PepsiCo to buy SodaStream for $3.2 billion

PepsiCo is going to purchase SodaStream—a Tel-Aviv, Israel-based company that produces a kitchen accessory with which consumers can make flavored, carbonated beverages at home—for $3.2 billion, or $144 per share of outstanding stock. The acquisition gives PepsiCo an entrance into consumer’s homes as the percentage of shoppers who purchase groceries online continues to grow. Read more at CNBC.com …

How Costco thrives in the Amazon era

Instead of changing how it does business to compete with Amazon, Costco is just doing what it does best and trying to do it better. Although it directly competes with Amazon, especially as both companies share a sizeable number of higher-income customers, Costco customers seem to be incredibly loyal to the warehouse retailer. The company’s same-store sales are growing faster than its competitors, including Walmart, Kroger and Target. Read more at CNN.com …

Tyson Foods is acting like a much smaller company, to reach a much younger consumer

Is it time to stop catering to millennials and start looking at Gen Z, the generation that follows? Tyson Foods’ Jen Bentz, the SVP of R&D, innovation and insights, says today’s youngsters have more spending power than their older siblings and are increasing the pressure on foodservice to move forward, faster than before. Even a company the size of Tyson Foods has to think like a startup to keep up. Read more at Forbes …

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California wants to curb kids' soda habits

California wants children to consumer fewer sugary beverages, and it’s poised to move beyond so-called “soda taxes” to actually regulating what restaurants can offer children. If Gov. Jerry Brown signs the bill, restaurants will have to serve water or milk with children’s meals. No soda or juice allowed. In July, Baltimore prohibited restaurants from promoting soda on kids’ menus; water, milk and 100 percent juice are offered instead. Other cities, including some in California, have made passed similar ordinances. Read more at CBS News.com …

Consumer food safety concerns cited as reason for Made in USA beef labeling

Most consumers and organizations who commented on a U.S. Department of Agriculture petition want “Made in the U.S.A.” or similar labels only on beef from cattle that are born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association wants Country of Origin Labeling on domestic beef products because, it says, consumers are concerned about the safety of imported beef.” Read more at Food Safety News …