CPG Archive

Smucker Becomes the Poster Child for Packaged Food

Smucker stock has plunged to decade-lows after a bruising earnings miss and nearly $2B in impairment charges tied to its Hostess buy. With profits set to drop again, investors are questioning the company’s strategy.

Tariff Tactics: How Food Brands Are Battling Rising Costs

Food and beverage businesses have begun to feel the impact of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Some have absorbed the blow. Others were left staggering. When the U.S. raised steel and aluminum tariffs to …

Top 5 Healthiest Ice Creams

Once dismissed as an oxymoron, healthier ice cream is now a booming category. From high-protein formulas to cutting-edge fat replacers, brands are rethinking indulgence without sacrificing texture.

BMO 2025: Plant-Based Folds into Macro Environment

At the recent 2025 BMO Farm to Market Conference, consumer interest in personal wellness created plant-based tailwinds. Kroger, SunOpta, and Remedy Organics were among businesses weighing in on the future of the sector.

U.S. Brands in Canada: A Trade War is On, But the Market’s Not Closed

Despite escalating trade tensions and a growing Canadian consumer boycott of American products, U.S. brands still have opportunities in Canada, particularly in resilient categories like soft drinks. A poll by Leo & Dragon revealed that Millennials and Gen Z consumers remain open to purchasing American goods.

Forget Inflation and Tariffs. Summer is Party Time!

Despite economic uncertainty, consumers appear determined to celebrate this summer, adapting their spending by embracing private-label brands, and potlucks while seeking affordable luxuries like indulgent snacks. Shoppers seek indulgence with a focus on emotional value.

From H Mart to Mainstream: The Rise of Asian Food Brands

Asian food brands are redefining grocery shelves by blending bold cultural identities and playful textures, fueling a culinary movement. With sales skyrocketing and Gen Z embracing authenticity, these brands showcase powerful lessons in modern branding.

General Mills Sounds Short-, Long-Term Alarms

General Mills faces mounting challenges such as market volatility and cautious consumer behavior, as tariff pressures also begin to weigh on its performance. It begs the question: Can legacy brands reclaim their once-unshakable dominance?

CPG Brands Eye Success by Connecting Data Sets

Consumer price sensitivities, plus tariff uncertainty, have added up to tumult for CPG brands in 2025. “Whether it’s tariffs or the tightening of consumer wallets, CPG brands are trying to figure out how to get …

Power Players of the Aisle: CPG’s Fastest-Growing Brands Revealed

The Circana CPG Growth Leaders report revealed how top-performing brands like Constellation Brands and Celsius energy drinks leverage innovation, personalization, and exclusive partnerships to drive consumer loyalty. The research underscores the importance of authentic connections for sustained growth.

Hot is Hot: Spicy Beverage Flavors Taking Center Stage

The spicy flavor trend is setting the F&B world ablaze, with bold innovations such as hot honey sausage for pizzas and chili-infused ice cream captivating adventurous consumers. These days, the innovation even extends into drink aisles.

Policy Heats Up: Hot Foods Act Poised to Modernize SNAP

The bipartisan reintroduction of the Hot Foods Act aims to modernize SNAP policies by allowing participants to purchase hot, prepared meals. This legislative change, strongly backed by industry leaders, could open new avenues for the food sector to meet the evolving needs of over 42 million Americans.

3 Key Themes from the International Pizza Expo

The Las Vegas Convention Center became the epicenter of the pizza world this week, as it hosted the International Pizza Expo. The event highlighted the latest, greatest, and most innovative pizza ingredients.

Athletic Brewing, AB InBev Wage Battle of the Brews

A recent report from NCS Solutions shows that nearly 50% of Americans are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2025, with Gen Z leading the movement. Bill Shufelt, CEO of Athletic Brewing Company, highlighted the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic sector, driven by health-conscious trends, at the recent UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference.

A Fizzy Fiasco – PepsiCo Embroiled in Yet Another Legal Battle

The recent lawsuit in California alleging PepsiCo’s engagement in nefarious pricing practices is the latest in an ongoing movement in food and beverage to leverage the Robinson-Patman Act to strengthen small businesses’ economic autonomy. The act is also a fiercely debated issue in the U.S. government.

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Specialty Food Spotlight: Sampling Year Ahead With Winter Fancy Food Show

The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.

The Inside Scoop on the Ice Cream Market’s Growth

The global ice cream market is set to grow by $31.7 billion by 2029, driven by innovations in texture stabilization, functional ingredients, and adventurous flavor profiles. The latest innovations include low-sugar alternatives, in addition to boozy creations.

Exec Notes PepsiCo 2025 Gen Z Playbook

PepsiCo recently told The Food Institute that it’s doubling down on Gen Z’s blurred meal and snack habits by embracing bold flavors and immersive brand experiences. The corporation is paying particularly close attention to trends inspired by TikTok.

The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.

3 Key Takeaways From the 2024 Private Label Trade Show

The 2024 PLMA Trade Show showcased private label’s ascent, with U.S. store brand sales projected to surpass $250 billion this year. Trends like globally inspired dips and coffeehouse-style beverages at home captured consumer interest.