Christopher Doering
2 min read
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Kraft Heinz said Tuesday it is evaluating “potential strategic transactions” as the ketchup and Lunchables maker looks to turn around a decline in sales.
The CPG giant did not provide additional details, including a timetable for a decision or whether the review will result in a transaction.
“At Kraft Heinz, our goal has always been to make high-quality, great-tasting food for all and to keep consumers at the forefront of all we do, enabling us to drive profitable long-term growth and value creation,” CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera said in a statement. “Consistent with this goal, over the past several months we have been evaluating potential strategic transactions to unlock shareholder value.”
The food manufacturer, which reported net sales of $26 billion last year, has been aggressively innovating its portfolio as it aims to generate $2 billion in incremental net sales by 2027. It’s taken several of its key brands into closely related and trendy categories, bringing Philadelphia into cream cheese frosting and Crystal Light into the alcohol space with a hard seltzer line.
But Kraft Heinz has seen total revenue decline for six straight quarters. The owner of the Kool-Aid and Oscar Mayer said in April that organic sales, which removes currency changes and other items, are expected to decline 1.5% to 3.5% during its 2025 fiscal year. Previously it forecast sales to be flat to down 2.5% from the prior 12 months.
Similar to other packaged food companies, Kraft Heinz has seen cash-strapped consumers cut down on spending due to inflation. At the same time, product demand has suffered as shoppers prioritize offerings viewed as healthier or reduce how much they eat due to the use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
Robert Moskow, an analyst with TD Cowen, said in a note to investors that Kraft Heinz’s strategic review likely means the company will look to divest some of its brands.
In the past, Kraft Heinz appeared to have considered selling coffee and meats, which includes products such as Maxwell House and Oscar Mayer, according to Moskow. He noted these brands fall under Kraft Heinz’s “balance” platform that includes businesses considered to be highly scaled and strong cash generators, but highly exposed to private label and commodity volatility. The balance segment makes up 25% of the company’s sales.
“We, too, believe KHC should slim down its portfolio,” Moskow said.
