What food and beverage stakeholders need to know for 2025

Analysts say the adoption of GLP-1 drugs, the expansion of AI and the growth of multi-billion-dollar M&A deals chart an unpredictable path for the industry this year.

By Food Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2025

‘Topsy-turvy’ Super Bowl food prices reflect volatile market: Wells Fargo

While consumers are willing to pay more for some items, they are being more choosy about which ones to purchase, according to the bank’s chief agricultural economist.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 30, 2025

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

Celsius positioning beverage as a ‘lifestyle’ brand with products that go beyond energy

The company’s first major portfolio expansion is a hydration offering, with plans to enter other categories that connect it with more consumers.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 29, 2025

How a 40-year beer veteran helped Spider-Man’s Tom Holland launch nonalcoholic Bero

The company’s brewmaster said it has ample room to expand as consumer interest in alcohol-free products grows and larger beer companies fail to fully back their offerings.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 28, 2025

Slice Soda returns to shelves as healthier offering

The beverage, once owned by PepsiCo, is tapping into consumer interest in nostalgia and better-for-you products made with real ingredients, probiotics and low amounts of sugar. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 28, 2025

Ferrero buys protein snack company Power Crunch

The purchase expands the Nutella maker's presence in the better-for-you category while increasing its U.S. footprint. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 24, 2025

The Campbell’s Company names new exec to head meals and beverage unit

Food industry veteran Risa Cretella will oversee a division with more than $5 billion in sales from brands including Rao’s, V8 and Swanson. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 24, 2025

The alcohol industry seeks to brew sales growth beyond beer

Manufacturers of Miller High Life and Bud Light are moving into other categories like energy drinks, RTD cocktails and nonalcoholic products to remain relevant as consumer tastes change.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 23, 2025

Packaging materials didn’t cause Walmart broth recall, says TreeHouse Foods

Tetra Pak, which makes the cartons for the recalled broth, said it is not aware of procedural issues on its end.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Jan. 29, 2025

Inside the evolution of Danone’s Stōk

The fast-growing beverage has expanded into a cappuccino-inspired cold brew, seasonal flavors and energy, bringing new usage occasions and consumers to the brand.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 22, 2025

Danone’s yogurt sales surge among US consumers using GLP-1 drugs

Oikos and its other popular brands are seeing a spike in demand as people taking the weight-loss medications turn to the portion-controlled snacks to meet their nutritional needs.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 22, 2025

Private label sales hit record $271B in 2024

All 10 food and nonedible departments tracked by Circana showed store brand dollar growth over 2023, a new report found.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 21, 2025

Molson Coors refuses bid by Leinenkugel’s family to buy back plant

The Coors Light producer said it plans to use the Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, facility as a pilot brewery.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 21, 2025

PepsiCo sued by FTC for allegedly ‘rigging’ soft drink prices

The agency claims the soda giant gave “unfair” pricing advantages to a larger retailer, forcing consumers to pay more at competing stores. Pepsi “strongly disputes” the allegations.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 17, 2025

Spindrift names former Boston Beer head as CEO, sells majority stake to PE firm

The 15-year-old brand has become popular with consumers who are lowering their sugar intake while prioritizing recognizable ingredients — all without sacrificing a fizzy mouthfeel.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 16, 2025

Anheuser-Busch to launch energy drink through Dana White-backed partnership

Phorm Energy, a collaboration with sports nutrition and supplements company 1st Phorm, is expected to debut this summer. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 16, 2025

Jack Daniel’s owner to close barrel-making plant, cut more than 600 jobs

The restructuring by Brown-Forman, which is expected to generate up to $80 million in annual savings, comes as inflation and changing consumer tastes cut into spirits sales.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 16, 2025

Constellation Brands pins hopes on Mexican beers as spirits sales decline

As uncertainty looms around potential tariffs, the brewer’s CEO expressed optimism about the outlook for Modelo, Corona and Pacifico.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 14, 2025

Keurig Dr Pepper creates energy drink exec role in leadership refresh

The company also named Eric Gorli as president of its $9 billion U.S. refreshment beverage operation, which includes soft drinks, tea and water.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 14, 2025

Hormel Foods CEO to retire after 36 years with the Spam maker

The departure of James Snee, who took over the top post in 2016, is the third leader from a major food company to announce they are leaving since December.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 14, 2025

Hershey names new executives to oversee confection, salty snacks

Andrew Archambault, joining from Keurig Dr Pepper, will oversee its sweets business, while company veteran Veronica Villasenor will run brands like Dot’s and SkinnyPop.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 13, 2025

Score big on game day: 7 essential marketing strategies for food retailers

Get ready to boost game-day sales with winning strategies that attract shoppers and keep them coming back for more.

By Jenny Coppola, Bitly Inc. • Jan. 13, 2025

Hershey CEO Michele Buck to retire in 2026

Her departure comes as the snacks maker faces challenges including higher cocoa costs, inflation that has curtailed product demand and the proliferation of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 10, 2025

Higher egg prices boost Cal-Maine earnings

Bird flu outbreaks have created supply shocks at the grocery store, with some retailers limiting consumer purchases.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 10, 2025

Tropicana orange supplier Alico to exit citrus business

The company concluded that "growing citrus is no longer economically viable for us in Florida," with disease and hurricanes reducing production by 73%.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 10, 2025