The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM.MX)

It’s about choice: Smucker CEO on processed food concerns

The J.M. Smucker Company's (SJM) line of products has spread far beyond jam and jelly. The company, commonly known as Smucker, has acquired many businesses over the years, especially from the late 1990s to the mid-2010s. Smucker’s portfolio now includes major brands, like Jif peanut butter and Uncrustables, spanning categories from coffee to pet food and competing with consumer packaged goods giants, like Nestlé (NSRGY), General Mills (GIS) and Kraft-Heinz (KHC). In 2016 Mark Smucker took over as CEO of the family business. In 2023, he expanded the company’s offerings further with the $5.6B acquisition of Hostess. Despite more consumers wanting to eat healthier, Smucker saw enough runway with the sweet treat brand, as its revenue was trending higher prior to the acquisition. Smucker explains the steps the business has taken to listen to make foods healthier across the board, but he also thinks some of it is up to the consumer. “I think we have to give the consumer choice,” says Smucker. For more of the full conversation with Smucker, click here. For more of our Lead This Way series, click here, and tune in to Yahoo Finance Live for more expert insight and the latest market action, Monday through Friday.