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A working paper jointly released by Stanford University, MIT, and the University of Chicago shows that SNAP restrictions on sugary drink purchases reduced soda purchases by 12% in the first half of 2026, equivalent to a per capita reduction of about 34 cans of 12-ounce sugary drinks per year. The study found no evidence that SNAP beneficiaries switched to using their own funds to purchase sugary drinks, but in states that restricted only soda without limiting juice or energy drinks, consumers shifted up to 39% of their consumption to other sugary beverages. The research provides policymakers with new evidence on the effectiveness of SNAP restrictions.
Suntory Global Spirits announced on August 25 that Manuel Cabañas will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer starting September 4, leading the entire global supply chain organization, including manufacturing, distribution, quality, procurement, and operations. Cabañas joined the company in 2000 and previously served as Vice President of Global Manufacturing. His predecessor, Alex Alvarez, will transition to the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer at Constellation Brands' beer division.
Keurig Dr Pepper will sell its minority stake in Chobani for $800 million and a manufacturing plant for $125 million, totaling $925 million. The company plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt, supporting a business split early next year. The two parties will expand their distribution partnership, with the transaction expected to close in the third quarter.
Sauces are no longer just the "finishing touch" to a meal; their growing popularity has made them one of the strongest vehicles for flavor innovation in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) and foodservice sectors. Data shows that sauce consumption is rising at a +33% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), while about three-quarters of Gen Z actively seek out unique flavors or exotic cuisines. Based on insights from Stéphane Brunel, Global Category Manager for Sauces at Kalsec, this article analyzes how sauces serve as a low-risk innovation platform, current flavor trends (such as complex heat like "spicy + sweet"), and the formulation challenges posed by natural ingredients, while exploring how brands can achieve long-term growth through consistent execution.
The U.S. food industry is facing renewed turmoil over "zero sugar" labeling. After the FDA supported counting allulose as sugar in the Chobani case, brands like Liquid Death and David protein bars have successively faced class actions, accusing their zero-sugar claims of misleading consumers.
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's announced on Wednesday the addition of three independent directors, aiming to restructure its governance and reinforce its social mission. The new directors bring experience in environmental justice, civil rights, and economic equity, and the appointments come amid ongoing governance disputes with parent company Unilever and the spun-off Magnum ice cream company.
The 'cult-like' fervor for craft beer, heavy flavors, and the hazy IPA trend have clearly receded, and the industry is entering a 'new normal': consolidating core foundational products while retaining signature bold flavors. In 2025, craft beer output declined by 4%, with 60% of breweries experiencing negative growth. Younger consumers are leaning toward RTD cocktails or feeling confused by complex flavors. Breweries are returning to classic styles, expanding into emerging categories such as non-alcoholic beer and THC beverages, while simultaneously strengthening the value of 'experience.'
Trump said on social media that he would authorize the drafting of legal documents to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own food, breaking the monopoly of four major meat processors. In beef processing, JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef control 85% of the market share. The White House has made lowering beef prices a priority before the fall election. Agricultural groups quickly condemned the plan, warning it could weaken global confidence in the safety of U.S. meat supplies.
This edition of 'Leftovers' focuses on three new products: Pringles Dippers thicker chips, Pop-Tarts and BuzzBallz collaborative alcoholic drinks, and Dr. Bombay's Snoopsicles sorbet popsicles.
On August 25, Constellation Brands announced that Alex Alvarez will assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of the beer division starting September 14, succeeding the retiring John Kester. Alvarez brings over 30 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, having previously held a similar position at Suntory Global Spirits.