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☆ 3G Capital quietly exited its Kraft Heinz investment last year
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

They had continued to be an investor and were treated as we do any investor," Kraft Heinz said in a statement to CNBC. "We did learn from their recent filing that 3G exited the Kraft Heinz stock entirely in 2023." Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital quietly sold off its 16.1% stake in Kraft Heinz in the fourth quarter, nearly nine years after masterminding the blockbuster merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz with Warren Buffett. Kraft Heinz sought to drive inorganic growth through a takeover bid for Unilever, but the Popsicle owner rejected its offer. In 2022, it distributed about 7% of Kraft Heinz to investors in its fund, which reportedly included tennis star Roger Federer.

Persons: Kraft Heinz, Warren Buffett, 3G's, Heinz, Buffett, Jorge Paulo Lemann, Alexandre Behring, Joao Castro, Neves, Roger Federer, Carlos Abrams, Rivera, he's Organizations: 3G, CNBC, Kraft, 3G Capital, Kraft Foods, Heinz, Busch InBev, Burger King, Big, Unilever, Securities and Exchange, Berkshire, InBev, Planters Locations: Berkshire, Lactalis

☆ Gatorade enters new categories — even unflavored water — as competition to hydrate consumers ramps up
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

As Gatorade approaches its 60th birthday, the brand is staying spry, branching out into new categories from unflavored water to energy drink mixes. It accounted for 63.5% of the U.S. sports drink market in 2023, according to Euromonitor International data. Gatorade President Mike Del Pozzo told CNBC that the competition is good for the category overall – and shows his brand's own strength. "There's plenty of loud voices right now, trying to make a name for themselves," said Del Pozzo. And Propel's annual sales are projected to cross $1 billion for the first time this year, Del Pozzo said.

Persons: spry, There's, Jim Watson, Coke, Watson, Ramon Laguarta, influencer Logan, Mike Del Pozzo, Del Pozzo, we're, Rabobank's Watson Organizations: Gatorade, Euromonitor, Cola, Pepsi, Rabobank, Unilever, Nestle Health Science, PepsiCo, Energy, Citi Research, CNBC

Starting Monday, fast-food workers in California at chains with more than 60 national locations earn $20 an hour, higher than the state's broader minimum wage of $16 per hour. California pay is already highwatch nowWhile the new fast-food minimum wage is among the highest in the U.S., California employers are used to paying more for their labor. Even when it is not mandated, restaurants usually find themselves paying more than the minimum wage to attract hourly workers. As a full-service restaurant chain, the company won't be obligated to pay its California workers $20 an hour. Advocates prepare to go biggerFrom start to finish, the California law, which was backed by the Service Employees International Union, has been controversial.

Persons: David Paul Morris, Gavin Newsom, Matthew Haller, Daniel Zhao, Zhao, Lauren Crabbe, she's, Crabbe, Matthew Clark, Jennifer B, Perez, I'm, it's, Newsom, Greg Flynn, Flynn Organizations: McDonald's Corp, Bloomberg, Getty, International Franchise Association, CNBC, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Service Employees International Union, Gov, SEIU Locations: Oakland , California, U.S, California, , California, Fresno, San Francisco, Long Beach

☆ McDonald's to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts nationwide by the end of 2026
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In this photo, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are shown in Daly City, California, on May 12, 2022. McDonald's is planning to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts at its restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026, the chains announced Tuesday. For the duration of the agreement, McDonald's will be the exclusive fast-food partner for Krispy Kreme in the U.S. For McDonald's, the addition of Krispy Kreme doughnuts helps bolster its bakery and breakfast offerings. Shares of Krispy Kreme have fallen 20% over the past year, dragging its market value down to $2.11 billion.

Persons: McDonald's, Krispy, Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme, Charlesworth, Kreme, Nordisk's Ozempic Organizations: U.S, McDonald's, CNBC, Nordisk's Locations: Daly City , California, U.S, Louisville, Lexington , Kentucky

☆ McDonald’s and other restaurant chains look to the Sun Belt for growth as population soars
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

The chain's sales are "way stronger" in Texas, Arizona and Florida than in midwestern states such as Indiana and Wisconsin, according to Osanloo. For more mature companies such as McDonald's , it means accelerating new restaurant growth in areas where it's now underrepresented. It isn't just restaurants looking to the Sun Belt for sales growth. In addition to well-known chains, Greider has also seen restaurants with chef-driven name recognition traveling south from New York and Chicago. The chain's sales are growing again, according to Brix Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas, making it an opportune time to expand Friendly's footprint.

Persons: Portillo's, Michael Osanloo, you've, Justin Greider, Macy's, Phillips, Manu Steijaert, Greider, they've, that's, Carbone, Friendly's, Sherif Mityas, Mityas, we're, Christine Barone Organizations: Beef, CNBC, Northeast, Sun, Airlines, Dallas, Phillips Edison & Company, JPMorgan, Grill, Major Food Group, Brix Holdings, Brix, Bros Locations: Kissimmee , Florida, Chicago, Texas, Texas , Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, U.S, Midwest, Charlotte, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Florida , Texas , Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Miami, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Minneapolis, Southern California, California, Virginia

☆ Yum China CEO says consumers are growing more 'rational' as rising costs cut dining budgets
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

While economists and investors fret over China's low consumer confidence and sluggish growth, Yum China CEO Joey Wat says the Chinese consumer is growing more rational — and has been for years. Weighed down by investors' concern about the broader Chinese economy, shares of Yum China have fallen 27% over the past year, dragging its market value down to $17.51 billion. Despite Wall Street's worries, Yum China's sales are growing. "I think the Chinese consumer has become more rational over the last few years," she told CNBC. But in lower-tier cities, such as Chengdu, Yum China is seeing stronger sales growth because housing is cheaper and consumers have more cash to spend.

Persons: Joey Wat, Wall, Yum, Wat Organizations: Yum, Yum Brands, CNBC Locations: China, Yum China, Shanghai, Beijing, Wat, Chengdu, Cities

☆ Starbucks to hike wages for union workers as it thaws relationship with Workers United
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A Starbucks logo is seen as members and supporters of Starbucks Workers United protest outside of a Starbucks store in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16, 2023. The wage increases are a sign of good faith from Starbucks toward Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union that has organized more than 300 company-owned Starbucks locations. Starbucks and Workers United said they have agreed to start discussions "on a foundational framework" on how to reach collective bargaining agreements for stores. The announcement marks the most noticeable thawing in the two parties' relationship since the first Starbucks location unionized in December 2021. Starbucks also said Tuesday that it would provide unionized cafes with credit card tipping, a benefit that has been available in nonunion stores for more than a year.

Persons: Howard Schultz, Laxman Narasimhan Organizations: Starbucks Workers, D.C, Workers United, Service Employees International Union, Workers, Starbucks, CNBC PRO Locations: Dupont Circle, Washington

☆ Cava stock pops after blunder leads to early earnings release
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A banner for the Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava is displayed outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as the company goes public on June 15, 2023 in New York City. Cava's stock rose 7% on Tuesday morning after the Mediterranean restaurant chain released its earnings report a day early. Cava reported fourth-quarter net income of $2.05 million, or 2 cents per share, swinging from a net loss of $18.85 million, or $13.72 per share, a year earlier. The company is forecasting same-store sales growth of 3% to 5% and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $86 million to $92 million. Including Tuesday's stock move, the restaurant chain has a market value of $6.14 billion.

Persons: Cava Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Investors, Wall Street, LSEG, CNBC PRO Locations: Cava, New York City, Cava's

Elena Perova | Istock | Getty ImagesJust ahead of the holiday season, Walmart had encouraging news for inflation-weary shoppers: Prices on food and other staples were falling instead of rising. But the retail giant backpedaled this week, saying higher prices on many grocery items and household staples like paper goods have stuck. Food prices climbed 2.6%, fueled by a 5.1% jump in prices for food away from home, a category that includes restaurant meals and vending machine purchases. That gives their makers the ability to keep raising prices to mitigate higher costs, even as their volume drops. Even some of the biggest U.S. brands have signaled that consumers' tolerance of higher prices has worn thin.

Persons: Elena Perova, John David Rainey, Coke, James Quincey, Gregory Daco, airfares, Tyson, Fernando Fernandez, Arun Sundaram, Kraft Heinz, Chocolate, Hershey, Edward Jones, Brittany Quatrochi, Sundaram, Pringles, Kellanova, Heinz, Stefani Reynolds, Brad Thomas, CFRA's Sundaram, Thomas, Frederic J, Brown, Oscar Mayer, Greg Melich Organizations: Istock, Walmart, CNBC, Federal, Depot, Pew Research Center, Maine Foods, Unilever, Nestle, Bloomberg, Getty, Planters, Target, Kroger, AFP, U.S, PepsiCo, Frito, Evercore ISI Locations: Hershey , Pennsylvania, North America, Washington ,, Rosemead , California

☆ Beyond Meat launches new, healthier version of burger in bid to bring back customers
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The latest iteration of the Beyond Burger, made with avocado oil and 20% less sodiumBeyond Meat is launching a new version of its plant-based burger in grocery stores this spring, betting that an even healthier version of its burgers will lure back consumers. The plant-based meat category, once buzzy, has lost consumers' interest. Retail sales of meat alternatives had fallen 33.6% compared with a year ago as of Jan. 28, according to Circana data. "For the last several years, there have been a combination of campaigns and other efforts to try to poison the well, regarding the health benefits of plant-based meat," Brown said. Critics have attacked plant-based meat from Beyond and its rivals as processed and full of chemicals.

Persons: Ethan Brown, Brown, we've, Critics, — Kate Rogers Organizations: CNBC, Stanford University School of Medicine

☆ Starbucks has a new accessible store design. Take a look inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The coffee giant opened the first location with the new design on Friday in Washington, D.C.'s Union Market. "Designing for disabilities is just good design for everybody," said Sara Trilling, president of Starbucks North America. Source: StarbucksThe Union Market cafe has power-operated doors so customers can use less effort to enter the cafe. Source: StarbucksBehind the counter, Starbucks' new Clover Vertica system for brewing drip coffee has a more accessible design, with a large dial and protruding buttons. Source: Starbucks

Persons: Sara Trilling, Trilling Organizations: Starbucks Locations: Washington ,, Starbucks North America

☆ Coca-Cola CEO says inflation is moderating in most markets after higher prices boost revenue
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

James Quincey, CEO of Coca-Cola Co., speaking on "Squawk Box" at the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 18, 2023. Inflation is moderating in most markets, after a stretch in which the beverage maker relied on price hikes to drive higher revenue, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said Tuesday. But Coke's price hikes have slowed from the last two years' double-digit increases. Coke's overall prices were up 9% in the fourth quarter, but Quincey said that came from hyperinflation in markets such as Argentina. In the majority of Coke's markets, shoppers were only paying about 3.5% more for their drinks than they were a year earlier.

Persons: James Quincey, Coke, Wall, Quincey Organizations: U.S . Department of Labor, Coke, Consumers, U.S, CNBC PRO Locations: Davos, Switzerland, Argentina, U.S, Europe

☆ Restaurant Brands earnings beat estimates, fueled by strong Tim Hortons sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A general view of a Tim Hortons Drive-Thru coffeehouse and restaurant at Lakeside Retail Park on February 5, 2024 in Grays, United Kingdom. Restaurant Brands International reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations on Tuesday, fueled by stronger-than-expected Tim Hortons sales. Shares of the company were unchanged in premarket trading. Excluding items, the company earned 75 cents per share. Net sales rose 8% to $1.82 billion.

Persons: Tim Hortons Organizations: Lakeside, United Kingdom . Restaurant Brands, LSEG, Brands Locations: Grays, United Kingdom

☆ Coca-Cola sales beat estimates, helped by higher prices
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Bottles of Coca-Cola are displayed in San Anselmo, California, on April 24, 2023. Coca-Cola on Tuesday posted quarterly earnings that met expectations and sales that topped estimates, as higher pries helped the beverage maker overcome a volume decline in North America. Coke reported fourth-quarter net income of 1.97 billion, or 46 cents per share, down from $2.03 billion, or 47 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding items, the company earned 49 cents per share. Net sales rose 7% to $10.85 billion.

Persons: pries, Coke Organizations: LSEG Locations: San Anselmo , California, North America

A general view of Super Bowl signage displayed in the NFL Super Bowl Experience ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on February 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Super Bowl 58 kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The Super Bowl is advertising's biggest stage, with companies jockeying for a limited supply of spots to get their products in front of millions of consumers. Even as linear ad revenue slips, companies know there's no opportunity guaranteed to reach more people than the Super Bowl. — Amelia Lucas, Michael Wayland, Micah Washington, Gabrielle Fonrouge, Lorie Konish, Drew Richardson and Jordan Novet contributed to CNBC's Super Bowl coverage.

Persons: Bob Iger, Jason Momoa, Quinta Brunson, Jenna Ortega, Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, Addison Rae, Usher, — Amelia Lucas, Michael Wayland, Micah Washington, Gabrielle Fonrouge, Lorie Konish, Drew Richardson, Jordan Novet Organizations: NFL, Super, AFC, Kansas City Chiefs, NFC, San Francisco 49ers, Disney, CBS Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, Las Vegas, U.S

☆ PepsiCo earnings top estimates, but quarterly revenue slides for the first time in nearly four years
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

PepsiCo on Friday reported mixed quarterly results as North American demand for its food and drinks weakened. Pepsi's organic revenue, which excludes acquisitions and divestitures, rose 4.5% in the quarter, helped by higher prices. For 2024, Pepsi now anticipates organic revenue growth of at least 4% and core constant currency earnings per share growth of at least 8%. The company previously forecast organic revenue growth on the high end of 4% to 6% and core constant currency earnings per share growth in the high single digits. Executives are expecting international organic revenue growth to top that of North America for the full year.

Organizations: Pepsi, PepsiCo, Refinitiv, Quaker Foods, Lay, Quaker Oats Locations: Las Vegas, United States, North America, America

☆ Yum Brands disappoints as KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut fall short of same-store sales expectations
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Yum Brands on Wednesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that missed analysts' expectations as KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut all reported weaker-than-expected sales. Pizza Hut reported same-store sales declines of 2%, missing expectations of 0.6% growth. The pizza chain's U.S. same-store sales shrank 4%, while its international same-store sales were flat. The Mexican-inspired chain reported same-store sales growth of 3%, missing StreetAccount estimates of 3.8%. A year earlier, the chain reported same-store sales growth of 11%, fueled by the permanent return of its cult-favorite Mexican Pizza.

Persons: Yum, Taco Bell, David Gibbs Organizations: KFC, Taco, Yum Brands, Taco Bell, Starbucks, LSEG Locations: Taco Bell, Edmonton, Edmonton , Alberta, Canada, Israel

☆ Chipotle earnings crush estimates as restaurant traffic grows 7.4%
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Shares of the company rose more than 1% in extended trading. The company's same-store sales rose 8.4%, beating StreetAccount estimates of 7.1%. Chipotle said foot traffic rose 7.4% in the quarter, bucking an industry-wide trend of declining visits. Restaurant giants McDonald's and Starbucks both reported traffic declines for the last three months of the year. Looking to 2024, Chipotle is forecasting full-year same-store sales growth in the mid-single-digit range and plans to open between 285 and 315 new locations.

Persons: Chipotle Organizations: LSEG, burrito, Starbucks

☆ McDonald's and Starbucks blame the Israel-Hamas war for slower sales — and the recovery might take a while
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

McDonald's and Starbucks , two of the biggest U.S. restaurant companies, both said the Israel-Hamas war hurt their sales at the end of last year. Shares of McDonald's fell 4% in morning trading Monday, several hours after it reported that a sales slowdown in the Middle East contributed to its fourth-quarter revenue miss. Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan said Tuesday that the company's sales in the Middle East struggled, but boycotts also hurt its U.S. cafes. Unlike Starbucks, McDonald's did not note any effect on its U.S. sales. Yum Brands is scheduled to report its quarterly results on Wednesday, while Restaurant Brands is slated to share its earnings on Feb. 13.

Persons: Laxman Narasimhan, McDonald's, Cowen, Andrew Charles, Chris Kempczinski, Kempczinski, Papa John's, Burger Organizations: U.S, Starbucks, Starbucks Workers, Workers United, McDonald's, Yum Brands, Restaurant Brands, CNBC PRO Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Gaza, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Europe

☆ McDonald's is promising its 'Best Burger.' Now the chain will see if diners buy more of them
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's has upgraded its burgers — but it's unclear if its sales will get the same boost. Still, McDonald's U.S. traffic dipped in the third quarter as low-income diners cut back their visits. When the company announces its fourth-quarter results Monday morning, analysts are expecting U.S. same-store sales growth of just 4.4%, according to StreetAccount estimates. Enter McDonald's "Best Burger" initiative: small tweaks to the chain's burgers that create a noticeably more flavorful product. The cooked patties are kept hotter, so the overall burger is still warm by the time it reaches the customer.

Persons: McDonald's, Mason Smoot Organizations: McDonald's Locations: McDonald's U.S

☆ Starbucks' earnings report was weak — but Wall Street expected worse
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Wall Street is shaking off Starbucks' weak quarterly report, seemingly taking executives at their word that the company's challenges are "transitory." The coffee giant's stock ticked higher in morning trading, hours after it reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue that missed Wall Street's estimates and lowered its full-year sales outlook. Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Harbour wrote in a note to clients that the company's earnings per share and U.S. same-store sales growth was better than some had feared, "likely supporting the stock." Executives also tried to convey that those challenges are expected to subside as fiscal 2024 progresses. While Starbucks lowered its full-year outlook for revenue and same-store sales growth, it reiterated its forecast for fiscal 2024 earnings per share growth.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, Brian Harbour, Laxman Narasimhan, Andrew Strelzik, William Blair, Sharon Zackfia Organizations: Starbucks, BMO Capital Markets Locations: U.S, Israel, China

☆ Starbucks earnings disappoint as sales outside the U.S. lag
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A Starbucks coffee cup sits on a table at one of the coffee chain's locations in Miami, Florida, on June 11, 2021. Starbucks on Tuesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that missed Wall Street's expectations as both domestic and international sales fell short of estimates. In North America, same-store sales also rose 5%, driven largely by customers spending more on their drinks and food. Outside of Starbucks' home market, the coffee chain reported international same-store sales growth of 7%, missing expectations of 13.2%. China, the company's second-largest market, reported same-store sales growth of 10%.

Persons: Laxman Narasimhan Organizations: Starbucks, LSEG, Revenue Locations: Miami , Florida, North America, China

☆ Chipotle wants to hire 19,000 workers for busy spring season, will offer new financial perks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A "Now Hiring" sign is displayed in front of a Chipotle restaurant on October 07, 2022 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of restaurant jobs disappeared as bars and eateries shuttered, either temporarily or permanently. But even before Covid, restaurants struggled to hire and retain younger workers, who often seek internships instead. Chipotle on Wednesday also touted new benefits that aim to help those younger workers tackle financial challenges. Additionally, Chipotle workers can also sign up for a Credi.ai debit card, which builds credit without fees or interest.

Persons: Chipotle Organizations: Industry, of Labor Locations: Washington ,, Covid

☆ P&G's beauty sales hurt by an unlikely headwind: A wastewater release in Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

While Japan and the United Nations' nuclear watchdog said the move was safe, China retaliated by banning all seafood imported from Japan. Chinese consumers followed with boycotts on Japanese brands, including P&G's SK-II, fearing that their products would be tainted by radiation. While the brand took a hit in the previous quarter, P&G executives said SK-II is already seeing sales turn around. "Our consumer research indicates SK-II brand sentiment is improving, and we expect to see sequential improvement in the back half," CFO Andre Schulten said on the company's earnings conference call. CEO Jon Moeller also reminded investors that previous tensions between Japan and China have hurt SK-II's sales, but the brand always bounced back.

Persons: Gamble, Andre Schulten, Jon Moeller Organizations: Procter, SK, United Nations, G's SK Locations: Greater China, Japan, —, China

☆ Procter & Gamble revenue rises 3%, short of expectations
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Procter & Gamble (P&G) logo is seen during the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on November 7, 2023 in Shanghai, China. Procter & Gamble on Tuesday reported mixed quarterly earnings and revenue for its fiscal second quarter. Shares of the company rose less than 1% in premarket trading. Excluding items, the company earned $1.84 per share. Net sales rose 3% to $21.44 billion.

Persons: Gamble Organizations: Procter, Gamble, China, National Exhibition, Convention Center, LSEG Locations: Shanghai, China

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