Year in Review: Top Supplier News of 2015

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The retailer side of the convenience channel was not the only one to see a burst of merger and acquisition activity this year. The supplier side also made its fair share of moves.

2015 brought the long-awaited closing of the Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Inc. tobacco merger, which was first announced in 2014 and went through a nearly year-long review process.

Partial stakes and partnerships — think The Coca-Cola Co. and Monster Corp. — also dominated supplier news in 2015.

These are the top 10 supplier headlines of the year, as reported by CSNews Online:

1. A-B InBev & SABMiller Reach Final Merger Deal
Miller brands to be sold to Molson Coors to ease antitrust concerns.

2. A Done Deal: RAI-Lorillard Merger Completed
Imperial officially takes ownership of several U.S. brands as well.

3. The Kraft Heinz Co. Makes Its Debut
It is North America's third-largest food and beverage company.

4. Coca-Cola Completes $2.15B Stake in Monster
Distribution issues appear to be easing as transition continues.

5. Snyder's-Lance Signs $1.91B Deal for Diamond Foods
Acquisition expands better-for-you portfolio, presence in Europe.

6. Hershey Enters Meat Snacks Category Through Acquisition
KRAVE Pure Foods to be a standalone business.

7. Japan Tobacco's Global Ambitions Lead to Logic Acquisition
Deal is expected to close in the third quarter.

8. AdvancePierre Acquiring Landshire Operations
More transactions likely to be announced later this year.

9. Dr Pepper Snapple Takes Stake in Sports Drink Brand
Move follows diversity trend as CSDs decline.

10. Core-Mark & Boyd Coffee Form Strategic Partnership
Companies to focus on providing better beverage solutions.

Stay tuned to CSNews Online for more 2015 Year in Review recaps.