Elizabeth Crawford

Coca-Cola eyes return of bolt-on deals, but is there a viable pipeline?

CEO James Quincey says bolt-on M&A will become a ‘bigger feature’ for Coca-Cola and the larger industry, but the timing hinges on innovation cycles and the beverage giant’s prolonged IRS dispute

Danone tackles the big question for GLP-1 users: What should they eat?

Grounded in emerging science, Danone’s research and innovation team is developing nutrient-dense products tailored to every stage of the GLP-1 user journey – and meeting the needs of the broader health conscious consumer

Startup Spotlight

Third wave hydration: Plink! sparks shift toward flavor-first daily wellness

By putting consumer enjoyment ahead of its sustainability mission, the fizzy electrolyte tablet brand has ushered in an era of daily hydration and in doing so doubled its velocity, expanded distribution and outpaced legacy competitors in natural grocery...

The future of functional food is female: Startup The Cycle taps into huge whitespace with PMS and period relief beverages

Targeting the growing demand for functional products designed by and for women, the startup blends clinical science, tradition and taste to normalize self-care during menstruation

Monster’s momentum: Energy drink sale surge as innovation and ‘affordable luxury’ positioning redefine the category

Innovation, affordability and shifting perceptions fuel 16.8% year-over-year growth, as Monster Beverage broadens its appeal beyond core users and positions energy drinks as an affordable alternative to coffee

Inside discount retailer Lidl US’ recipe for success: Fresh, value and focus

From SKU rationalization to supplier partnerships and front-line empowerment, CEO Joel Rampoldt is reshaping Lidl US’ playbook for sustainable growth and earning consumer loyalty along the way

Coca-Cola leans into protein, ‘zeros and diets’ as GLP-1 users reshape beverage habits

Even as appetite-suppressing drugs dampen full-sugar soda sales, the beverage giant reports higher revenue and market share gains powered in part by its ‘reinvigorated sparkling portfolio’ thanks to no- and low-calorie options and its protein offerings,...

Sweeteners in focus

Sugar is no longer ‘benchmark’ for sweetness as consumer preferences shift to blends

Research by Ingredion suggests a paradigm shift toward plant-based and blended sweeteners over sugar, but consumer confusion about what is ‘natural’ and safe could hinder innovation and sugar reduction efforts

Healthy snacking trends

Better-for-you, built in: How Whole Foods stays ahead of healthy eating trends

The retailer’s chief merchandising and marketing officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk explains how evolving quality standards, trendspotting and value-conscious innovation are shaping healthier snacking and shopping

Whole Foods Market shoppers are changing – here is what it means for brands

A senior leader at Whole Foods Market shares how the retailer’s shopper demographics and psychographics are evolving – from lapsed holiday buyers to aspirational Gen Z – and what that means for product placement and marketing opportunities