Barilla to Invest $170M in New York Facility Expansion
Barilla announced a $170 million expansion of its Livingston County, New York plant, adding new production, packaging lines and warehouse capacity. The first phase, slated for completion by March, will create 90 jobs, while a second phase will further increase output. This follows a $75 million investment in the same facility in 2007 and reflects Barilla’s strategy to meet growing U.S. demand. The move positions the pasta maker to strengthen its supply chain and lower carbon emissions.
IFF to Sell Food Ingredients Business for $4.3B
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) announced the sale of its food ingredients division to private‑equity firm CVC Capital Partners for $4.3 billion. IFF will keep a 10% equity stake, preserving a partnership while monetizing the asset. The unit, which posted $3.3 billion...
Leftovers: Hidden Valley Ranch Launches Dippable Snacks | Hot Pockets Leans Into Snacking
Clorox‑owned Hidden Valley Ranch entered the refrigerated snack aisle with Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers, a protein‑rich chicken strip snack delivering 15 g of protein per serving. The launch follows a 2024 ranch dressing market that generated $1.3 billion, underscoring the brand’s momentum....
How the Food and Beverage Industry Is Rethinking Manufacturing Investments
Food and beverage manufacturers are tightening capital spending after a 26 % year‑over‑year drop that left only 48 projects announced in May 2025, the lowest level in a decade. Early 2026, however, saw a rebound as companies respond to surging demand for...
The Co-Manufacturer’s Dilemma: How MattPak Learned to Say Yes to More Business
MattPak, an Illinois‑based contract manufacturer, partnered with Formic to automate its end‑of‑line palletizing using a pay‑as‑you‑go robotic system. The solution replaced a labor‑intensive, injury‑prone process, delivering 98% system uptime and eliminating the need for temporary palletizing staff. By avoiding a...
Independent Grocers Make up Nearly 40% of US Food Retail Sales, Report Says
Independent grocers now generate over $353 billion in sales, representing more than 38% of the U.S. food‑retail market. Their sales have risen 39% since 2020, driving a total economic impact of $557.5 billion—about 2% of U.S. GDP. The National Grocers Association reports...
Once Upon a Farm Soars as Parents Seek Healthier Kids’ Foods Despite Inflation
Once Upon a Farm, the children’s nutrition brand co‑founded by John Foraker and actress Jennifer Garner, reported a 44% year‑over‑year sales surge in Q1 despite inflationary pressures. The company raised its 2026 net‑sales outlook to $313‑$323 million, up from the prior...
Danone Exits Stake in Lifeway Foods
Danone announced it will divest its 22.7% stake in Lifeway Foods, selling the shares for $19.50 each. The price is markedly lower than the $27 per share Danone offered in a 2024 acquisition bid. Lifeway recently reported record quarterly sales...
Inside Utz’s Rise From Regional Potato Chip Brand to Salty Snack Juggernaut
Utz Brands, a 105‑year‑old snack maker, now posts $1.4 billion in annual sales, making it the largest pure‑play salty‑snacks company in the U.S. under new CEO Howard Friedman, the first non‑family leader. The firm has expanded beyond chips, operating seven factories...
PepsiCo’s Muscle Milk Flexes Rebrand in Crowded Protein Drink Space
PepsiCo is revamping its Muscle Milk protein drinks by cutting the ingredient list by about 50% and removing artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. The reformulation boosts protein to 26 grams in the regular line and up to 42 grams in the Pro...
Ingredion Makes $3.7B Offer to Buy Ingredients Rival Tate & Lyle
Ingredion has tabled a £2.7 billion (≈ $3.7 billion) offer to acquire UK‑based Tate & Lyle, proposing up to 615 pence per share – a 64% premium to the previous close. The bid must be formalised by June 11 under UK takeover rules, after several prior...
Why IFT FIRST Matters: Where Food Industry Decisions Meet Food Science
Food industry executives face cost pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and rapid innovation cycles, making decision confidence essential. IFT FIRST, organized by the Institute of Food Technologists, positions itself as a decision‑support environment where scientific rigor meets commercial reality. The event features...
C4 Energy Parent Hires Hershey Vet as COO
Andrew Archambault, a veteran of the consumer‑packaged‑goods sector, has been named president and chief operating officer of Nutrabolt, the owner of C4 Energy, Cellucor and Xtend. Archambault left his role as U.S. president at Hershey in April after a brief...
Post Holdings CEO to Step Down
Post Holdings announced that President and CEO Robert Vitale will step down on Oct 1, 2026, remaining as executive chairman. Nicolas Catoggio, the company’s COO and former head of Post Consumer Brands, will assume the CEO role. Vitale’s tenure saw revenue climb...
Protein Powder Shortage Threatens America’s Biggest Food Craze
The U.S. protein market is facing a severe whey powder shortage as demand for protein‑fortified foods surges. Prices for standard whey have risen more than 50% since January, with 80% concentrate topping $11 per pound and isolates holding firm in...