Monica Watrous

The Kroger Company and Albertsons Companies this week terminated the proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement that was initially announced more than two years ago, after a federal judge sided with the Federal Trade Commission suing to block the deal and Washington and Oregon state courts put permanent injunctions in place to halt the transaction.

The proposed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons megamerger was temporarily blocked today by a federal judge, who ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suing to block the deal.

Mondelēz International is exploring a possible acquisition of candy and snack rival Hershey, according to a Bloomberg News report citing private sources familiar with the matter. The combination would bring together such brands as Oreo, Ritz, Reese’s and SkinnyPop and generate annual sales of almost $50 billion.

Stryve Foods achieved continued revenue growth and improved gross margins, along with reduced operating expenses, in the third quarter.

Marco Sweets & Spices is ceasing operations after four years on the market, citing financial difficulties following a widespread product recall earlier this summer by the company’s sole manufacturer.

Daily Crunch Sweet & Spicy Sichuan Sprouted Cashews & Edamame is debuting at Whole Foods Market. The snack mix features sprouted cashews and crispy edamame seasoned with Fly By Jing Mala Spice Mix, which has Sichuan chili pepper, coconut sugar, salt, garlic, mushroom powder and spices.

Chubby Snacks has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging the company mislabeled the amount of sugar in its frozen sandwiches.

BetterBrand rode the rumor roller coaster this week, and it’s only Thursday. The company was said by some media outlets to be in the process of shutting down, but the story that has unraveled is even more complex.

Johnny Tran is stepping down as managing director of General Mills’ venture arm 301 INC after more than a decade with the Minneapolis-based company. Kristen Harvey will succeed him in the role.

The number of serious illnesses caused by a Listeria outbreak linked to contaminated deli meat continues to climb, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which last week reported a total of 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths across 19 states since its investigation began in July.