Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

Over the past few weeks we’ve witnessed several prominent portfolio restructurings across the industry: Big Food is trimming the fat, and this week, one of the market’s biggest mergers in recent memory officially unraveled.

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery dig into Kraft Heinz’s separation plans and PepsiCo’s increased investment in Celsius Holdings. The hosts also chat about Pepsi’s warning letter from an activist investor and Huel’s ready-to-drink foray into the red-hot greens category.

The Campbell’s Company expressed optimism in its portfolio after a 1% net sales increase in Q4 2025 and detailing growth opportunities behind its two core segments despite looming steel tariffs, import taxes and changing consumer behaviors.

Soy sauce is the latest target amid a center store revival. This month, Heydoh launched a 2-SKU line of single-origin, artisan soy sauces that bring an authentic, Taiwanese iteration of the popular Asian condiment to the U.S. market.

Red River Foods is poised to invest $15.5 million into its Henrico County, Va., headquarters, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office. The project is expected to centralize much of Red River’s processing capabilities in Virginia.

PepsiCo is facing pressure from an activist investor to make a broad series of strategic changes, including restructuring its beverage division to welcome franchise bottlers back into the fold.

After nearly a decade together, the $45 billion megamerger that conjoined Kraft’s grocery business with Heinz’s sauce and spread platform will be unwinded as the global food company siphons off the businesses to introduce more focus and reduce complexity.

Minnesota-based Lebanese garlic dip brand Toom has patiently worked to keep a low profile as it tinkered with its marketing and formulation, but is now expanding its retail presence.

Is skyr the next gym bag essential? Can mushrooms take the top spot in salty snacks? And where’s my Coors Banquet x Wrangler hat?

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Oat Haus offers an allergen-free take on the Dubai Chocolate trend, a trio of classic candy brands tap into the freeze-dried phenomenon, and Rudi’s unveils gluten-free versions of its frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

In just under two months, Post Holdings has acquired and offloaded 8th Avenue Food and Provisions dry pasta business, which includes the Ronzoni brand.

Mamala Organics debuted this past week with a 2-SKU line of pouched Support Snacks made with whole foods and a focus on providing essential nutrients for women during the postpartum period.

What’s driving growth in the $148.6 billion U.S. snacking industry? Conagra Brands partnered with market researcher Circana to put together its inaugural “Future of Snacking 2025” report. The maker of Slim Jim and Angie’s Boomchickapop highlighted five trends that are shaping snacking behaviors.

In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Keurig Dr Pepper’s post-acquisition plans for the JDE Peet’s business, new funding for yogurt maker Painterland Sisters and alt-protein producer The Better Meat Company, and the decision behind Spindrift’s exit from the beverage alcohol category.