Recent content from Brooks Johnson
From sprinkles to licorice, FDA Red Dye No. 3 ban will change these Minnesota foods
While Red 40 is the artificial dye of choice for many products from companies like General Mills, some still use the controversial Red 3.
Amid layoffs, Cargill's owners given $2B in stock buybacks and special dividends
As 8,000 employees lost their jobs last month in a cost-cutting reorganization, the Cargill-MacMillan family for the first time since 2019 received profit-sharing payments.
Hormel CEO Jim Snee to retire after 8-year tenure that included tumultuous pandemic era
He oversaw the largest acquisition in the company's history, plus changes after COVID-19's disruption.
Stuart Murdoch's mostly true novel about his chronic illness dazzles with indie charm
Fiction: The Belle and Sebastian frontman has a hit with his debut.
MyPillow ordered to pay nearly $800K for unpaid shipping bill
DHL had sued the Minnesota company over an unfulfilled payment plan last year.
Cookware association sues Minnesota over PFAS ban, calling it unconstitutional
A federal suit says Minnesota's sweeping "forever chemical" prohibitions violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Minnesota tech on display at country's biggest consumer electronics show, with 3M leading the way
Target, Digi, Element Electronics and others also will try to wow the 100,000-plus attendees at the world's biggest personal tech trade show.
3M tech making it easier for drivers to see on dark, rainy roads
The company's pavement markings business, struggling to gain market share, boasts the only tapes and paint additives that maintain reflectivity when wet.
Iron Range union applauds Biden's blocking of U.S. Steel acquisition: 'We are going to be fine.'
President Joe Biden, citing national security concerns, on Friday blocked Nippon's acquisition of U.S. Steel, an important player in the Minnesota mining industry.
As bird flu payments pass $1B and egg prices keep climbing, feds make it harder to get compensated
USDA adds biosecurity measures to requirements for reimbursement.
Americans are drinking less milk, but devouring butter and cheese like never before
Never mind federal dietary guidelines, consumers are all in on flavor, price and simple ingredients, driving the change in habits.
How to adapt your buying habits as Minnesota's PFAS ban begins
Learn to live without the convenient yet toxic chemicals found in much cookware, kids clothing, cosmetics and other products.
UnitedHealth Group waives deadlines to complete $3.3B home health acquisition
The Department of Justice is suing to block the deal for Amedisys over antitrust concerns.
As General Mills' market lead narrows, CEO says company must 'behave like the leader'
As lower-priced store brands continue to gain market share, Minnesota's reigning category leader is not resting on its laurels.
Texas attorney general sues 3M, DuPont for 'falsely advertising' PFAS as safe
The state accuses the companies behind Scotchgard and Teflon of violating the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
General Mills trading profits for price cuts to win back customers
The cereal maker is going big on promotions in the year ahead.
Retailers like Best Buy, Target offer last-minute shoppers a Santa's little helper: AI
Target, Best Buy and others offer digital tools to make finding and receiving gifts easier.
Dietary guidelines committee punts on ultra-processed food, a win for General Mills
Federal nutrition guidelines unlikely to address what critics call "irresistible" food many studies have linked to obesity.
Minnesota Star Tribune editor Suki Dardarian announces retirement
Her 43-year career in journalism is defined by award-winning coverage and steadfast leadership during times of dramatic change.
MyPillow and Mike Lindell sue another lender, claiming $1.2M loan was a 'sham'
He alleges a New York cash advance company charged an "illegal, usurious" interest rate of 409%.
Bird flu claims 12% of egg supply at Hopkins-based Michael Foods, parent company Post
An outbreak in Iowa affected more than 4 million birds.
Minnesota-based CHS steering through uncertain times for global agriculture
Low prices are pushing ag into a down cycle just as tariffs threaten to further complicate trade.
Solventum, Minnesota's newest public company, laying off employees
The 3M health care spinoff has not disclosed how many of its 22,000 employees are affected.
![Hormel headquarters in Austin, MN. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Friday September 11, 2015 Despite woes throughout the food industry, partly](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/527MWWMEXAN6BDVVGMMGBOERGU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hormel heralds progress on turnaround plan
The Minnesota company is in the middle of a plan to "transform and modernize" the company, cutting costs and investing in the business.
Minnetonka-based Cargill to lay off about 8,000 people, 5% of global workforce
The cuts, including 475 headquarters jobs, come amid a corporate restructuring in response to falling sales and profits.
Target tops retail competitors on Black Friday as in-store shopping surges
Malls also see improved foot traffic, while Best Buy sees sharp decline.
Western Minnesota ag co-op OKs $225M deal to merge with CHS
CHS, a Fortune 500 company, upped its bid after a competing offer from North Dakota-based Arthur Cos.
The yellow trucks are now retired, but Schwan's Home Delivery is part of many a Minnesotan's childhood memories
After 72 years in business, the frozen food delivery company now known as Yelloh closed. We asked readers to tell us their stories.
After a year in the job, Cub CEO says relevance is everything in the fast-changing grocery world
"You have to earn that loyalty," Andre Persaud said.
Best Buy says Trump tariffs will increase prices at a difficult time for the retailer
Proposed tariffs could add to recent troubles as the Richfield-based retailer missed profit expectations for the first time in two years.
Minnesotans are watching budgets for holiday feasts, but the parties will go on
Retailers like Target and Walmart are cutting prices to the bone and offering package deals as more gatherings are expected this year.
How to shop Black Friday like a pro (and score Target's Taylor Swift merch)
Even as sales expand across November and December, there are bona fide deals awaiting early risers who brave the chill the day after Thanksgiving.
Minnesota turkeys head back to D.C. for pre-Thanksgiving presidential pardon
Peach and Blossom are scheduled to be pardoned Monday by President Joe Biden. It is the second year in a row that the nation's leading turkey-producing state will send birds to the White House.
Conagra will pay $142K in restitution to seasonal workers at Waseca frozen vegetable plant
The Birds Eye plant recruited workers without providing all the job details Minnesota law requires.
Target's stock plunges as customers rein in their spending
The Minneapolis-based retailer lowered its profit outlook for the rest of the year as consumers remain frugal.
CHS raises offer for Minnesota ag firm to $225M ahead of member vote
West Central's board considered a competing $250 million offer from Arthur Cos. but said 'CHS is the right fit for us.'
More food companies are getting snatched up, and they all have something in common
Steve Young, managing partner at Manna Tree, explains what is driving the fierce M&A activity in the food industry right now and how Minnesota is part of it.
Retailers face a 'Wicked' quick turnaround between Thanksgiving, Christmas
With a tighter window between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the ramp-up to Black Friday is steeper than ever this year.
With pet food, Lakeville's Post Consumer Brands now a $4B company
The cereal maker's 2023 acquisition of Kibbles 'n Bits, Nutrish and other brands is paying off.
General Mills to spend $1.4B to buy more pet food brands
Blue Buffalo owner is adding Tiki Pets, other brands to boost cat food and pet treat business.
Minnesota firm sues Logan Paul's Prime brand for trademark infringement
X Hydration says the Prime X Hydration drinks are causing "consumer confusion."
Molson Coors closing historic Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Brewing operations at the Wisconsin landmark are moving to an upgraded plant in Milwaukee.
CHS facing competition for its $200M offer to buy West Central cooperative
Minnesota-based CHS also reported a $1.1 billion annual profit Wednesday.
General Mills' $1.2B bet on pet treats falls victim to poor timing
Several brands given lower valuation amid slow sales.
Farming is more high-tech than ever. Just ask Land O'Lakes' chief technology officer.
Chief Technology Officer Teddy Bekele is leading a digital transformation at the Minnesota-based cooperative.
Cub grocery now accepting SNAP for online orders
The supermarket joins a host of other retailers approved to accept the food assistance payments for online orders.
State subsidy keeps 3M spinoff Solventum in Minnesota
The state approved a request for up to $13 million in assistance for the $209 million headquarters project at a former Blue Cross building in Eagan.
Have a question about starting a food business in Minnesota? Ask AVA.
State agency has paired its food and ag resources with an AI tool to help entrepreneurs and producers.
More than 1.4 million chickens stranded by closure of Pure Prairie Poultry plant euthanized
Several hundred thousand birds in Minnesota and Wisconsin were able to find new homes after the bankrupt poultry company stopped delivering feed.
MyPillow and CEO Mike Lindell say they resorted to $600K in loan shark-like financing as judgments mounted
Now, the company and Lindell himself are suing several merchant cash advance companies.
![Frozen Jennie-O turkeys photographed at a Cub Foods store in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, November 15, 2021. ] Elizabeth Flores • liz.flores@startri](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/U74OMTK3OMVA7SBJ2BTZ5SF4D4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Target, Walmart lower prices this year with competing Thanksgiving meal deals
The announcement continues the price war between the two mega-retailers.
Hormel sells pioneering business that makes specialized food for people with medical conditions
Hormel Health Labs is being sold to California company as parent company looks to refocus around core categories.
Delta Air Lines says it needs more time to ditch toxic PFAS firefighting foam at MSP
Minnesota lawmakers gave maintenance hangars, including Delta's, a reprieve as Sun Country, MSP make progress toward PFAS-free firefighting foam.
'Momentum in the water' as 3M profits top expectations
The company raised its outlook for the rest of year on Tuesday.
In the Target vs. Walmart price war, consumers keep winning
Minneapolis-based Target announced another 2,000 price cuts on Tuesday, as the holiday retail season heats up.
3M dials back remote work policy
Senior directors need to be back three days a week in November. Other employees encouraged to also work from Maplewood HQ those days, CEO said in letter.
The Twins cost how much? Why sports team valuations have exploded
The value of the Twins has grown exponentially in 40 years. The price of the Wolves nearly doubled in three years. The increases have put club ownership out of reach for even 'minor billionaires.'
Best Buy hoping supersize TVs will get more holiday shoppers to splurge on electronics
XXL TVs are surging in popularity, and the Richfield-based retailer has doubled its selection of TVs 97 inches and bigger.
If it stays in Minnesota, Solventum plans $209M overhaul of Eagan Blue Cross campus
The 3M health care spinoff is asking for $13 million in state assistance as it decides where to put its permanent campus.
General Mills' marketing boss on reaching consumers in an era of advertising overload
The company's fortunes may rest on its increasing ad spending, but Doug Martin isn't breaking a sweat.
Spam is a Minnesota-born meat that's become an essential Asian ingredient
The brand of canned meat has long had a place in Asian and Pacific Island cuisine, from Spam musubi to army stew, and now Hormel is bringing those flavors to the U.S. with products like Korean barbecue- and gochujang-flavored Spam.
Beats by 3M? Latest noise-cancelling headset boasts solar charging, improved audio
The Maplewood company's new WorkTunes release marks the first solar-charging headset on the consumer market.
![GLEN STUBBE ¥ gstubbe@startribune.com --ÊThursday, November 4, 2010 -- Minneapolis, MN -- L to R are ] The Pohlad brothers, Jim, Bob and Bil](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/H6MR4CEAJZNPKMBMZWUBHJOMWY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Who are the Pohlads, the family selling the Minnesota Twins?
Carl Pohlad paid $44 million for the team in 1984 after earning a fortune in banking, soda bottling and car sales.
Minnesota moves to cull or process hundreds of thousands of chickens at struggling farms
Pure Prairie Poultry, a Nicollet County-based chicken company, had tried to file for bankruptcy last month.
Land O'Lakes brings 'farmcore' fashion to the runway in Paris (Wisconsin)
The Minnesota-based cooperative's ad campaign aims to connect consumers to its farmer-owners through joining the farmcore social media trend.
McDonald's sues Cargill, other beef suppliers for alleged price-fixing
The fast food giant says the Big Four beef companies broke antitrust law and artificially raised prices.
Extra Minneapolis police patrols planned for synagogues after Temple Israel gets threats
The caution comes amid the Jewish High Holy Days and the impending anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
3M sets ambitious greenhouse gas goals
The Minnesota company set its first validated target for Scope 3 emissions and reported progress in its internal goals.
![Steve Carlson, with Carlson Farms, harvest soy beans in his combine on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 in Welch, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3D7HLP7MPW45WZJOMND4AQN3V4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
If a trade war comes, U.S. agriculture might be 'on the losing side'
A new analysis from NDSU researchers warned retaliatory tariffs could wipe out billions in farm exports if the U.S. puts new tariffs on imports.
Minnesota company replicated Keurig's K-cups, alleges former customer stole its coffee pod tech
Microtrace is suing TreeHouse Foods for breach of contract for allegedly using its trade secrets to make Keurig-compatible coffee pods.
Comedian Charlie Berens on Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip: 'Yes, I will see you next time.'
The viral sketch producer and stand-up comedian shares what he thinks makes his home state's famed gas station and convenience store chain so popular in the Midwest.
How Kwik Trip created a cult-like following in the Midwest
The Wisconsin-based regional gas station chain has become a cultural icon in the area thanks to its focus on affordable prices, crave-worthy food and kind workers.
3M health care spinoff Solventum seeking state help to keep HQ in Minnesota
A move to Eagan would keep the new Fortune 500 company in Minnesota but separate from its current home in 3M's Maplewood campus.
Cargill's consumer TrendTracker reveals 'battle between reward and guilt'
Cargill research shows consumers make calculations on how many healthy choices give "permission to indulge."
Former Schwan's delivery service, Yelloh, shutting down after 72 years as a Minnesota business
The food delivery business with the iconic yellow trucks "has regrettably run its life cycle," says one board member. The Schwan's name lives on in frozen foods after a South Korean company bought that part of the business in 2019.
