February 28, 2025

Please see below for a listing of what the North Point Food & Beverage Team has been tracking this week. We hope that you find the content insightful and a nice way to summarize the most noteworthy Food & Beverage events of the week.

Have a nice weekend!

Glen Clarke

Head of Food & Beverage

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Ben & Jerry's founders explore buying back ice cream brand from Unilever - report.

• The founders of Ben & Jerry's, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, are exploring the possibility of buying back their ice cream brand from Unilever, according to a newswire report. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Glanbia to exit SlimFast, Body & Fit to optimize company portfolio.

• We continue to evolve and optimise our portfolio, which included the acquisition of Flavor Producers in April and the decision to exit the Body & Fit business and the SlimFast brand.

Source: Mergermarket

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Hoff's Bakery acquired by Martin Braun-Gruppe.

• Hannover, February 2025 – Martin Braun-Gruppe, which consolidates the food activities of Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen KG, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Hoff's Bakery, based near Boston, Massachusetts. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Frostkrone is coming to market with Baird advising – sources.

• Emeram-backed Frostkrone, a German producer of frozen finger food, is coming to market with Baird as sellside advisor, two sources familiar with the process said. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Wynnchurch Capital to launch Stampede Culinary Partners sale process imminently – sources.

• Wynnchurch Capital is set to launch its sale process for portfolio company Stampede Culinary Partners, according to three sources familiar with the situation. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Randall Foods to explore sale this year, sources say.

• Randall Foods, the Vernon, California-based provider of fresh poultry and meat products, is gearing up to explore a sale this year, four sources familiar with the situation said. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Blue Monkey Beverages secures investment from Boyne Capital.

• Boyne Capital is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has invested in Blue Monkey Beverages. This strategic partnership marks an exciting step forward in Blue Monkey's growth journey, leveraging Boyne Capital's extensive resources and experience in scaling consumer-focused businesses. 

Source: Mergermarket

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Clearwater Seafoods to sell its Canadian lobster business.

• Clearwater Seafoods, a Canadian seafood group, plans to sell its Canadian lobster business, Intrafish reported. 

Source: Mergermarket

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ATV Farms acquires root vegetable supplier.

• ATV Farms, an Ontario-based leader in agriculture for more than 20 years, has become Canada’s biggest grower/packer/distributor of root vegetables after acquiring Sunfresh Farms Ltd. 

Source: Produce Bluebook

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Rabobank: Pork producers stay cautious of herd expansion.

• Rabobank’s Q1 2025 Global Pork Report highlights that pork producers remain cautious about herd expansion, despite lower feed costs and improved productivity, due to policy uncertainties and global trade risks.
• Disease outbreaks, including African swine fever (ASF) in Asia and Europe, porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRSv) worldwide, and a recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in Germany, pose major challenges to pork supply chains.
• Regional pork markets vary, with strong hog prices in North America due to tight supply and high demand, while China’s hog prices are expected to drop in 2025 as production rises but demand remains stagnant.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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Hot dog and sausage report: Finding more flavors.

• Sausage sales are growing, with dinner sausage reaching $5.66 billion (+2.9% YoY) and breakfast sausage hitting $2.39 billion (+2.9% YoY), driven by younger consumers seeking bold flavors like chorizo and spicy varieties.
• Retailers are expanding their sausage selections, introducing handcrafted, small-batch sausages with local ingredients and partnering with craft breweries to create beer-infused bratwursts.
• Health-conscious and convenience trends are shaping the market, with blended sausages (meat + vegetables), poultry-based options, and snack-sized sausages gaining traction, while plant-based alternatives continue to decline in sales.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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Why food makers aren’t afraid of GLP-1 drugs.

• Food companies like Conagra, Nestlé, and Danone are targeting GLP-1 users with high-protein, portion-controlled, and nutrient-dense products, including Healthy Choice meals and Progresso soups.
• While some studies show a 6% drop in grocery spending among GLP-1 users, snack companies like PepsiCo and Mondelēz report minimal impact, with Mondelēz focusing on smaller portion sizes rather than reformulation.
• Nestlé launched Vital Pursuit, a brand tailored for GLP-1 users, while Conagra is testing “GLP-1 friendly” labels on select products, signaling a shift in how food brands market to weight-conscious consumers.

Source: Food Dive

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FDA delays crackdown on which foods can be labeled ‘healthy’.

• FDA delayed its new "healthy" food labeling rule from Feb. 25 to April 28, 2025, as part of a broader freeze on Biden-era regulations under the Trump administration.
• The rule restricts the use of "healthy" labels on products high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars while allowing nuts, oils, and seafood to qualify for the first time.
• Reformulating products to meet new standards is estimated to cost food companies $403 million over 20 years, but the delay suggests the administration may reopen the rule for revisions, particularly regarding vegetable and seed oils.

Source: Food Dive

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Threat of Trump’s tariffs force food and beverage giants to prepare.

• Food and beverage companies like Mondelēz, Conagra, and Diageo are preparing for potential 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which could increase costs and impact supply chains.
• Companies are considering strategies such as raising prices, increasing marketing efforts, adjusting ingredient sourcing, and shifting packaging materials to mitigate the financial impact.
• Analysts suggest that while tariffs may not be a major headwind, they could lead to higher consumer prices, with many shoppers expected to change purchasing habits in response.

Source: Food Dive

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Consumer confusion holds back sales of natural and organic products, research finds.

• A majority of consumers prioritize natural and organic products, but 40% mistakenly believe the terms mean the same thing, leading to confusion and reduced purchases.
• While 75% of surveyed shoppers bought at least one natural or organic product in the past six months, high prices remain a barrier, with over 70% citing affordability concerns.
• The lack of clear definitions and consumer understanding highlights a need for better labeling and education to bridge the gap between interest in healthier options and actual purchasing behavior.

Source: Food Dive

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Beverage giants chart next frontier in ready-to-drink canned cocktails.

• The ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail market is rapidly evolving, with major brands like White Claw, Truly, and Molson Coors expanding into premium spirits and nonalcoholic options to keep up with changing consumer preferences.
• Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are drinking less alcohol, driving beverage companies to introduce nonalcoholic cocktails and hybrid drinks that blend energy, hydration, and functional ingredients.
• Experts predict continued innovation in the category, with a growing focus on diverse spirit bases, non-sparkling options, and complex flavor profiles to cater to shifting social drinking trends.

Source: Food Dive

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General Mills says AI has generated millions of dollars in savings.

• General Mills has leveraged AI to optimize its supply chain, reducing transportation costs and improving logistics planning, leading to over $20 million in savings since 2024.
• The company’s AI-driven real-time performance data is expected to generate over $50 million in waste reduction this year, highlighting its commitment to digital transformation under its Accelerate strategy.
• Despite skepticism surrounding AI’s return on investment, companies across industries, including Mattel and JPMorgan Chase, continue investing in AI to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and drive revenue growth.

Source: Food Dive

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McCormick focuses on long-term growth in flavor profiles.

• McCormick & Co. continues prioritizing innovation, with new products driving one-third of its long-term growth, and net sales contributions from innovation doubling since 2022.
• The company is accelerating flavor development and product launches, leveraging technology and e-commerce for real-time consumer feedback while introducing trendy flavors like French’s Creamy Dill Pickle mustard.
• Packaging renovations, including a modern gold cap for the Gourmet line, are aimed at boosting consumer appeal and purchase velocity, aligning with younger consumers' preferences for premium, countertop-worthy designs.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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Tyson Foods confirms two executive promotions.

• Tyson Foods has promoted Devin Cole to group president of poultry, succeeding Wes Morris, who will retire in early 2026 while assisting with the transition throughout 2025.
• Brady Stewart, already overseeing beef, pork, and supply chain operations, will now also lead Tyson’s prepared foods segment, further expanding his responsibilities.
• CEO Donnie King emphasized that these leadership changes aim to drive operational excellence, innovation, and talent development, positioning Tyson Foods for sustained, profitable growth.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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Impossible Foods hires Chobani veteran to juice plant-based demand.

• Impossible Foods has hired former Chobani and Kraft Heinz NotCo executive Meredith Madden as chief demand officer to oversee sales, marketing, and product strategy amid declining interest in plant-based meats.
• Madden reunites with Impossible CEO Peter McGuinness, with whom she previously worked at Chobani, as the company shifts focus from health and environmental messaging to emphasizing taste and texture to attract more consumers.
• Impossible Foods recently launched new products like plant-based corn dogs and taco beef, aiming to revitalize the category by improving product appeal and simplifying commercial operations.

Source: Food Dive

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Spindrift splashes into soda to capitalize on the better-for-you craze.

• Spindrift is launching a new soda line made with 20% real fruit juice, containing no artificial sweeteners, prebiotics, or added sugars, differentiating itself from competitors like Poppi and Olipop.
• The company previously offered citrus-based sodas but discontinued them in 2017; its return to the category comes as the functional beverage market is projected to grow to over $350 million by 2030.
• Backed by private equity firm Gryphon Investors, Spindrift is expanding its product portfolio, including alcoholic beverages, to adapt to shifting consumer preferences amid declining sparkling water sales.

Source: Food Dive

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Meat snack company unveils rebrand as Archer.

• Country Archer Provisions has rebranded as Archer, unveiling a new logo, updated packaging, and a national awareness campaign to strengthen its presence in the competitive meat snack market.
• The company has experienced rapid growth, with a 90% year-over-year sales increase, particularly in meat sticks, which saw a 187.4% jump in dollar sales, positioning it to exceed $300 million in revenue in 2025.
• Archer's refreshed branding, featuring bold graphics and a distinctive color palette, will roll out to retailers in July and debut nationwide by September, with a preview at Natural Products Expo West in March.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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ADM partners on postbiotics targeting sleep, stress.

• ADM will distribute Asahi Group’s postbiotic ingredient, Lactobacillus gasseri, targeting sleep, stress, and gut health across North America, Europe, and Asia starting in March.
• Backed by eight clinical trials, the ingredient aims to improve sleep efficiency and duration, aligning with a growing consumer focus on wellness and functional nutrition.
• The postbiotics market is expected to reach $3 billion by 2031, with ADM expanding its gut health portfolio through AI-driven ingredient research and strategic collaborations.

Source: Food Dive

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Graza Just Launched a High-Heat Cooking Oil for Frying, Grilling, and Crisping.

• Graza introduced "Frizzle," a high-heat cooking oil made from extra virgin olive oil and olive pomace oil, available in a squeeze bottle, spray bottle, and 2-liter jug.
• With a smoke point of up to 490°F, Frizzle is marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to grapeseed and canola oils, ideal for frying, grilling, and baking.
• The new oil is available for purchase on Graza’s website and at Whole Foods, with prices starting at $7 for the spray bottle and $30 for the 2-liter jug.

Source: Food & Wine

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The J.M. Smucker Co. Announces Change to U.S. Retail Pet Foods and Sweet Baked Snacks Leadership, and Supply Chain and Manufacturing Oversight.

• The J.M. Smucker Co. announced Judd Freitag’s promotion to Senior Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Retail Pet Foods and Sweet Baked Snacks, effective March 7, 2025, to drive growth for the Hostess® brand.
• The company is restructuring its leadership by separating supply chain and manufacturing oversight, with Bryan Hutson leading supply chain activities and Randy Day continuing to oversee manufacturing operations.
• Dan O’Leary, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sweet Baked Snacks and Pet, will leave the company on March 7, 2025, as part of the leadership transition.

Source: PR Newswire

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Lawmakers urge Trump to lift ‘gag order’ with growing threat of bird flu.

• Eighty-four Democratic lawmakers have urged President Trump to lift his administration’s “gag order” on federal agencies, arguing it has hindered collaboration and response efforts against the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak.
• The CDC recently confirmed a mutation in H5N1 that increases its ability to spread in human airways, while a new genotype was found in dairy cattle, raising concerns about the virus’s evolving threat.
• Lawmakers criticized the administration for laying off USDA employees working on the bird flu response, calling for immediate action to restore interagency communication and enroll more states in the National Milk Testing Strategy.

Source: Meat & Poultry

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Smallest pear crop in 40 years leaves growers reeling.

• U.S. pear production has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years due to a severe deep freeze, with the Northwest’s harvest down 31% from the five-year average and Bosc pears seeing a 60% decline.
• Growers face additional challenges as climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns and earlier flowering times, increasing the risk of crop damage and management difficulties.
• Industry experts are turning to technology, such as AI-driven weather modeling and real-time monitoring stations, to improve forecasting and help farmers mitigate the effects of extreme weather on future harvests.

Source: Food Dive

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Unilever abruptly ousts CEO to accelerate turnaround at the Ben & Jerry’s parent.

• Unilever unexpectedly removed CEO Hein Schumacher after less than two years, replacing him with CFO Fernando Fernandez to accelerate turnaround efforts.
• The company is undergoing restructuring, including cutting 7,500 jobs and spinning off its $9 billion ice cream business to streamline operations.
• Unilever faces challenges in the U.S. as inflation impacts consumer spending, prompting leadership changes to drive faster growth and efficiency.

Source: Food Dive

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PepsiCo to close PopCorners plant.

• PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay subsidiary is shutting down its PopCorners manufacturing plant in Liberty, New York, resulting in 287 layoffs between May 21 and June 6.
• The closure follows PepsiCo’s broader cost-cutting strategy, which previously included shutting down Quaker Oats and bottling plants in multiple locations.
• Industry-wide, food and beverage companies like Campbell Soup, Del Monte, and Rich Products have also implemented layoffs and facility closures to improve efficiency and align supply with demand.

Source: Food Dive

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Industry insights: How companies alleviate food safety concerns.

• Recent food safety crises, including Boar’s Head’s Listeria recall (7 million lbs of deli meats, 10 deaths, 60 hospitalizations) and McDonald's E. coli outbreak (104 cases, 1 death), highlight the increasing legal risks for food companies and their executives.
• The U.S. has seen 233 food recalls since 2023 due to unsafe contamination, and lawmakers are pushing for criminal accountability, meaning executives could face jail time for major food safety failures.
• Experts stress the importance of proactive food safety programs, including qualified professionals, robust risk assessments, crisis management plans, and third-party audits, to prevent costly recalls and legal consequences.

Source: Meat + Poultry

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Fruits, nuts and inclusions slated to drive market growth to $18.7B by 2027.

• The food inclusions market, including chocolate chips, fruits, nuts, and savory ingredients, is projected to grow from $13.4 billion in 2022 to $18.7 billion by 2027, driven by demand for value-added dairy products, ice cream, and snacks.
• Dairy and beverage manufacturers are investing in innovation to enhance indulgence, texture, and flavor in frozen desserts, yogurts, and other dairy applications.
• The industry is leveraging trends in consumer preference for premium ingredients, with inclusions providing color, crunch, and nutritional benefits to a wide range of products.

Source: Dairy Foods

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USDA looks at boosting egg imports in $1 billion plan to lower prices and combat bird flu.

• The USDA is launching a $1 billion plan to combat rising egg prices by increasing imports, with Turkey set to send 420 million eggs to the U.S. by July.
• The initiative also includes $500 million for biosecurity measures, $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers, and $100 million for vaccine research to reduce flock culling.
• IMI reported strong 2024 financial results, with 4% organic sales growth, 10% organic adjusted operating profit growth, and a £200 million share buyback program.

Source: USA Today

JUST FOR FUN

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Leftovers: Cheetos picks pickles for Flamin’ Hot flavor | Brands spice up yogurt, almonds with hot honey – Food Dive

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