9 food and beverage experts identify the industry's biggest challenges in 2017

They vary widely, from differentiation in an oversaturated marketplace to adhering to consumers' constantly changing demands.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Jan. 4, 2017

Blue Bell may be ready for fewer food safety restrictions, but is now a good time?

The ice cream company has asked the FDA to stop doing things like destroying products at risk for listeria contamination, even if the bacteria isn't present.  

By Carolyn Heneghan • Jan. 3, 2017

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

Animal antibiotics sales on the rise, despite shifts in consumer sentiment

While the FDA did report an increase in sales of the drugs for food animals, it was the lowest in several years. 

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 23, 2016

Powdered milk at the center of nationwide food product recalls

Powdered milk has been the culprit ingredient in more than a dozen companies' product recalls since Dec. 7.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 23, 2016

How a children's beverage became a Medicaid-eligible dietary supplement

Sneakz, an organic beverage with high vegetable content, has been found to alleviate GI stress in elderly consumers. 

By Keith Loria • Dec. 23, 2016

Why more beef producers aren't using E. coli vaccines for cattle

Just as debate surrounds the use of vaccines for human health, many consumers and health experts take opposing views on using them in the food supply.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 23, 2016

Food stories that shaped 2016

From Coca-Cola to carrageenan, a month-by-month look at some of Food Dive's most read stories of the year.

By Megan Poinski , Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 22, 2016

USDA to boost organic production with cost share opportunities

This program will allow producers to get reimbursements for up to 75% of the cost of organic certification.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 22, 2016

Index fixing: Ag officials indefinitely suspend Georgia Dock

This follows months of debate over the industry's self-reported price index, which at times priced poultry 30% to 60% higher than others.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 22, 2016

How CRISPR is changing the food industry

Clear Labs CEO Sasan Amini summarizes how to prepare for widespread adoption of one of the fastest, most precise and impactful methods for genetic engineering.

By Sasan Amini • Dec. 21, 2016

FSIS 5-year strategic plan: Better inspections, more humane treatment of meat

Will food safety's importance to consumers, corporate costs and profitability shield the plan from changes in the Trump administration?

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 21, 2016

TerraVia stops supplying Soylent after being blamed for recall

An emerging ingredient like algal flour is an easy scapegoat, but untrue claims could hurt the reputation of many newer companies.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 21, 2016

Is 'milk' the food industry's new four-letter word?

Legislators claim that plant-based products "are unable to match the nutritional makeup of the product they mimic, yet they continue to be marketed as milk."

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 20, 2016

How a national food waste resource center can make a difference

The Rockefeller Foundation, USDA and EPA will host a comprehensive online hub to share information and solutions with the goal of halving food waste by 2030.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 19, 2016

How can manufacturers calm consumers' fear of GMOs?

An NPD Group study showed many are concerned about genetically modified food products, but only 11% know a federal law requiring them to be labeled passed in 2016.

By Keith Loria • Dec. 19, 2016

After EPA meeting, scientists still divided on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Some support the EPA's latest conclusion that it is "not likely to be carcinogenic," while others said they had "suggestive" evidence otherwise.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 19, 2016

How will consumers and manufacturers respond to Del Monte's GMO pink pineapple?

The new fruit variety, which is grown in Costa Rica, is still in the testing phase and not yet commercially available.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 19, 2016

Will major food regulations disappear under the new administration?

Initiatives promised by President-elect Trump on things ranging from immigration to retaining American jobs may take precedence over these proposed changes — which may not find widespread support.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 16, 2016

How food and beverage companies can steer clear of — or embrace — the political fray

Brands may also consider developing more nuanced crisis communication strategies to deal with potential conflicts that could arise with the new administration.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 16, 2016

Do the USDA's new rules protect or overregulate livestock and poultry producers?

Direct contracts formed between farmers and meat or poultry processors could now be considered discriminatory under the new rules, industry groups say. 

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 16, 2016

As US and Mexico battle over sugar, will manufacturers look to new substitutes?

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce disputes several claims that U.S. refiners are at risk, and contends that agreements are working as intended.

By Doug Harris • Dec. 15, 2016

What will the new Nutrition Facts panel say to consumers?

The mandated label is set to become more informative — or more confusing, depending on perspective.

By Doug Harris • Dec. 15, 2016

Trickle-down commodities: How lower prices do (and don't) impact food's bottom line

An oversupply of staples like corn, meat and dairy have affected farmers and producers in one way, but it hasn't transferred the same way to manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

By Keith Loria • Dec. 15, 2016

Can PepsiCo's Nooyi serve on a Trump council without compromising her beliefs?

This appointment is an accomplishment for a female minority CEO, but she may have to adjust her positions to engage with the president-elect.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 15, 2016

The biggest terrorism threat to the food industry: Disgruntled employees

While there are no threats to the food supply, the FBI gave guidance on what manufacturers can do to remain vigilant and prevent attacks.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 15, 2016