Technology
Processing, automation, artificial intelligence and production systems.
General Mills launches Trix, Lucky Charms cereals with natural colors
The Cotton Candy and “Moana” varieties will debut this summer, the same time the food giant expects to remove synthetic dyes across its cereals.
AI is raising the stakes in functional ingredient formulation
The technology is fundamentally reshaping food science while also allowing consumers to test brands’ health claims in real time, said Nora Khaldi, founder and CEO of Nuritas.
Leftovers: Kraft Natural Cheese packs the protein | Butterfinger brunches with French toast
The Lactalis-owned brand is the latest to jump into the protein craze, while Heineken expands nonalcoholic innovation.
Leftovers: Frank’s RedHot scores in sauce | Peeps unleash ‘swicy’ Easter lineup
The McCormick owned brand is introducing new dips and sauces ahead of the Super Bowl, while Absolut and Tabasco partner on a spicy vodka.
The food and beverage outlook for 2026
The most successful CPG brands are redefining what it means to provide value to win back consumers.
How Boston Beer is building Sun Cruiser hard iced teas into its next ‘iconic brand’
The Sam Adams brewer has tripled distribution of the canned cocktail line, which has quickly become a top-selling RTD spirit.
Leftovers: Cheez-It goes gluten-free | Sanpellegrino sips on limoncello
The Mars-owned brand called the launch one of its “most highly requested innovations,” while Twisted Tea packs a punch with an expanded high-alcohol lineup.
Hershey gives Shaq-A-Licious some game with multi-textured gummy
New gummy balls coated in crunchy candies encourage consumers to play with their food while mixing and matching flavors.
AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants
The Bud Light maker sold a minority stake in the business to investors in 2020.
Campbell’s exec out after allegedly saying brand’s food is for ‘poor people’
Former employee Robert Garza claims he was fired for wanting to report the executive’s comments to human resources.
Food Lion and The Giant Company embrace Instacart’s FoodStorm tech
The Ahold Delhaize banners are using the order-management platform to help shoppers purchase made-to-order items like bakery platters, flowers and deli trays.
Spindrift discontinues alcohol offering amid decline in hard seltzers
The beverage maker will end production of its Spiked line after four years, noting it took “substantial resources and time.”.
Amazon’s same-day push is already disrupting grocers
The company’s pursuit of faster delivery is boosting sales in key pantry and general merchandise categories, according to one expert. Can it overcome the “trust chasm” in fresh?
SpartanNash hires CIO, information security chief as it preps for merger
The grocery company has also combined its finance, IT and strategy groups ahead of its planned acquisition by C&S Wholesale Grocers.
Ahold Delhaize credits omnichannel for strong financial results
The company told investors it achieved e-commerce profitability on a fully allocated basis during the first half of 2025.
Dole sells fresh vegetable division to private equity firm for $140M
A previous attempt to sell the business to Fresh Express was nixed by the DOJ over concerns the deal would have reduced competition and led to higher prices.
