance and full-year sales projections even as it cautioned that its Jennie-O Turkey brand would remain under pressure.

By Christopher Doering • May 24, 2018

Campbell Soup names new head of soup division

The company named Roberto Leopardi as president of its meals and beverages operation just days after long-time CEO Denise Morrison abruptly retired.

By Christopher Doering • May 24, 2018

Target posts strongest traffic increase in 10 years

It's been a big, expensive quarter for the retailer, with significant spend on stores and digital fulfillment, but the investments appears to be paying off with customers.

By Corinne Ruff • May 23, 2018

False-advertising lawsuit against Diet Pepsi thrown out by court

In the fourth dismissal of such claims against diet sodas in the past three months, a federal judge found a reasonable consumer would not be deceived into thinking the beverages are weight-loss drinks. 

By Cathy Siegner • May 23, 2018

Sweethearts, Clark Bar maker Necco gets 4 bidders in bankruptcy auction

The New England Confectionary Co. will go on the auction block May 23. The current high bidder is Round Hill Investments, whose chairman helped rescue Hostess Brands.

By Cathy Siegner • May 23, 2018

What will Albertsons do with Thrifty ice cream after Rite Aid merger?

Fans love the frozen dessert's low cost and quirky flavors, but some worry the drugstore chain's product would change under the grocer's ownership.

By Cathy Siegner • May 23, 2018

New American Anthem vodka brand touts patriotism, military support

The product from U.K.-based Diageo uses corn from Iowa and Indiana, and donates some of its profits to military organizations.

By Patti Zarling • May 22, 2018

Coca-Cola upgrades Freestyle dispenser with Bluetooth, mobile app requests

Customers can customize and request their beverage via a mobile app without scanning a QR code or interacting with the dispenser's screen.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2018

Ahold Delhaize will launch dedicated e-commerce unit

The new venture, Peapod Digital Labs, will oversee the company’s online innovation efforts as it tries to keep pace in the rapidly evolving channel.

By Jeff Wells • May 22, 2018

Earth Fare serves up local, frozen produce year-round

The grocer has partnered with Seal the Seasons, a supplier that partners with family farms and freezes seasonal fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness.

By Alicia Kelso • May 22, 2018

REBBL, High Brew each raise $20M in investment rounds

The beverage companies plan to use the money to enhance marketing efforts, and, in REBBL's case, fight human trafficking in areas where it sources its ingredients.

By Cathy Siegner • May 22, 2018

Snacking's appetite grows to take a bigger bite of US food consumption

The category has expanded beyond salty and sugary items that once defined the space to include more options that meet consumer needs like convenience and better-for-you products.

By Pamela DeLoatch • May 21, 2018

Albertsons will pilot Amazon Go-like technology in stores and at the pump

During last week's analyst day presentation, officials noted the soon-to-launch in-store test will apply only to a limited selection of products, including prepared foods and Plated meal kits.

By Alicia Kelso • May 21, 2018

Forgotten and unloved brands get a reboot as Big Food looks for untapped growth

Hormel, Campbell Soup and Conagra are among the companies that are innovating and expanding the reach of iconic products —  some of which haven't been updated in years. 

By Christopher Doering • May 21, 2018

Food companies hungry for snacks turn to innovation and M&A to fill up

In an industry beset by slow growth, Conagra, Hershey, Campbell Soup and other large CPG firms are focusing more of their attention on the burgeoning space with $89 billion in annual sales.

By Christopher Doering • May 21, 2018

Walmart will roll out home grocery delivery in Chicago this week

The Windy City becomes the 11th U.S. metro area to receive the service, as the retailer plans to eventually provide home delivery grocery services to 40% of the U.S. population. 

By Patti Zarling • May 20, 2018

Tyson subsidiary launches butcher certification program for pork retailers

The free training program, available to retailers selling the company's top-level brand, provides education about product attributes, merchandising advice and in-store signage.

By Cathy Siegner • May 18, 2018