All articles tagged with #food industry
Dallas-based Highlander Partners acquired Tapatío from the Saavedra family, who kept the recipe secret for 55 years; under new ownership the brand plans to expand beyond California with more facilities and products, leveraging rising demand for bold flavors driven by weight-loss drug trends, while the family stays involved.
McCormick will acquire Unilever’s Foods unit, including Hellmann’s mayo and Marmite, in a roughly $45 billion transaction funded with cash and equity. Unilever shareholders will own about 55.1% of the combined company, while Unilever itself will hold a 9.9% stake. The deal expands McCormick’s portfolio into spreads and condiments and adds Knorr products; Unilever will focus on faster-growing personal care and will exclude India's foods unit. The merger is expected to close by mid-2027 after regulatory and shareholder approvals, with McCormick keeping its Hunt Valley, MD HQ and adding a European HQ in the Netherlands, plus a secondary European listing. Shares fell on the news.
Unilever will merge its food arm with McCormick in a $44.8 billion deal, giving Unilever 65% of the new company and McCormick running the global business; the lineup includes Knorr, Pot Noodle, Hellmann’s, French’s, Old Bay and Cholula, with about $600 million in annual cost savings expected by year three. Some Unilever food operations (e.g., India) won’t join, while Unilever’s remaining business focuses on beauty/personal care/home; a European listing is planned; the deal is structured as a Reverse Morris Trust to be tax-free in the US, and shares moved modestly after the announcement.
Former IT pro Shahezad Contractor left his 24-year tech career to launch Cousin’s Burger in 2024. The halal-focused group now runs eight locations (burger, pizza, and BBQ) in PA, NJ, and DE, generating over $4 million in 2025 revenue with a plan to become a national/global halal fast-casual brand, despite high costs and rents.
McCormick is in talks to buy Unilever’s food business, a deal Barclays analysts value at over $30 billion, a move that would dramatically boost its global condiment and cooking-aid portfolio after past acquisitions like Frank's RedHot, French's, and Cholula, though financing and execution remain key hurdles in a tougher market.
Industry groups led by the National Association of Manufacturers warn that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda could raise regulatory costs and fragment the food-supply system, pushing for a uniform national standard and a seat at policy talks as Trump recalibrates his messaging ahead of the midterms. The campaign underscores tensions between Kennedy’s push for stricter ingredients rules and the industry’s push to protect prices and investment, even as Trump seeks to rebuild factory towns.
A UK-wide ban on advertising high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods on TV before 21:00 and online is set to take effect, aiming to reduce childhood obesity by limiting exposure to unhealthy food marketing. The ban covers products like soft drinks, sweets, pizzas, and some cereals, with exceptions for healthier options. Food manufacturers are encouraged to develop healthier products, and the government expects this measure to prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity annually.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, known for its cupcake vending machines and national presence, has shut down after 20 years, with the closure announced by its former owner Candace Nelson. The company was sold to private equity firm KarpReilly in 2012, but no reasons for the shutdown have been provided. The closure reflects a broader trend of private equity influence in the restaurant industry, often leading to closures or bankruptcies.
In 2025, Montgomery County saw the closure of 19 restaurants due to factors like lease issues, rising rents, and business challenges, including long-standing establishments and new ventures across various neighborhoods.
In 2025, Portland saw the closure of several beloved restaurants and bars, including historic chains like McCormick & Schmick’s and XLB, as well as popular local spots such as Reeva and Fair Weather, reflecting a challenging year for the city's food scene with some closures being permanent despite others reopening or relocating.
Kraft Heinz plans to split into two companies in 2026, with Steve Cahillane, former CEO of Kellanova, appointed as CEO of the new high-growth division, as part of a strategic restructuring following sluggish sales and reversing its 2015 merger.
American chain restaurants remain popular due to their familiarity, nostalgic value, and consistent experience, which emotionally connect with customers and help them withstand economic and industry challenges, with brands leveraging social media and pop culture to reinforce their appeal.
The article discusses the prevalence and dangers of ultraprocessed foods, which make up a significant portion of the American diet, highlighting their synthetic ingredients, health risks, and the challenges in avoiding them, while also exploring regulatory efforts and practical tips for consumers to make healthier choices.
San Francisco has sued 10 major food companies, accusing them of marketing and selling harmful, addictive ultraprocessed foods that contribute to health crises like obesity and diabetes, marking a pioneering legal effort to hold these corporations accountable.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has disrupted SNAP benefits, causing concern among companies like McDonald's and Tyson Foods, as lower-income consumers face increased financial stress, potentially impacting overall food sales and consumer behavior, with some companies cautious about future forecasts.