Escalating trade war heightens risks for alcohol industry

Tariffs and retaliatory backlash not only limit the market for U.S. spirits producers abroad, but also present challenges to companies whose portfolios depend on imported brews.

By Chris Casey • March 19, 2025

Trump admin looks to allow meat processers to permanently run faster line speeds

Pork and poultry companies have pushed for plants to operate faster, with critics warning of potential food safety concerns and risks to workers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 19, 2025

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

RFK Jr wants to close a ‘loophole’ in food additive regulation

The Health and Human Services Secretary directed the FDA to consider eliminating a pathway that allowed companies to "self-affirm" whether their ingredients are safe for consumption.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 13, 2025

Food manufacturers seek tariff exemptions from White House for some imports

The Consumer Brands Association, which represents PepsiCo, Conagra and Mondelēz, said ingredients such as cocoa, coffee and certain spices aren’t produced in the U.S.

By Christopher Doering • 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

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

What 6 food and beverage companies are saying about tariffs

CEOs of General Mills, Tyson Foods and Coca-Cola are among companies warning of an impact to their bottom line, with some predicting price increases from a prolonged trade war.

By Sarah Zimmerman , Christopher Doering • March 11, 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

Trump pauses some Mexico and Canada tariffs for one month

The move delays duties on nearly all agricultural products traded between the three countries, though steel and aluminum tariffs are still set to go into effect March 12.

By Philip Neuffer , Sarah Zimmerman • March 7, 2025

USDA rolls out $1B strategy to lower egg prices, curb bird flu

The five-pronged plan, which includes vaccine research and temporary import options, comes after the agency was hit hard by sweeping government layoffs. 

By Peyton Bigora • March 5, 2025

Trump trade war heats up as tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China take effect

The countries said they would take retaliatory measures against the U.S., with China announcing duties on pork, soybean and beef imports.

By Philip Neuffer , Edwin Lopez , Max Garland • March 4, 2025

RFK Jr will test the limits of his authority in quest to reshape food supply

Serving the same anti-industry ideas activist organizations have trumpeted for decades has little chance to help "Make America Healthy Again," writes Sean McBride.

By Sean McBride • March 3, 2025

FDA delays crackdown on which foods can be labeled ‘healthy’

The rule would prevent many cereal and yogurt products from making nutrition claims and allow nuts, oils and certain seafood to bear the label for the first time.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 27, 2025

Threat of Trump’s tariffs force food and beverage giants to prepare

Mondelēz, Conagra and Diageo are among the CPG manufacturers positioning their businesses ahead of potential taxes on Mexico and Canada imports.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 24, 2025

Food industry pledges to work with RFK Jr following confirmation as health secretary

Under the banner of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, Kennedy has promised to take aim at over-processed foods.

By Emily Olsen , Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 13, 2025

More ‘shrinkflation’? How Trump tariffs could reverberate through the food industry

Companies sensitive to inflation-wary consumers are unlikely to immediately raise prices, experts say, but could respond by changing ingredients, packaging and portion sizes.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 12, 2025

Guinness owner Diageo says it could lose $200M in profits from tariffs

The company is warning investors of the potential impact — if tariffs take effect next month — on the spirits business’ bottom line.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 5, 2025

Mexican beer, Kentucky bourbon: Alcohol caught in the crosshairs of Trump tariff threats

A brewing North American trade war could raise prices of iconic brands like Modelo and Don Julio.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 4, 2025

Canada pauses tariffs on US food and alcohol after Trump delays trade action

Retaliatory tariffs would have targeted $155 billion worth of American goods including beef, pork, orange juice, coffee and spirits.

By Edwin Lopez • Updated Feb. 3, 2025

What CPGs should know about FDA’s proposed nutrition info box

Sources predict required front-of-pack labeling could mean giving up key real estate in costly redesigns — or, more optimistically, an opportunity for some brands to modernize packaging and rethink consumer messaging.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 16, 2025

FDA formally proposes front-of-pack nutrition labels

The move, meant to combat chronic diseases, could force food manufacturers to update their packaging in the coming years.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 15, 2025

Surgeon general’s advisory on alcohol’s cancer risk puts industry on defense

After a report detailing the health risks of imbibing, at least one analyst thinks the incoming Trump administration could heighten the scrutiny on the sector.

By Chris Casey • Jan. 13, 2025

USDA to strengthen oversight of meat plants after listeria recalls

The Food Safety and Inspection Service said it will prioritize in-depth food safety reviews at ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities, as well as other steps to protect public health.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 19, 2024

Albertsons sues Kroger over failed merger

Albertsons has terminated the merger agreement, alleging Kroger did not offer an adequate divestiture package and repeatedly ignored regulators’ concerns.

By Catherine Douglas Moran , Jeff Wells • Updated Dec. 11, 2024

Where is the food tech sector headed? Cocoa and coffee alternatives provide a clue

As alternatives to commodities gain traction, companies can create opportunities for investment in both alternative and incumbent solutions, the head of climate tech at J.P. Morgan writes.

By Kelly Belcher • Dec. 9, 2024