US Dealmaking Weathers Global M&A Slowdown
The first‑quarter 2026 Food & Beverage M&A Pulse shows the United States kept a steady pace with 81 transactions, while global deal volume slipped 14% to 208 deals. PMCF interprets the flat U.S. activity as an early inflection point that favors domestic buyers amid a worldwide slowdown. Companies are shifting from size‑driven buying to selective growth, targeting health‑focused, protein‑rich and ethnically inspired brands. At the same time, valuations have softened, prompting earnouts and rollovers to bridge price gaps.
Slideshow: Firing up the Grill for Summer Product Innovations
As summer grilling season kicks off, major food brands are rolling out limited‑time barbecue‑inspired products. Smithfield Foods launched a line of bratwursts, including a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer‑infused variety, jalapeño‑cheddar, and chipotle‑cheddar. Bush’s Beans introduced three novelty baked‑bean flavors—dill pickle,...
Adding Energy to the Foundation of Functional Foods
Functional‑food makers are intensifying efforts to add energy, with caffeine still dominant but complemented by protein and fiber blends. About 90% of U.S. adults consume caffeine, yet manufacturers are seeking cleaner, sustained‑energy sources such as guarana, green tea, and guayusa....
Prosur Develops Clean Label-Focused Ingredient Toolbox
Prosur unveiled the Get It Natural Toolbox, a suite of clean‑label ingredients designed to eliminate synthetic additives in food and beverage formulations. The portfolio offers chemical elimination, next‑level fermentation, a smarter sweetener system, and a cost‑efficient cocoa alternative with fiber‑driven...
Prodalim Acquires Food Technology Company Better Juice
Prodalim, a global food‑ingredients company, announced the acquisition of Israeli food‑technology firm Better Juice. Better Juice’s patented enzymatic process can reduce sugar in juice by up to 80% while retaining vitamins and enhancing fruit flavor, and the technology is also...
SK Capital Partners Takes Hold of Brothers International
SK Capital Partners has acquired Brothers International Food Holdings from Benford Capital, though financial terms were not disclosed. Founder Travis Betters will stay on as president and CEO while retaining a significant equity stake. The deal positions SK Capital to...
Monster Beverage Updates Innovation Strategy
Monster Beverage Corp. announced a staggered 2026 innovation calendar, rolling out new flavors, a wellness‑focused Storm energy drink, and its first female‑targeted brand FLRT to compete with Alani Nu. The company also introduced limited‑edition anniversary cans across its Juice Monster, Monster...
CPGs Need a New Playbook
Food and beverage CPGs are confronting a prolonged slump, with volume growth stuck under 1% annually and total shareholder return for the sector down about 7% versus a 9% rise in the S&P 500. McKinsey’s April report attributes the decline to...
Island Way Debuts Frozen Novelties
Island Way, the Massachusetts‑based fruit snack maker, announced two new frozen snack lines: Lemonade Bites and Chocolate‑Covered Fruit. Lemonade Bites combine real lemon pieces with flavored variations such as classic, strawberry, and watermelon, while the chocolate‑covered fruit offers mango, orange,...
New Approaches to Texture Innovation
Food and beverage makers can no longer treat texture as an afterthought, according to Ingredion research showing 79% of U.S. consumers tie overall satisfaction to mouthfeel. Texture now rivals flavor as a primary purchase driver, with 53% refusing to eat...
French Fry Startup Raises $10 Million Series A
Washington‑based Jesse & Ben’s announced a $10 million Series A round led by Greycroft, with participation from Rich Product Ventures and other investors. The funding will accelerate retail expansion, supply‑chain scaling, and senior‑team hiring as the brand rolls out new fry varieties. The...
Conagra Highlights Healthy Product Sales
Conagra Brands ranked ninth worldwide in the 2024 Access to Nutrition Initiative index, with 51% of its sales coming from products earning a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or higher. The company cut sodium in 80% of targeted items during...
Grupo Bimbo to Invest $1 Billion in US Operations
Grupo Bimbo announced a $1 billion investment in its U.S. operations over the next two years, focusing on maintenance, product innovation, affordability, nutrition enhancements, and regenerative‑agriculture partnerships. The funding supports a broader North American transformation aimed at sharpening operational efficiency and...
Getting the ‘Balanced Dairy’ Category Off the Ground
The Balanced Protein Consortium defines a balanced dairy product as one that replaces 30% of animal‑based ingredients with plant proteins. Early U.S. attempts, such as Live Real Farms’ milk blends and Shamrock Farms’ chocolate‑milk hybrid, faltered due to timing and...
Lily’s Toaster Grills Adds Frozen Quesadillas
Lily’s Toaster Grills is adding frozen quesadillas to its product line, offering two varieties: chicken‑and‑four‑cheese and a vegetarian four‑cheese version. The chicken option delivers 12 grams of protein per serving, while the cheese‑only version provides 9 grams. Both are marketed as ready‑to‑cook...
Losophē Launches RTD Mojito
Losophē, the ready‑to‑drink cocktail brand co‑founded by actress Aisha Tyler and spirits veteran James Kim, has introduced its second offering, The New Mojito. The RTD blends organic blanco rum, a rum‑based mint liqueur and lime, delivering 20% ABV in a...
Tropicana Adds Electrolytes
Tropicana Brands Group has introduced Tropicana Hydrate, a new juice‑based beverage fortified with electrolytes. The product is sold in 46‑ounce bottles and comes in fruit‑forward flavors such as strawberry watermelon and peach mango. By blending fruit juice with electrolyte technology,...
The Kraft Heinz Co. Launches Electrolyte-Infused Capri Sun
Kraft Heinz has introduced Capri Sun Hydrate, the first electrolyte‑infused drink designed specifically for children. The ready‑to‑drink beverage contains essential electrolytes and boasts 50% less sugar than leading sports nutrition drinks. It launches in three flavors—fruit punch, tropical punch and lemon‑lime—and...
Investment Fueling Continued Expansion for Smearcase
Smearcase, the New York‑based startup behind the high‑protein frozen dessert FroCo, announced an investment from Chicago venture firm Listen Ventures, though the amount was not disclosed. The funding will accelerate Smearcase’s natural‑channel strategy and help it reach roughly 1,000 retail...
Bitchin’ Sauce Continues Expansion Both in and Beyond Almonds
Bitchin’ Sauce, the almond‑based dip pioneer, announced a major expansion that adds cashew‑ and sunflower‑seed sauces to its portfolio and pushes the brand into ready‑to‑heat meals. The company secured a $30 million equity round to upgrade manufacturing capacity and broaden distribution,...
Esspo: A New Type of Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Esspo, founded by Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries and Katharine Leitch, has introduced a carbonated ready‑to‑drink coffee that blends espresso, tonic water and natural sweeteners. Each 12‑oz can delivers 120 mg of caffeine—about one and a half cups of coffee—plus L‑theanine to smooth the buzz,...
Softer Club Channel Sales Hinder The Marzetti Co.
The Marzetti Co. reported third‑quarter net income of $37.06 million, a 10% decline year‑over‑year, while net sales slipped 1% to $453.37 million. Retail segment sales fell 3.3% but operating income rose 3.4%, driven by strong performance of frozen bread brands New York...
Mondelez CEO Highlights Innovation Agenda
Mondelez International’s CEO Dirk Van de Put said innovation is central to its FY2026 growth agenda, unveiling a slate of new products such as Ritz Drizzled Minis, Perfect Snacks protein bars, Cadbury Biscoff Egg, limited‑edition Toblerone variants and Sour Patch...
Slideshow: Peanuts Packing a Punch
Food industry headlines this week spotlight major strategic moves and shifting consumer trends. IFF announced the sale of its Food Ingredients unit for $4.3 billion, underscoring consolidation in the flavor and ingredient space. At the same time, private‑label products are shedding...
Armra Introduces Colostrum Soda
Armra has launched a colostrum‑infused soda, positioning it as a functional beverage that offers immune‑support benefits. The product uses dairy‑derived colostrum, a bioactive ingredient rich in antibodies and growth factors, and is formulated to be shelf‑stable for broad distribution. Initial...
Soules Kitchen Launches New Product Lines
Soules Kitchen announced two new refrigerated product lines—Protein with Sauce Meal entrees and Street Eats—targeting families seeking convenient, high‑protein dinners. Each entree delivers 18‑24 grams of protein and features chef‑inspired sauces such as garlic‑herb and orange sesame. The products are initially...
Solving Bar Texture, Flavor & Stability Challenges with PROtelyze™ for Bar
PROtelyze™ for Bar, a proprietary protein‑enhancement platform, is being rolled out to address long‑standing texture, flavor and shelf‑stability issues in protein‑rich snack bars. The technology uses a patented enzymatic treatment that improves moisture retention and reduces grainy mouthfeel without adding...
Scoular Names President as Part of Succession Planning
Scoular, the privately held agribusiness with roughly $10 billion in annual revenue, announced the appointment of Jeffery K. as its new president, effective July 1. The promotion follows a structured succession plan that will see former president Mark Miller transition to chief...
Sugar Factory Launches Retail Line
Sugar Factory, the New York‑based confectionery brand known for its over‑the‑top candy and dessert concepts, announced the launch of a consumer‑focused retail line. The new assortment includes packaged gummies, chocolate‑coated nuts, and limited‑edition flavor collaborations, designed for grocery aisles and...
The Magnum Ice Cream Co. Adds Candy Bar-Inspired Desserts
Magnum Ice Cream Co. is rolling out two new candy‑bar‑inspired ice cream bars in partnership with The Hershey Company. The line features a Reese’s‑style bar made with peanut‑butter ice cream, real Reese’s peanut butter and crunchy peanut pieces, and an...
A New Appetite for Dairy
Dairy is entering a premium‑focused era where consumers seek indulgent, functional, and authentic experiences. Brands are upgrading textures, layering flavors, and adding global inspirations to ice cream, cheese, and beverages. At the same time, health‑driven demands for protein, satiety, and...
Slideshow: Serving up Sandwich Innovation
Industry leaders announced a series of strategic moves that could reshape the U.S. food landscape. McCormick disclosed plans to acquire Unilever’s Foods business, expanding its spice and seasoning portfolio. Mars revealed a 600‑job hiring surge in Chicago, bolstering its manufacturing...
Flowers Foods Chief Supply Chain Officer Retiring
Tom Winters, Flowers Foods’ chief supply chain officer, will retire on April 17 after four years in the role and a total of nearly 40 years in consumer packaged goods. During his tenure, he drove efficiency initiatives that improved operational stability...
Uncertainty Still Surrounds the GLP-1 Consumer
The food‑industry outlook remains hazy as GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs continue to alter consumer eating habits. Appetite‑suppressing medications are driving demand for lower‑calorie, high‑protein products, prompting manufacturers to rethink portfolios. Companies such as McCormick, Mars, and Chobani are responding with strategic...
Shake to Elevate Launches ‘Guilt Free’ Seasoning Line
Shake to Elevate, a health‑focused beverage brand, has introduced a new line of "guilt‑free" seasonings aimed at consumers seeking clean‑label flavor solutions. The range features zero added sugar, reduced sodium, and plant‑based protein blends, packaged in recyclable containers. Launch partners...
Good Girl Snacks Gaining Momentum
The "Good Girl Snacks" segment is accelerating as health‑focused consumers gravitate toward low‑sugar, protein‑rich options. Emerging data shows GLP‑1 medications are reshaping appetite patterns, further driving demand for portion‑controlled snacks. Industry leaders such as McCormick, Mars, and Chobani are making...
Webinar Will Highlight Startups Innovating in Fast-Changing Environments
A series of food‑industry announcements this week highlights both strategic talent moves and major consolidation. Webinars will examine how startups can thrive amid volatility and the growing impact of GLP‑1 drugs on consumer tastes. McCormick is in advanced talks to...
Laoban Raises $7.2 Million
Laoban, a startup that automates restaurant operations with artificial intelligence, announced a $7.2 million Series A round. The financing was led by XYZ Ventures with participation from ABC Capital and several strategic angels. The capital will accelerate product development, bolster data‑science talent,...
Co-Founders Launch the ‘Next Iteration’ of Toto Foods
Toto Foods’ co‑founders unveiled the company’s next iteration, a plant‑based, low‑sugar snack line built on an AI‑driven flavor platform. The launch is backed by a $20 million Series B round led by GV and includes a nationwide distribution deal with Target. The...
Khloud Debuts Protein Chips
Khloud, a health‑focused snack startup, launched its first protein‑rich chip line, positioning the product as a high‑protein, low‑carb alternative to traditional potato chips. Each serving delivers roughly 15 grams of protein, sourced from pea and soy isolates, and is marketed...
Wayne-Sanderson Farms Elevates Two to Executive Posts
Wayne‑Sanderson Farms announced the elevation of two senior leaders to executive positions, strengthening its management team amid a competitive poultry market. The promotions place a seasoned operations veteran as chief operating officer and a finance specialist as chief financial officer....
Market Feels Volatile, but Food Price Index Trending Lower
The latest Food Price Index posted a modest decline, easing pressure on an otherwise volatile market. The index fell about 1.2% year‑over‑year, reflecting softer commodity costs. Meanwhile, industry giants are reshaping the landscape: McCormick is in talks to acquire Unilever’s...
Egg Market Gives Cal-Maine ‘Real-Time Test’
Cal‑Maine Foods, the United States’ largest egg producer, is facing a real‑time market test as egg prices spike and supply chains tighten. The company reported a 15% price increase in its core egg portfolio, driven by rising feed costs and...
New Nielsen Program Delivers Data Sooner
Nielsen has launched a new data‑delivery program that shortens the reporting cycle for consumer‑goods metrics, delivering insights up to 50% faster than its legacy system. The accelerated timeline gives food manufacturers and retailers near‑real‑time visibility into sales, pricing and shopper...
Hertzog Meat Opens New Processing Plant
Family‑owned Hertzog Meat Co. opened Hertzog South, a new processing and retail facility in Butler, Missouri, creating 22 jobs. The plant expands protein processing capacity for beef, pork and chicken and adds sliced, marinated and ready‑to‑cook product lines. The multi‑million‑dollar...
What’s Driving the Global Dairy Boom?
The global dairy market hit a record‑high in 2025 as milk production surged across every major region, driven largely by unprecedented growth in the United States. U.S. herd size swelled to roughly 9.6 million cows, supporting a 2 % annual increase in...
Sourdough Bread Benefits May Come From Specific Fiber
Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Brussel discovered that the acidic environment of sourdough activates wheat enzymes, breaking down arabinoxylan fibers. The conversion turns water‑extractable arabinoxylans into water‑unextractable forms, altering dough texture and digestibility. Specific bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis and Limosilactobacillus...
Contour Ridge Investment Scaling Just Date
Just Date, a maker of organic date‑sweetened products, has secured an undisclosed investment from private‑equity firm Contour Ridge to accelerate its growth. The partnership will fund expanded retail distribution, new product launches, and a major food‑service rollout, including placements at...
CK Snacks Acquires Keystone Food Products
CK Snacks, the private‑label snack arm of Cheeze Kurls LLC, announced the acquisition of Keystone Food Products, a Pennsylvania‑based manufacturer of tortilla chips, corn chips and other snack varieties. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, will keep Keystone’s...
Chobani Doubling Down on La Colombe’s Growth
Chobani is committing $567 million to expand La Colombe’s Norton Shores, Michigan plant, adding more than 200,000 square feet of production capacity. The move follows its 2023 $900 million acquisition of the specialty coffee brand and reflects a broader rollout that includes a $500 million upgrade of...