The news that Procter & Gamble made a deal to acquire Merck KGaA’s consumer health unit topped the list of most-read food and beverage stories this week. The deal, which is said to be worth $4.2 billion, would bring Merck KGaA’s portfolio, including over-the-counter vitamins and nasal decongestants, under P&G’s umbrella. Other CPG stories that hit home with readers included Kraft Heinz’s partnership with the Food Network to launch a line of condiments and meal kits and Tyson’s investments in meat-alternative products.
Restaurant readers were interested in a story about the latest consumer satisfaction survey, which revealed that In-N-Out, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A were winners in their respective categories, while convenience store chain Wawa was named the top sandwich spot. Restaurant readers were also drawn to news from Momofuku and McDonald’s.
Grocery retail was a hot topic this week, including the news that SUPERVALU is interested in selling its Shop ‘n Save banner and divesting eight distribution centers. Other grocery news in the top 10 centered around Food Lion’s test of a robot at a Tenn. retail location and concerns about staffing in groceries.
Check out the full list of this week’s 10 most popular food and beverage stories from SmartBrief:
- P&G makes $4.2B deal to acquire Merck KGaA’s consumer-health business
- Survey: In-N-Out, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A rank high with consumers
- Kraft Heinz partners with Food Network to launch condiments, meal kits
- SUPERVALU sells 8 distribution centers, offers Shop ‘n Save
- Kraft Heinz to help Momofuku sell signature sauce on Amazon
- Tyson plans for its own disruption with alternative meat investments
- Food Lion tests robot at Tenn. store
- How Frito-Lay’s custom NFL bags boosted Tostitos’ household penetration
- McDonald’s to serve a global menu at new Chicago unit
- Staffing emerges as top concern in grocer poll
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