Food & Beverage M&A review | H1 2026

Strategic buyers remain active across North America despite a more selective deal environment

Oaklins’ latest Food & Beverage M&A Review takes a closer look at deal activity across North America in the first half of 2026.

While transaction volumes have slowed amid continued tariff, geopolitical and financing uncertainty, strategic buyers remain highly active, pursuing acquisitions that strengthen core categories, add new capabilities, and provide access to attractive growth segments.

The report also highlights the growing importance of disciplined dealmaking in a market shaped by changing consumer preferences, inflationary pressures, and evolving trade dynamics.

Although overall transaction activity has moderated, strategic appetite in the food and beverage sector remains strong. Buyers are being more selective, but high-quality businesses with differentiated products, scalable platforms and clear growth opportunities continue to attract interest. In this environment, sector expertise and access to the right international buyers are more important than ever. Sébastien Nadeau, Managing Partner, Oaklins Canada

We hope you find this report insightful and look forward to further discussions with you.