Deep Dive: Page 9

Industry insights from our journalists


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    Honest Tea
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    The Honest truth: How a tiny tea company is poised to become one of Coca-Cola's next $1B brands

    As more stores carried its products and sports drinks, lemonades and kids beverages were added to the lineup, revenue has soared from $38 million a decade ago to more than $500 million today.

    Christopher Doering • Oct. 22, 2018
  • How sustainable is the food packaging industry?

    More consumers are seeking products that are completely eco-friendly, but there are still many barriers on the design and manufacturing side.

    Lillianna Byington • Oct. 15, 2018
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    Back to the Roots
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    Better together: Why some food companies enter into partnerships

    In an industry that seems to be dominated by M&A, these agreements — often between companies that would otherwise be competitors — bring benefits to all involved.

    Megan Poinski • Oct. 15, 2018
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    Christopher Doering
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    Inside Peapod's delivery planning, where every second counts

    The grocery delivery company has amassed a trove of valuable data, but some analysts question whether it's effectively using that information to keep pace with competitors like Amazon and Instacart.

    Christopher Doering • Oct. 8, 2018
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    Adobe Stock
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    M&A helps food and grocery companies do everything better

    Adding trendy products? Reacting quickly to consumer feedback? Delivering groceries and ready-made meals to consumers' doors? Through acquisitions, some of the biggest industry players have added these capabilities.

    Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 4, 2018
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    Retrieved from Walmart on May 26, 2016
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    Why customer loyalty programs are more important than ever

    From rewards points to cash back and personalized coupons, grocers and analysts discuss the best ways to capture consumers and keep them coming back.

    Jessica Dumont • Sept. 26, 2018
  • Tyson Foods reduces worker injuries, illnesses with VR safety training

    Employee training in the food processing industry can be hard to get right — and employee health often rides on its effectiveness.

    Riia O'Donnell • Sept. 21, 2018
  • 5 ways grocers are elevating the store experience

    From store-grown produce to a renewed emphasis on service counters, retailers are focusing on innovation as well as time-honored strategies in an effort to keep their stores relevant.

    Jeff Wells • Sept. 17, 2018
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    Albertsons Company
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    Grocers step up their game with flagship locations

    From free popcorn to bars with a view, these next-generation stores are helping retailers differentiate themselves and test out new features in an increasingly competitive industry. 

    Jessica Dumont • Sept. 17, 2018
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    Soylent
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    We go GMO: A look at companies that tout their genetically modified products

    While some food companies are reformulating ahead of the new labeling law, others are doubling down on their use of biologically engineered ingredients — and proudly telling the world about it.

    Megan Poinski • Sept. 10, 2018
  • Spamalot: Consumers can't get enough of the mercilessly mocked meat

    The 81-year old Hormel Foods brand, ridiculed by Monty Python and tied to unwanted email, has remained popular amid shifts toward fresher foods — and record sales are forecast this year. 

    Christopher Doering • Sept. 5, 2018
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    Public domain pictures
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    Why an M&A storm is brewing in the coffee market

    As consumer demand for premium, on-the-go java skyrockets, Big Food companies such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola are expanding their presence in the space, spending more than $12 billion this year alone.

    Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 4, 2018
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    Royalty Free License, Used with Permission from Depositphotos
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    How brands learn from consolidation

    Major food and beverage companies share lessons from their experiences and successes with smaller brands they acquire. But these larger brands would be remiss to believe they have nothing left to learn from their acquisition targets.

    Carolyn Heneghan • Aug. 28, 2018
  • Is marijuana food's next functional ingredient?

    As Canada prepares to fully legalize cannabis and more U.S. states follow, many believe products made with cannabinoids could be a pot of gold — if the segment can survive its hurdles.

    Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 23, 2018
  • Feeding Fido: Food brands sniff out opportunities in the pet market

    These investments have been CPGs' best friend. Just ask Smucker, whose entire profit in the last quarter came from the acquisition of a trendy brand.

    Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 22, 2018
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    Retrieved from Coca-Cola on July 15, 2018
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    The price is right: Why food, drink brands spend big money for celebrity endorsers

    While stars have long pitched consumers to buy a product, shoppers now expect them to bring authenticity and believability along with their famous names.

    Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 16, 2018
  • Beef: It's still what's for dinner

    Where's the beef? For many Americans, it's right on their plates. Despite health concerns and environmental worries, people are hungry for red meat. 

    Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 6, 2018
  • Protein packing a punch as more foods tout the trendy nutrient

    While its roots may be in chicken, nuts and eggs, growing consumer demand has prompted manufacturers to add it to chips, bars, shakes, ice cream and even candy.

    Krishna Thakker • Aug. 6, 2018
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    Yujin Kim
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    Going around the grocery: How brands use e-commerce to sell direct-to-consumer

    As the model continues to expand, brands and grocers are searching for innovative methods to reach consumers through data, technology and content. 

    Krishna Thakker • July 30, 2018
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    Yujin Kim
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    Deep data: What it tells retailers about shoppers, preferences and selection

    Retailers are getting a lot of shopper information through e-commerce. So how can they use it effectively to build sales online and in their stores?

    Megan Poinski • July 30, 2018
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    Yujin Kim
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    How Big Food drives impulse buys online

    Whether it's via Instagram, a manufacturer's direct-to-consumer site or a click-and-collect grocery platform, legacy snack and candy brands are fighting to spark last-minute purchases.

    Emma Liem Beckett • July 30, 2018
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    Yujin Kim
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    David versus Amazon: Can independent grocers profit off e-commerce?

    While large competitors often win on price and convenience, experts say small retailers can’t afford to shy away from online shopping.

    Jeff Wells • July 30, 2018
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    Yujin Kim
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    Peeking inside the pod: A deep look inside Peapod's grocery delivery business

    As competition increases and more consumers purchase food online, the Chicago company increasingly depends on drivers like Ron Gordon to be the face of its business.

    Christopher Doering • July 30, 2018
  • With Supervalu acquisition, UNFI gets a company in transition

    The combination will create a new wholesaling entity offering a wide variety of products, but both companies have significant challenges to overcome in order to make the deal work.

    Jeff Wells • July 27, 2018
  • Are clean label foods healthy?

    At IFT18, panelists discussed the disconnect between consumer perception of the mega trend's benefits and the actual impact it has on nutrition and sustainability. 

    Emma Liem Beckett • July 23, 2018