Food Industry 17 February 2026 - 20 March 2026

Unilever PLC Food Business Talks With McCormick Enter Critical Week Ahead of Earnings

Unilever PLC Food Business Talks With McCormick Enter Critical Week Ahead of Earnings

Unilever shares opened at 4,500 pence in London as talks continue with McCormick over a possible Foods unit deal that could leave Unilever shareholders with a majority stake. The business, which includes Knorr and Hellmann’s, generated about €2.9 billion in operating profit last year. Barclays values the Foods arm at up to €31 billion including debt. McCormick will report first-quarter results March 31.
March 30, 2026
Unilever-McCormick Food Business Talks Could Split Off Hellmann’s, Knorr and Marmite

Unilever-McCormick Food Business Talks Could Split Off Hellmann’s, Knorr and Marmite

Unilever confirmed it is in talks with McCormick & Co. over a possible sale of its Foods business, which includes Hellmann’s, Knorr, and Marmite. Analysts value the unit at €28–31 billion, making it larger than McCormick’s current market value. Both companies said no terms have been agreed and there is no certainty a deal will be reached. Earlier talks with Kraft Heinz ended without agreement.
March 20, 2026
PepsiCo stock slides as General Mills warning rattles food shares, CAGNY update ahead

PepsiCo stock slides as General Mills warning rattles food shares, CAGNY update ahead

PepsiCo shares fell 2.8% to $161.28 Tuesday, tracking losses across consumer staples after General Mills cut its annual forecasts and warned of weaker demand. The sector lagged as investors favored tech and banks. PepsiCo launched a new prebiotic cola and confirmed a quarterly dividend of $1.4225 per share. The company will address investors Wednesday at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference.
February 17, 2026