McCormick’s pursuit of Unilever’s food division spotlights a bold bet that legacy packaged food brands still have room to grow, even as the sector faces deep skepticism. Unilever’s willingness to exit food entirely underscores a widening strategic divide over the future value of big brands.
So-called “insurgent brands,” like LesserEvil, Chomps, and Kodiak, fueled a quarter of 2025’s food industry growth, far outpacing legacy competitors. As consumers flock to clean label upstarts, major CPGs increasingly turn to acquisitions to keep pace.
According to a report released today, Americans are swapping drip coffee for canned caffeine, as rising bean prices push consumers toward energy drinks, diet sodas, and premium barista beverages. The shift signals both price sensitivity on everyday brews and a willingness to splurge on café indulgences.
RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Nik Modi breaks down what has — and hasn’t — changed in the food and beverage industry since mid-2025.
