Albertsons-Rite Aid names new president and COO

Jim Donald, a former Starbucks and Haggen executive, will steer the two companies through a tricky merger that would create a $24 billion food-and-drug retailer.

By Dan Alaimo • March 6, 2018

FTC challenges Smucker's purchase of Wesson from Conagra

The agency said the purchase by the jam maker, which owns Crisco, would result in it controlling at least 70% of the market for branded canola and vegetables oils, potentially eliminating price competition.

By Cathy Siegner • March 6, 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

Walmart introduces meal kits to stores

The retail giant has three different options that vary according to preparation time, including one-step meals that can be ready in 15 minutes and pre-portioned kits similar to those offered by Blue Apron.

By Jeff Wells • March 5, 2018

TreeHouse Foods picks Smucker executive as its new CEO

Steve Oakland is joining the Illinois-based CPG manufacturer that has faced executive turnover, slumping sales and plant closures despite being in the lucrative private-label business.

By Cathy Siegner • March 5, 2018

Employees want Publix to 'free the beard'

The Southeastern U.S. grocer is testing out a change in its facial hair policy after an employee petition, which had more than 18,000 signatures Monday, urged it to relax its standards.

By Erika Kincaid • March 5, 2018

Amazon investors petition SEC to get answers on wasted food

Retailers such as Walmart and Costco are facing similar shareholder concerns.

By Erika Kincaid • March 5, 2018

Food and beverage industries warn of higher costs, job cuts from Trump tariffs

While companies such as Campbell Soup said the import taxes will result in higher prices, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC on Friday they are "no big deal."

By Erika Kincaid • March 5, 2018

Kite Hill's new CEO says with expansion, 'nothing is off the table'

Rob Leibowitz sees potential, given the company's track record and the rosy future of the plant-based food and beverage sector.

By Cathy Siegner • March 2, 2018

Coke debuts two fruit flavors to capitalize on craft soda craze

The R&D team explored 30 flavor options using input from more than 9,000 consumers. The winning varieties have peaches from Georgia and raspberries from California.

By Cathy Siegner • March 2, 2018

Hostess goes upscale with fancy snacks, sweetening 4th quarter profits

Considering the popularity of the Petites line and the recent success with innovating new flavors and products, expect to see more options pop up under this premium label.

By Erika Kincaid • March 2, 2018

Pinnacle Foods benefits from demand for natural and frozen products

Sales during the fourth quarter rose 2.9% to $883.5 million as the company posted strong results in its Birds Eye frozen foods and Boulder Brands divisions.

By Cathy Siegner • March 2, 2018

Sun Basket opens larger distribution center in New Jersey

The personalized meal kit service said it needed a bigger facility to meet demand for its products primarily serving consumers with diet-specific needs.

By Cathy Siegner • March 2, 2018

Better-for-you jerky takes a bigger bite of snacks market

Sales of the popular treat, which topped $1 billion last year, are poised for growth due to its slimmed-down ingredients list, portability and hip new flavors.

By Cathy Siegner • March 2, 2018

Ingredion CEO: 'Food anywhere' trend is putting pressure on ingredients makers

Jim Zallie said on-the-go consumption habits are pushing companies like his to find ways to maintain product texture, heat and appearance throughout the eating experience.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 1, 2018

Aldi will place outposts inside Kohl's stores

The discounter will open up to 10 pilot locations inside the fashion retailer this year, Kohl’s CEO Kevin Mansell said during an earnings call Thursday.

By Jeff Wells • March 1, 2018

Kroger raises gun-buying age to 21 at Fred Meyer stores

The move follows similar decisions from Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting last month.

By Jeff Wells • March 1, 2018

Oatmeal makers wake up to consumer demand for breakfast convenience

Quaker Oats and Bob's Red Mill are among the manufacturers of the popular morning food, already known for its healthy benefits, that have introduced portable on-the-go cups.

By Christopher Doering • March 1, 2018

PepsiCo takes vending machine brand Hello Goodness online

The soda giant plans to use the platform to test out new products, increase its presence in the better-for-you snacking space and expand its e-commerce efforts.

By Erika Kincaid • March 1, 2018

CEO Boer: Ahold Delhaize is 'well ahead' of e-commerce competition

The retailer's chief executive said he is optimistic about the company’s competitive position because of its experience with home delivery through its Peapod unit.

By Dan Alaimo • March 1, 2018

AB InBev's earnings climb 8.2% despite US volume losses

The beer giant also posted declining sales in North America, driven by share losses in its Budweiser and Bud Light brands.

By Cathy Siegner • March 1, 2018

Report: Grocery openings declined 28.8% last year

Major chains are curbing growth and focusing on existing stores, while grocery-anchored shopping centers are expanding.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 28, 2018

Coca-Cola cutting up to 350 management positions

The beverage giant plans to start laying some people off on Wednesday, with the rest of the job cuts coming during the next few months as part of a company-wide reorganization.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 28, 2018

B&G Foods' sales lag forecast, company remains on the lookout for deals

The New Jersey-based food manufacturer posted strong results in its Green Giant frozen products division in 2017, but faced challenges in maple syrup and its Ortega brand.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 28, 2018

Hormel Foods CEO: 'We haven't stopped looking' for acquisitions

Jim Snee, whose firm spent $1.4 billion on three deals in 2017, said the company's M&A targets include businesses that are global, multi-cultural, on-the-go and focused on health.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 28, 2018

Perfect Day, a maker of cow-free dairy proteins, raises $24.7M in funding

The ag-tech startup has patented its production process, which involves taking food-grade yeast and adding DNA sequences from dairy cows to create ingredients found in milk. 

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 27, 2018