Recent content from Brooks Johnson
After ditching Yoplait, General Mills on the hunt for an acquisition
The Minnesota food giant wants to spend up to $2 billion for a "bolt-on" addition as it announces quarterly profits dropped 14%.
Two Minnesota companies team up to create Cinnamon Toast Crunch bacon
General Mills and Hormel embarked on an uncommon partnership with a sweet-and-savory goal in mind: to meld a top-selling breakfast cereal with a signature bacon brand.
CHS returning $600 million to cooperative owners
The cash payments and equity redemption will be the third-highest patronage payouts on record for the Minnesota-based co-op.
Feds sue FedEx, alleging injured workers were illegally denied accommodations
A Minnesota woman initially brought the claim after being denied "reasonable accommodations" following an injury.
Cargill settles wage-fixing suit for $30M
The Minnesota-based meat giant joins several other companies settling claims of collusion.
In 'response to all the censorship,' Mike Lindell takes public his FrankSpeech streaming platform
The founder of Chanhassen-based MyPillow dreams of landing the broadcast network and its social media counterpart, FrankSocial, on a major stock exchange.
How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?
The company with the twin pack box created 'one of Minnesota's most beloved snack products.'
Cargill expands national footprint, buying animal feed mills in Denver and Kansas City
The acquisition gives the Minnesota-based agribusiness a better foothold in central and western states.
Planters nuts recall dims Hormel's outlook
Planters disruption, low turkey prices and pockets of weak demand are dragging the Minnesota company's sales.
Fraught plastic film recycling plant in Rogers reopening with new ownership
GDB International is taking the helm after MyPlas built the $30 million plant that quickly went under despite backing from companies like General Mills and Schwan's.
BioMADE still on hunt for $200M biomanufacturing campus in Minnesota
A year after the state Legislature awarded money to the nonprofit for a pilot plant, the search, and research, continues.
How to pack allergen-free snacks as kids head back to school
Some classrooms require allergy-friendly fare as food allergies remain on the rise.
Two years in, Minnesota's THC market hasn't lost its buzz
The market for low-dose drinks and edibles is maturing and ready to face the competition from recreational marijuana dispensaries, which are expected to open next year.
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Hormel, affiliated meatpackers settle wage-fixing lawsuits for $13.5 million
Hormel subsidiary Jennie-O Turkey Store also settled similar claims.
Duluth paper mill plans major expansion, adding 160 jobs
Sofidel is investing up to $250 million to grow the tissue paper mill.
Inflation is low. Prices are still high. What gives?
Higher prices for many goods and services are likely here to stay.
How does Minnesota's income inequality compare with other states?
Minnesota has the highest median personal income in the Midwest and boasts a relatively narrow gap between the lowest incomes and the median.
Hormel's head of retail retiring amid company transformation
Former Applegate president John Ghingo will replace Deanna Brady this fall.
Out-of-state applicants swarm Minnesota's early cannabis license window
Those chosen among the 1,800 pre-applications will have a head start when Minnesota issues licenses, likely next year.
Drought, war across the world hurting Minnesota farmers, agribusinesses
Low water in the Panama Canal and violence in the Red Sea join a host of other pressures on American farmers and exporters.
Cargill's annual revenue falls for the first time in years
The company is reorganizing from five to three divisions to jumpstart growth.
Cargill plans restructuring amid earnings slowdown
After years of growth, the Minnetonka-based company is trying to streamline following a commodity dip experienced by many agribusinesses.
CHS partners on $440 million grain terminal in Brazil
The Minnesota-based cooperative has formed a joint venture with Brazilian rail giant Rumo.
Can Minnesota help solve global food insecurity?
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations thinks so after a visit to the Twin Cities this week.
Lawsuits allege high levels of lead in General Mills' Cocoa Puffs cereal
The class-action suits seek millions in damages for consumers nationwide and joins a number of related claims against chocolate makers.
Beer sales are waning. Can NA brews buoy the industry?
Amid rapid national growth of nonalcoholic beers, new challenges face brewers hoping to have something for everyone at Minnesota taprooms.
'Our products are aging': New 3M CEO wants more innovation
After a decade of decline, more new product launches are expected in the years ahead with Bill Brown at the helm.
New 3M CFO has shared history with chief executive
Anurag Maheshwari spent years at L3Harris, which CEO Bill Brown previously led.
Proposed cannabis regulations bring Minnesota one step closer to dispensaries
The rules still need approval before the state can start granting licenses.
![This turkey brought to Governor Dayton from Minnesota Turkey Growers Association received only a temporary reprieve. Tuesday, November 20, 2012. ] GLE](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AZO5MCXZ5EBL3NTM67RGNCNJ2Y.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota's turkey industry knocks USDA's new salmonella proposal as costly, unnecessary
USDA proposal would treat salmonella similar to E. coli and set limits on the amount of salmonella allowed in several types of raw chicken and raw ground turkey.
A year since emergency SNAP benefits expired, thousands of Minnesotans are struggling
The emergency expansion during the pandemic was such a meaningful subsidy for millions of Americans that food companies like General Mills, Post and Hormel are seeing sales drop by the billions without it.
Record rally for 3M shares as profits soar under new CEO
A leaner 3M has sharpened its margins as restructuring pays off.
3M's role in the golf industry goes beyond the PGA Tour's 3M Open
The title sponsor of the event in Blaine this week is deeply embedded in the sport, from sandpaper to adhesives.
Costly, hard-to-find insurance keeping THC beverages off some Minnesota menus
Minnesota's pioneering approach to on-site THC consumption means insurers don't have a baseline to write policies around and thus are hesitant to offer coverage.
Food manufacturing plant in Fridley closing, laying off 170 workers
Family-owned Rich's, based in New York, acquired the plant from TreeHouse Foods in 2020.
Cargill lays off 200 tech workers globally amid digital refocusing
The cuts come as Cargill is opening a tech-focused office hub in Atlanta that plans to hire for 400 jobs.
CHS: Global trade winds continue shifting away from American farmers and cooperatives
Inver Grove Heights-based CHS warned Wednesday that exports face "strong competition."
3M president, finance chief resigns for job at ADM
President, finance chief at 3M resigns for job at ADM
New Africa-based leader for General Mills-backed nonprofit Partners in Food Solutions
As the new CEO, Mandla Nkomo sees major opportunities to help revolutionize Africa's food industry to address the continent's ongoing urbanization.
Minnesota-based Cargill, Target partner on cotton-tracing tech
FibreTrace is working with the ag giant and retailer to help answer consumer demand for traceability in fashion and make sure cotton items aren't the product of child or forced labor around the world.
Man shot dead outside Lakeville Amazon warehouse identified
Ahmed Ibrahim Cariif, 22, of Faribault died of a gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities have a suspect in custody and are investigating what led to the altercation.
Man killed in north Minneapolis shooting Friday night identified
The man was identified as Carl Maurice Woodard, 55, of Minneapolis. No arrests have been made.
GOP officials distance party from Hennepin County Board candidate Simonetti
The candidate from Edina, arrested earlier this month on assault charges, fired back at the party.
OptumRx pays $20M to settle federal opioid investigation
The company mailed "trinity" prescriptions that raised unresolved red flags, authorities say.
Firefighters sue 3M, other companies over PFAS in gear
The lawsuit in Connecticut seeks millions on behalf of firefighters across the state.
With Kelce brothers, Pete Davidson and the Pillsbury Doughboy, General Mills splurges on ads
The Golden Valley-based food company hopes a marketing blitz helps boost sagging sales.
Fired Mille Lacs executive who blew whistle on tribe's marijuana plans sues
Derek Dorr, who oversaw the tribe's federal contract business, alleges reprisal in a federal lawsuit and seeks potentially millions.
Arkansas sues Minnesota-based Optum over alleged role in opioid epidemic
The state accuses Optum and Express Scripts of "negotiating favorable deals with opioid manufacturers."
Minnesota's Smackin' sunflower seeds a hit in the dugout and beyond
Propelled by TikTok, the co-founders and former University of Minnesota roommates want to conquer the market.
UnitedHealth cyberattack compromised credit cards, health history
Individuals affected by the cyberattack, which could number more than 100 million, will start receiving notice in late July.
Cargill opening tech-focused office in Atlanta, hiring 400 people
The company aims to grow its digital operation.
Bushel Boy Farms in Owatonna to pay $200K in back wages, damages
The indoor greenhouse operation for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries failed to pay overtime to 94 employees for two years.
Minneapolis plant-based food company Wicked Kitchen acquired as industry consolidates and slows
Plant-based sales declined last year for the first time since tracking started in 2017.
Schwan's planning massive Asian food plant and corporate office in Sioux Falls
The Minnesota company recently bought land for a $500 million plant first floated in 2021; it will hire up to 700 people.
More layoffs at Yelloh as former Schwan's delivery business contracts further
The company drastically reduced its service area last year and is ending delivery in parts of Minnesota and elsewhere.
First case of bird flu detected in Minnesota dairy cows
State officials are warning those who work closely with infected animals they are at risk of contracting the virus.
Black workers sue General Mills, alleging discrimination at Georgia plant
The employees allege a hostile culture run by white "Good Ole Boys" at the cereal factory.
Ultra-processed food is tasty and easy. Is it bad for you?
"People like food that tastes really good," General Mills CEO says, amid renewed criticism of processed foods.
New SunOpta leader keeping 'foot on the gas' at Eden Prairie food company
Brian Kocher became CEO of the plant-based milk maker in January.
Minnesota-based Schwan's Co. names new CEO
The food company promoted Brian Schiegg as successor to Dimitrios Smyrnios, who retired.
To make affordable green hydrogen a reality, 3M says 'bring us your problems'
The Maplewood-based company's research and materials are contributing to a fast-moving green energy sector spurred on by recent federal investments.
Have a say in how your 401(k) account is invested
Most accounts go into funds, which contain hundreds or thousands of individual securities. But with a little effort, you can have more control of where your savings go.
General Mills promises deforestation-free cereal by end of 2025
The Minnesota food maker joins Cargill and others in pledging to preserve forests in its supply chain.
Hormel stock sinks as shoppers look for protein elsewhere
Declining retail sales of Jennie-O turkey and other meats overshadowed higher earnings guidance.
Millions more egg-laying hens lost to bird flu in Minnesota and Iowa
Hopkins-based Michael Foods reported it lost 14% of its egg capacity in the recent weeks of the outbreak.
Land O'Lakes unit plays matchmaker for climate-conscious food companies and farmers
As companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint, farmers hold the keys. That's where Minnesota-based Truterra comes in.
Wolves' playoff run brings welcome — and free — economic boost for downtown
Unlike the Super Bowl and Final Four of recent years, the tourism bump required no upfront investment from the city having to bid and prepare for a big sporting event.
Fast-food prices have skyrocketed. Here's a look at how much they've climbed.
If you're old enough to remember $5 footlongs from Subway, keep reading.
Post's billion-dollar pet food business sees shoppers flock to value brands
Lakeville-based Post Consumer Brands is putting more money behind brands like Rachael Ray Nutrish and 9 Lives a year after buying into the pet food business.
Why Minnesota millennials feel worse off than their parents
The specter of the 2008 recession continues to haunt many millennials, whose income started slow and might not catch up to their parents.
CHS poised to absorb large western Minnesota cooperative
West Central Ag Services has signed a non-binding letter of intent to join CHS.
Dunn Brothers Coffee wants to add 250 more locations from Minnesota to Texas
The Minnesota-based coffee shop chain currently has about 50 franchises, though one recently closed in Uptown.
3M cuts dividend, ending long reign as a Dividend King
Shareholders also voted down the company's executive compensation plan Tuesday, an early snag for new CEO Bill Brown.
Sundaes in Shanghai: Dairy Queen expands global empire
The Minnesota-based franchisor is seeing sales and profits steadily climb as its international ambition grows.
