Disruptor of the Year: Beyond Meat

The company made 2019 the year of the plant-based burger with products appearing in grocery stores and restaurants nationwide and one of the year's hottest IPOs, which turned the eyes of many toward the segment.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 9, 2019

Nestlé brings plant-based meat to iconic brands

After launching its first beef-like offering under its Sweet Earth banner in October, the food giant is introducing DiGiorno Rising Crust Meatless Supreme and Stouffer's Meatless Lasagna.

By Christopher Doering • Dec. 4, 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

Noosa boosts protein content with launch of HiLo yogurt

The new brand, which features 12 grams of the essential nutrient and 12 grams of sugar per cup, is aimed at more health-conscious consumers.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 3, 2019

Will next Thanksgiving have more plant-based alternatives to gobble?

Butterball plans to have its first prototype next year, while Perdue, Tyson and Impossible Foods are all working toward that goal.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 27, 2019

Turkey prices drop this Thanksgiving, while ham prices increase

Despite the poultry staple hitting a nine-year low and ham at a five-year high, the average cost of the holiday dinner is only a penny more than last year. 

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 26, 2019

Walmart pork contained bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics, report says

The executive director of World Animal Protection said the findings involving the retail giant were "particularly alarming and should raise concerns."​

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 26, 2019

Impossible Foods aims for up to $5B valuation with latest funding round

The maker of plant-based meats is looking to raise between $300 million and $400 million, according to Reuters. This could more than double the $2 billion valuation the company had in May.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 26, 2019

Report: Oceans can feed the world with better management and policies

A report produced for the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy found improved fishery governance could increase yields by 20% in the near term, and up to 40% above current future projections.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 21, 2019

After salmonella outbreak, 2 members of Congress demand more food safety transparency from USDA

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Rosa DeLauro asked Secretary Sonny Perdue to reveal which beef processing plants could be linked to bacteria causing one death and eight hospitalizations.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 20, 2019

Marfrig Global Foods increases its stake in National Beef Packing

After purchasing a majority share last year, the Brazilian meat producer bought the rest of Jefferies Financial Group's stake for $860 million. It now owns 81.7% of the U.S. company.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 19, 2019

China resumes US poultry imports after 4-year ban

The resumption of shipments to the communist country, which ended in 2015 following an avian flu outbreak in the U.S., could be worth more than $1 billion annually, according to the USTR.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 15, 2019

Does the beef against beef make financial sense?

As the holidays approach, plant-based protein companies are making a play for the dinner table.

By Barbara Ballinger • Nov. 13, 2019

Tyson: Current market makes accurate forecast impossible

A deadly disease affecting the global hog supply, unpredictable trade policy shifts and a fire in Kansas all made executives wary of predicting next year's earnings  — but it's not all bad news. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 13, 2019

Bolthouse Farms chief rebuilding company after 'wrong marriage' to Campbell Soup

Jeff Dunn, who worked with a private equity firm to acquire the brand earlier this year, said the maker of fresh carrots and refrigerated juices is rapidly innovating and ideally positioned to benefit from demand for plant-based products.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 13, 2019

Maple Leaf is the first major food company to go carbon neutral

The producer of meat and plant proteins said the move acknowledges the industry's impact on the environment and the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 8, 2019

Plant-based plaintiffs drop lawsuit challenging Mississippi's labeling law

The state's revised regulations allow packages to carry common meat-like terms as long as they also signify products do not contain meat.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 8, 2019

A fungus among us: Food makers cuddle up to the much maligned mushroom

From jerky to bars, the ingredient is being incorporated into more products by CPG companies wanting to tap into its numerous health benefits and meat-like qualities.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 7, 2019

Duckweed builds on superfood potential with impact on glucose levels

In addition to its role in plant-based foods, the aquatic ingredient also is loaded with health-friendly attributes such as amino acids, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 7, 2019

What plant-based meat misses about chicken

To make an impact, new companies need to outperform the poultry industry and strike at what Big Chicken puts on the shoulders of its workers, the planet and public health, writes Rebellyous founder and CEO Christie Lagally.

By Christie Lagally • Nov. 6, 2019

Quorn's secret to longevity in the meat alternative sector

The 34-year-old company, which estimates it has served 5 billion meals in 17 countries, started out as a sustainability project. It now makes items including meatless burgers, nuggets and fish sticks.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 5, 2019

Lawmakers try to resurrect country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork

Congress repealed similar regulations in December 2015 after the WTO said they discriminated against livestock in Canada and Mexico, leaving the U.S. open to retaliatory tariffs.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 5, 2019

Will coffee bean protein get consumers buzzing?

Applied Food Sciences said the product is caffeine free and comes naturally loaded with phytonutrients such as antioxidants and fiber.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 31, 2019

Beyond Meat to triple pea protein sourcing in 2020 to avoid past bottlenecks

CEO Ethan Brown said the company has "dramatically" increased its protein supply and diversified its supplier base to keep up with exploding demand. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2019

Report: Awareness of water risks is rising in food and beverage, but more progress is needed

Sustainability nonprofit Ceres found 77% of 35 publicly traded food and beverage companies consider it to be a potential issue in financial filings, an increase from 59% two years ago.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 30, 2019

Bill labeling plant-based meat as 'imitation' proposed in Congress

The bipartisan Real MEAT Act seeks to avoid consumer confusion between products that come from cows and those that do not, supporters say.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 29, 2019