M&A

From multimillion-dollar valuations to sudden shutdowns, the stories that resonated most with Nosh readers this year reveal just how dynamic the packaged food landscape has become. Our coverage spanned dramatic downfalls, blockbuster acquisitions, and legal battles that left founders, lenders and consumers in limbo. Here’s a look back at the 10 stories that captured the most attention.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard reflect on the top stories of the year, including the rising influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the food and beverage industry, the biggest merger moments, and notable highlights of hemp’s uncertain future.

In 2025, food companies, both big and small, restructured and acquired new brands to stay competitive amid a reframing of priorities.

Backed by a new investment partner, Laird Superfood has big plans for expansion. The Colorado-based brand is working with Nexus Capital to build a superfood platform.

Laird Superfood is powering up its food and beverage platform with plans to acquire all outstanding equity of Navitas LLC in an all-cash transaction valued at $38.5 million.

Selling without regret means owning what you don’t know, protecting company culture and core values, and keeping your employees engaged and bought in for the long haul.

Patriot Pickle has acquired Cosmo’s Foods Products, a manufacturer of pepper products and antipasto specialties, broadening its portfolio for both foodservice and retail customers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Former Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane will be the new Kraft Heinz chief executive, and will lead one-half of the company’s planned split.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss San Francisco’s lawsuit over ultraprocessed foods, Anheuser-Busch’s $490 million acquisition of BeatBox, Stockeld Dreamery’s sale to Bettani Farms, and Ripple Foods’ $17 million funding round.

Campbell’s is doubling down on its bet on Rao’s, announcing during its first-quarter earnings call today it will acquire a 49% stake in the brand’s long-term producer, La Regina, for $286 million.