Paxiom has announced the installation of its turn-key bulk nut packaging system, designed to streamline the packaging process for peanuts and ensure freshness and efficiency at every step.

The new bulk weigh filling machine is the first to integrate an in-line metal detector between the filling process and weigh bucket. 

The case packer is enhanced by the brand's patented corrugated warp correction technology. 

Key debuts new conveyor solutions to help processors streamline operations and reduce labor.

All Bradman Lake machinery has been specifically designed to meet today’s packaging challenges, improving flexibility and efficiency to increase profitability. 

Producers can maximize floor space and cost savings by combining the capabilities of Fortress metal detectors and checkweighers into a robust integrated system.

On exhibit at PACK EXPO will be the company's Thiele UltraStar G2 Bagger, Hayssen R300 Flow Wrapper, and OpView HMI.

The company’s integrated lines provide solutions from system design and simulation to machine selection, all the way through FAT testing and installation.

Wraparound case packers are used for their ability to provide a high level of protection and stability for packaged products, says the brand.

Econocorp will be unveiling the newest addition to its line of secondary packaging machinery, the Spartan M-Pro cartoning machine, at PACK EXPO this year.

Munk Pack’s line of innovative Protein Cookies line took away top honors in this year's ‘Best Healthy School Snacks’ contest.

Munk Pack, winner of the 2017 ‘Best Health School Snacks’ contest, discusses natural, healthy, vegan snacks.

The idea of "better for you" encompasses much of what consumers desire today in many of their snacks and baked goods: clean label, non-GMO, natural and—at its core—solid nutrition to make those foods a healthy part of their daily diet.

Crackers grow more sophisticated as shoppers seek nutrition and flavor in their snacks.

Consumers are reading labels more, looking for products that are nutritious, with ingredients that are easy to understand and that work with their family's budget. While there's no official definition of "clean label," consumers and the snack and bakery industry have their own definition in mind.

Grains are fundamental ingredients in snacks and baked goods, providing function, flavor, texture and nutrition. Grains are classified as either whole grains or refined grains.

Consumers want to achieve better overall health and wellness, and adding more dietary protein and fiber helps. FDA defines dietary fiber as "certain naturally occurring fibers that are 'intrinsic and intact' in plants, and added isolated or synthetic non-digestible soluble and insoluble carbohydrates that FDA has determined have beneficial physiological effects to human health."

Crackers maintain far-reaching appeal. But while the category benefits from increased consumer interest in snacking, crackers have experienced intensified competition from other foods within salty snacks and beyond.

There's a reason why better-for-you is trending and "perfect-for-you" isn't. According to the August 2018 "U.S. Better for You Eating Trends" market report from Mintel, just 7 percent of consumers say they're strict with themselves to make sure their diet is as healthy as possible, and just three in 10 say they maintain a healthy diet most of the time.

While taste will remain a dominant factor for all food products, health, wellness and the nutritional value of the product is growing in importance. Several studies point to the fact that consumers are looking to achieve better overall wellness by selecting foods and ingredients that provide a functional health benefit.

Ingredion Incorporated has launched a dietary fiber in the U.S.—NOVELOSE 3490.

There was a time, not so long ago, when nutritional boundaries were more clear-cut. "Indulgent foods weren't healthy," says Mel Festejo, COO, American Key Food Products, Closter, NJ. "They either had a surfeit of nutrients that triggered health issues, or they contained ingredients whose names raised anxiety."

Grains are a fundamental ingredient in snack food and bakery products and an important food in consumer diets. In fact, based on the 2020 IFIC Food and Health Survey, consumers view fiber, whole grains, and protein from plants as the healthiest, and most-sought-after, nutrients. 

Consumer interest in foods that support holistic health and well-being is increasing. According to the 2020 IFIC Food and Health Survey, over half of consumers report that healthfulness has more of an impact today versus 10 years ago on their food and beverage purchase decisions.

The pandemic has heightened consumers' interest in health and well-being. According to the 2021 IFIC Food and Health Survey, 58 percent of respondents stated that healthfulness had an impact on their food and beverage decisions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it intends to propose that “Acacia (Gum Arabic),” also known as gum acacia, be included as part of the FDA's definition of dietary fiber.

Tate & Lyle PLC has announced that it has today completed the acquisition of Quantum Hi-Tech (Guangdong) Biological Co., Ltd (Quantum), a prebiotic dietary fiber business located in China.

The right oven is the heart of any baked snack or bakery facility, and suppliers continue to make improvements to their equipment. Aspects like smaller footprints, lower costs, more hygienic design, greater energy efficiency, better control, remote monitoring and an ability to handle a wider range of ingredients are all facing scrutiny.

When it comes to equipment like ovens and proofers, internet connectivity, wider and larger machines, artisanal production methods, shorter bake times, reversible belts, energy efficiency and improved cleaning and sanitation are all top considerations in today’s market.

Miami-based Robotray Industrial Automation will be bringing its bakery automation systems to help wholesale, commercial and industrial bakeries to deal with the labor, food and employee safety, efficiency, sanitation and hygiene issues facing the industry today. 

This month’s digital edition features a range of in-depth features and industry news.

Some people innately embody a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Such is the case with Joel Clark, CEO of Kodiak Cakes, Park City, UT, a pioneer in better-for-you baking, offering whole-grain, protein-enhanced products that currently span multiple categories across breakfast, snacking, and beyond.

Portions of the dessert sales will benefit Feeding America’s hunger relief efforts.

Sargento Foods is continuing to innovate the refrigerated snack kit category with the launch of Sargento® Sunrise Balanced Breaks®.

Crackers are a product category that has nearly universal appeal. Consumers are snacking more often, especially in light of the recent pandemic, and the expanding variety of crackers on the market today make them a natural fit for nearly any snacking occasion.

The puffed and extruded snacks category has grown-up, and the market is seeing some diverse company.

It's safe to say COVID-19 has made its mark on the food industry. People are cooking more at home than they used to.

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, pretzels, and snack crackers have long been a staple in the home, and have become even more essential now during the coronavirus pandemic.

Good Health, a member of the Utz Quality Foods family of brands, is launching Good Health Organic with the introduction of Baked Cheese Puffs and Baked Cheese Fries!

The demand for keto products continues to grow, with Instacart reporting a 72 percent increase across grocery partners in year-over-year sales of products with "keto" in the name.

This January, The Laughing Cow is unveiling The Laughing Cow & Go portable cups.

Milk Specialties Global has doubled its lactose production following the expansion of its west coast processing facility in Visalia, CA.

Cheddies uses its own proprietary cheddar cheese recipe, sourced fresh from regenerative farms.

From Mozzarella Submarines to Pretzel Swords, Lunchables debuts Dunkables, its second foray into the snack category.

Hostess reintroduces fan-favorite seasonal snacks and new Halloween packs to level up trick-or-treating.

The European frozen bakery company created the new product in response to customer requests and flavor trends.

The new seasonal treat is a blend of traditional French patisserie and the flavors of fall, and is available October 1 to December 1 while supplies last.

McLane's new bakery line and expanded private-label candy products will be available for c-store customers to experience and order.

The limited-time items feature a quartet of pumpkin-flavored breakfast and sweet items.

Now that the pandemic is receding, the snack bar category has been increasing in sales. That makes sense; people are on the go more often than before (back to the office, taking road trips, etc.), and a snack bar fits the bill when consumers want a quick and/or healthy snack to stash in a purse or glove compartment.