From candy to clean label, gum arabic's 'workhorse' reputation

The ingredient is popular because it can perform a range of functions including emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, improving mouthfeel and being a natural glue.

By Christopher Doering • April 30, 2020

How plant-based meat companies are staying afloat while coronavirus shutters restaurants

Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat and Before the Butcher have all seen sales drop as foodservice establishments close their doors, but are finding new ways to get to customers during the pandemic.

By Megan Poinski • April 30, 2020

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

Trump orders meat plants to remain open despite outbreaks

As the number of plant closures continue to rise and supply concerns grow, the president invoked the Defense Production Act to keep production running.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated April 29, 2020

Meatpacking workers wonder whether job is a 'death sentence' amid outbreaks

Many are criticizing the industry’s response for waiting too long to implement safety precautions and close processing plants as thousands have tested positive for coronavirus.

By Lillianna Byington • April 28, 2020

2M chickens euthanized as coronavirus shuts down meat processors

As animals who were raised for the processing plants grow, producers are running out of room to keep them.

By Megan Poinski • April 28, 2020

Hershey to divest Krave and artisan chocolate brands

The maker of Reese's and Twizzlers said selling the jerky brand, as well as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba chocolates, will allow it to focus more on salty snacks and bars.

By Christopher Doering • April 27, 2020

Danone's venture arm invests $10M in plant-based Laird Superfood

Co-founded by big wave surfer Laird Hamilton, the upstart will use the capital to develop new product offerings and expand manufacturing capacity.

By Christopher Doering • April 24, 2020

Cattle associations urge DOJ probe as coronavirus pandemic price concerns continue

The USDA already announced it would investigate why an increase in what consumers paid did not convert into higher cattle profits for farmers, and now there is a push for more government intervention.

By Lillianna Byington • April 23, 2020

Tyson Foods to indefinitely suspend operations at Waterloo, Iowa plant

The closure comes just a day after the meat processing giant reopened another pork facility in the Hawkeye State after workers there also tested positive for coronavirus.

By Christopher Doering • April 22, 2020

US pork farmers met with 'financial crisis' as pandemic rages on

The closure of restaurants and other foodservice outlets because of the pandemic could result in an estimated $5 billion in losses for the pork industry in 2020.

By Lillianna Byington • April 22, 2020

Before the Butcher gets virtual with online product demos

After some of the biggest trade shows were canceled, founder and CEO Danny O'Malley took to videoconferencing to start showing what his company's products can do.

By Megan Poinski • April 22, 2020

How the federal $19B coronavirus relief fund can help farmers and food producers

After weeks of industry groups and companies asking for financial support, the department will purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat to distribute through the nation's food banks.

By Jessi Devenyns • April 21, 2020

Tyson reopens Iowa plant shuttered by coronavirus

Two weeks after the Columbus Junction factory thought to be the source of about 200 COVID-19 infections closed its doors, limited operations restart.

By Megan Poinski • April 21, 2020

Organic sales are up during the pandemic, but long-term challenges loom

A report from Mercaris found there are risks to the multi-billion dollar market because of threats to consumer income, livestock processing and import challenges.

By Lillianna Byington • April 20, 2020

Salmonella vaccine will be commercialized in new partnership

Kemin and Pacific GeneTech's solution could help producers raise free-from antibiotic flocks and protect consumers from the bacteria that is the leading cause of foodborne illness.

By Jessi Devenyns • April 17, 2020

MGP Ingredients expands textured protein line with pea option

The new product will join ones made from wheat and be marketed as part of the company's renamed ProTerra line of plant-based proteins.

By Christopher Doering • April 16, 2020

Farm Rich launches plant-based Garden Inspirations line

The frozen brand's meatless meatballs and BBQ sliders will be available in stores this month at Kroger with more offerings coming this summer.

By Lillianna Byington • April 15, 2020

Trade group asks government to ensure food workers have protective equipment

The Consumer Brands Association said some state agencies are confiscating thermometers and face masks meant for industrial use, placing essential employees at risk.

By Jessi Devenyns • April 15, 2020

Is plant-based protein about to boom or bust?

The survival of the sector may depend on whether companies truly can price their options lower than conventional meat, writes Dan Whitmyer of Kickdrum.

By Dan Whitmyer • April 14, 2020

Smithfield Foods warns of shortage as it closes major pork plant indefinitely

The South Dakota​ facility is one of the biggest pork processing operations in the U.S. The company announced it will also close an additional two plants in Wisconsin and Missouri.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated April 16, 2020

Plant-based Rebellyous Foods raises $6M

The maker of faux chicken products will use the money to hire workers, push into retail and develop equipment to make its products faster, cheaper and better quality.

By Christopher Doering • April 13, 2020

Ignoring naysayers, CPG trendspotter forges path down the Saffron Road

Adnan Durrani's current venture, which developed some of the first halal-certified products available nationally, is on track to be a $100 million business by 2025.

By Megan Poinski • April 9, 2020

Coronavirus guts demand for seafood as sales plummet

Fishermen and dealers are turning to government aid and a marketing campaign to help the sector as restaurant and foodservice closures remove a major source of revenue.

By Lillianna Byington • April 9, 2020

More meat plants close as employee coronavirus outbreaks grow

Cargill, Maple Leaf and Smithfield Foods are the latest companies to suspend production at processing facilities as workers test positive for COVID-19.

By Jessi Devenyns • Updated April 9, 2020

Applegate launches Well Carved line with blended veggies and meat

The Hormel-owned brand, which is coming to shelves this month, mixes organic meat, vegetables, grains and pulses into burgers and meatballs.

By Megan Poinski • April 8, 2020