Strategy & innovation initiatives are on the rise.

Consumer expectations are sky high. Business disruptions are unavoidable. Market trends are moving faster than ever. The workforce shortage carries on.

Forward-thinking companies are getting ahead of these challenges by focusing intently on strategy and innovation initiatives. In fact, research shows investments in innovation are at the highest level they've been in the past five years as companies tap into new methods to solve problems.

We can confirm we're seeing an uptick in strategy and innovation projects, especially at food & beverage organizations. Keep reading for a roundup of our related insights, case studies, and industry news.

Innovation trends & insights, all in one place: Download our newest report

Thinking about innovation may immediately bring up thoughts of AI and robots. However, innovation goes far beyond what's in the headlines.

In our just-released report, we tap into our team's experience to bring you unique insights into product, packaging, supply chain, and process innovation trends at supply chain-based organizations.

Download the report to see why innovation is a business imperative right now.

Innovation through M&A is hot

Companies have two main options when it comes to product innovation: They can make a new product themselves, or they can acquire a product manufacturer that already holds market share.

In the past few months, the F&B industry has seen multiple high profile acquisitions, including Ferrara acquiring Jelly Belly and The J.M. Smucker Co. acquiring Hostess Brands .

On Food Processing 's Food For Thought podcast, Vice President Geoff Coltman discusses the Smucker-Hostess deal and what it means for larger M&A trends in the food & beverage industry. Listen here .

Let's talk strategy

Before a company can embark on its innovation plans, comprehensive strategic planning is essential. Catena Solutions has experience completing strategy-focused projects for food & beverage and CPG companies. Check out some of our case studies below.

Strategic Planning for Plant-Based Category Growth

We helped strategize and present a three-year roadmap for North American plant-based growth for a multinational food & beverage company. Learn more.

Strategic Vision Creation

For a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, we drove the creation of a global strategic vision, enabling leadership to forge a clear path forward during a period of uncertainty. Learn more.

Transportation and Logistics Strategy

Our creation of a new transportation and logistics strategy for a seafood supplier enabled the company to achieve 30-40% cost savings depending on the shipping lane. Learn more.

Talent Brand Activation Strategy

Our talent brand activation strategy helped a food processing equipment company increase hiring by 50% and save $150,000 in optimized job board spending. Learn more.

Get ahead with strategy and innovation news

• How General Mills refreshed its fruit snack brands to fend off disruptors
• Grocery and CPG execs must add value, embrace sustainability
• PepsiCo to invest $175 million in Instacart
• The latest trends driving snack category growth
• Coca-Cola bottlers try paper carrier innovations
• 2024 trends for product innovation
• WK Kellogg Co CEO says new company sees 'future beyond cereal'
• Nestle expands Coffee mate creamer into fast-growing iced coffee

Want to talk with us about your strategy and innovation needs? Contact our team or connect with us at these upcoming events:

Nov. 5-7: 2023 IFMA Presidents Conference

• At this members-only event, International Foodservice Manufacturers Association - IFMA is bringing leaders together across the manufacturer, operator, supply chain, and allied partner communities to share what they know and what they predict may be on the horizon.

Nov. 14-15: Women in Supply Chain Forum

• We can’t wait to attend the Women in Supply Chain Forum! Hosted by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics , this event is the industry’s premier networking and educational forum for executive-level leaders to expand their professional network and enhance their business.

Nov. 29-30: Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit

• This year's Gartner summit will deliver insights, strategies, and frameworks for supply chain planning leaders to address strategic needs within their organizations.