Surfside rides wave of success with spirits-forward cocktails: ‘We want to be the White Claw of this category’

The brand's vodka infused iced teas have become a top seller in the U.S. by spurning malt liquor and focusing on a niche category within the crowded canned cocktail sector.

By Chris Casey • March 13, 2025

Trump threatens 200% tariffs on European wine and spirits

The president vowed to implement the new duties if the European Union doesn’t walk back its retaliatory actions against U.S. whiskey.

By Philip Neuffer • March 13, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Mergers and acquisitions

Declining sales and slowing consumption have more companies divesting brands, opening the door for smaller players and private equity firms to expand their portfolios.  

By Food Dive staff

EU retaliates against US steel, aluminum tariffs

The European Commission announced the reinstatement of 2018-era tariffs on bourbon, orange juice and peanut butter, adding that additional taxes on food products could be coming in mid-April.

By Max Garland • March 12, 2025

Monster Beverage founder to step down as co-CEO

Hilton Schlosberg will continue leading the energy drink maker following the departure of Rodney Sacks.

By Chris Casey • March 11, 2025

What Coca-Cola has learned on its generative AI journey so far

Pratik Thakar, head of generative AI for The Coca-Cola Company, explains how the beverage giant is applying the tech throughout its organization.

By Chris Kelly • March 11, 2025

Anheuser-Busch invests $4.2M to upgrade Virginia brewery

The Busch Light maker emphasized its focus on domestic beer production as rivals fear tariff-related impacts to imports.

By Chris Casey • March 10, 2025

Jack Daniel’s owner says Canada pulling alcohol from stores ‘worse than a tariff’

The CEO of Brown-Forman said he's worried the move by retailers, a retaliatory measure against Trump's trade policies, could spread to Europe where its impact would be more severe.

By Chris Casey • March 7, 2025

To make healthy food taste good, texture is key

Ingredion says the attribute, a growing part of its business, can impact how quickly people eat, their fullness and perception of the food’s nutritional value.

By Christopher Doering • March 6, 2025

The Weekly Sip: Monster’s bet on alcohol stumbles | Sparkling Ice maker pops into prebiotic soda

In other beverage news, seltzer brand Waterloo debuts new fruity flavors to welcome the start of spring.

By Chris Casey • March 6, 2025

Food and beverage giants prioritizing small-scale M&A for a foothold in trendy areas

Kraft Heinz, Hershey and Molson Coors are among the firms looking for deals to boost sales and get them more exposure in fast-growing categories.

By Christopher Doering • March 5, 2025

Diageo launches Baileys cream liqueur with oat milk

As dairy-free creamer options continue to grow, the brand is giving Irish coffee fans a alternative to its flagship drink.

By Chris Casey • March 5, 2025

Kraft Heinz’s Crystal Light enters alcohol space for the first time

The new RTD cocktails differentiate themselves from other beverages in the category through fewer calories and a lower alcohol-by-volume content.

By Christopher Doering • March 4, 2025

Celsius names PepsiCo executive to newly created COO role

Eric Hanson, who has nearly three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, will be responsible for accelerating the energy drink giant’s growth and expansion efforts.

By Christopher Doering • March 3, 2025

Beyond artificial: Creating a brighter future for beverages with natural colors

Discover the secret to beverage colors that delight, naturally.

March 3, 2025

‘Mega brands’ Michelob Ultra, Busch Light boost AB InBev amid economic uncertainty

The beverage giant, facing a stagnating domestic beer market, said the two brews are helping it weather a volatile environment.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 28, 2025

Coca-Cola Fairlife supplier cuts ties with 2 Arizona farms over animal cruelty allegations

A lawsuit, which also claims the brand polluted nearby waterways, is the latest challenge for the milk offering that has become a $1 billion-plus brand.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 28, 2025

The Weekly Sip: Sanpellegrino pours juice-infused seltzer | Founders Brewing launches high-alcohol RTD cocktails

In other beverage news, cannabis producer 1906 is targeting Gen Z consumers turning away from alcohol with its THC-infused additive.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 27, 2025

Why food makers aren’t afraid of GLP-1 drugs

Companies such as PepsiCo and Mondelēz haven’t seen an impact on business, while Healthy Choice maker Conagra sees the medications as a boon for some of its products.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 27, 2025

Spindrift splashes into soda to capitalize on the better-for-you craze

The seltzer maker aims to stand out in the trendy category with fresh juice-infused drinks, eschewing the gut-health approach of rivals.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 26, 2025

Beverage giants chart next frontier in ready-to-drink canned cocktails

Brands including White Claw and Truly are leaning into premium spirits or cutting booze altogether as consumers clamor for nonalcoholic options.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 25, 2025

Unilever abruptly ousts CEO to accelerate turnaround at the Ben & Jerry’s parent

Hein Schumacher is stepping down on March 1 after less than two years in the role. He will be replaced by CFO and 37-year company veteran Fernando Fernandez.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 25, 2025

Constellation invests in functional nonalcoholic cocktail brand Hiyo

The brand, which contains ingredients like ashwagandha, has gained traction in the growing alcohol-free category as consumers push for more better-for-you options.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 21, 2025

Celsius buys energy drink rival Alani Nu for $1.8B

The purchase allows Celsius to add a fast-growing beverage popular with young women while better positioning it to compete against rivals Red Bull and Monster.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 20, 2025

The Weekly Sip: Plant-based milk brands shake up category

In other beverage news, sparkling water brand Aura Bora is setting its sights on growth with its acquisition by an investment fund.

By Food Dive staff • Feb. 20, 2025

Heineken, Molson Coors tout premium and nonalcoholic brews as beer struggles

Traditional giants are prioritizing pricier craft brands to secure growth in the flailing category.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 19, 2025