AI-curated news for your industry

Food formula research and development often falls into rework due to key information being discovered too late. By integrating enterprise data and constraints, AI helps scientists screen better solutions before experiments, elevating AI from a tool to a true collaborative R&D partner.

This issue's 'Leftovers' column reviews three new products: Chips Ahoy! launches an online guessing game with a 'mystery cookie' and a substantial cash prize; Sam Adams releases a non-alcoholic version of Octoberfest beer ahead of autumn; Chef Boyardee enters the high-protein canned pasta segment with recipes containing at least 25 grams of protein per can.

Facing increasingly crowded competition in the functional beverage sector, six major beverage giants, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, intensively launched new products or improved formulations containing electrolytes, natural caffeine, collagen, or extra vitamins in the first half of 2026, attempting to find gaps in the segmented market.

A joint report by the National Confectioners Association and RTI International shows that from 2024 to 2025, food sales using natural pigments grew by 24.4%, while products with artificial dyes only grew by 0.1%. In the candy and beverage categories, sales of natural pigment products increased by nearly 20% and 12%, respectively, whereas artificial dye products grew by only 0.2%. Although synthetic dyes still hold a larger market share, consumer acceptance is slowly improving.

Jelly Belly's owner Ferrara is repositioning the brand as a premium candy by launching curated collections and optimizing packaging and advertising campaigns to attract consumers to purchase in more occasions beyond Easter. Early data shows a significant increase in brand loyalty.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday that it will reopen imports of Mexican cattle in phases starting August 24 at three southern border trade ports. This follows a ban imposed in November 2024 lasting over a year, after cases of the deadly New World screwworm were detected. The move aims to ease tight beef supply and high prices in the US. The Trump administration has prioritized lowering beef prices and has launched antitrust investigations into major producers.

Hormel Foods announced an internal promotion: current President John Gingo will become CEO on October 26, succeeding interim CEO Jeffrey Ettinger. Gingo previously led its organic meat brand Applegate for four years and accumulated 16 years of industry experience at Mondelez International. The company has achieved organic sales growth for six consecutive quarters.

Brown-Forman rejected Sazerac's acquisition offer on Sunday, calling it not actionable. The offer was considered 'unsolicited,' following reports that the company had declined an initial $15 billion offer in May. Negotiations between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard have also ended. Controlling shareholder Wolf Pen Branch stated that the offer does not align with its vision for the company.

Nestlé announced the sale of half of its water business to Platinum Equity for $3.4 billion, forming joint venture Peranel. Peranel will encompass more than 30 brands including S.Pellegrino, Perrier, and Essentia, with headquarters in Paris, and the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. This move is the latest step by Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil to streamline its portfolio.

McCormick announced on Thursday that, upon completion of the merger with Unilever's food business, it will reorganize into four commercial divisions, revealed its executive team composition, and plans a secondary listing in London.