Lest anyone think that the pandemic pressed "pause" on campaigns for corporate sustainability, think again. If anything, COVID-19 reminded consumers, and the snack and bakery sectors, just how interconnected we are, whether we’re selecting suppliers, expanding production, or packing a protein bar into our gym bags.

From cloud computing to the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 is essential for modern-day snack and bakery companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the past several years, the baking industry has faced a long list of serious, ongoing challenges.

Lay's continues to celebrate soccer by tapping "Chip Shot" Legend Lionel Messi for a new commercial, a consumer sweepstakes, and limited-edition commemorative Lay's packaging.

Nuts and seeds are growing in popularity due to an increase in healthy snacking and consumer interest in plant-based products. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 in 10 U.S. consumers sought healthier snacking options in 2018.

Striking the right balance between indulgence and better-for-you is important in winning over the consumer. The pandemic has heightened consumers' interest in health and well-being.

Inclusions such as fruits, vegetables, and chocolate can add another dimension of visual appeal, flavor, and texture to snacks and baked goods.

Innovative inclusions are geared toward delighting snack and bakery consumers while delivering BFY benefits.

The items include Cinnabon churros, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Subway cookies.

The mother-daughter company seeks to provide treats that bring people together.

Utz has introduced its newest addition to its ever-growing lineup of snack food offerings with Utz Mixed Minis Pretzels.

Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc.—a subsidiary of Schwan’s Company that offers trusted retail brands throughout the frozen-food category—has pushed forward in its innovation efforts and will launch new products under the Edwards brand.

Brand to launch holiday product offerings at Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.

The Kraft Singles Apple Pie tops a single-serve pie with a piece of American cheese.

The company is kicking off the next half of its Brownsville facility expansion.

The company has been manufacturing premium mozzarella sticks since it was founded in 2015.

The women-owned, mission-drive small business is expanding its Uniquely Crunchy product lines to Whole Foods nationally with exclusive flavor debut.

Hardee's is offering the biscuits all day long in packs of one, two, or four.

PepsiCo is launching a new initiative that will introduce people to new food experiences with the inaugural PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board.

Rivalz is now available at major retailers including select Sprouts, Nugget Markets, Bristol Farms, and now Meijer and Fred Meyer stores.

Angel Shelton Willis will join the company's executive leadership team and report to CEO Carlos-Abrams Rivers.

Known for its bun-based items, the Chicago-based chain is eyeing exponential growth.

Snacking healthier is getting easier nowadays with graze, a subscription box that also sells its products in stores. 

Insights into the top sandwich trends across the U.S. restaurant industry, including R&D inspirations for sandwich-specific breads, buns and rolls.

Eating occasions and flavor directions factor into industry activity and planning.

Consumers can add eggs, butter or oil, and water for homemade baked goods with the new mixes.

Producers face ongoing pressures, but they keep demonstrating their strength.

Category producers entice consumers with adventurous flavors and BFY benefits.

Machining and handling of dough prior to the cutting action requires several steps/actions, as they are critical to the textural characteristics of the finished product.

The new variety was created in partnership with Amber Balakian, a fourth-generation tomato farmer.

Mission MightyMe’s expansion to brick-and-mortar retail for the first time will lead to new brand discovery, making it even easier for families to follow pediatric recommendations to include nuts in babies’ diets early and often. 

The company’s Halloween-themed snacks include Quaker bars, and Cheetos in both sweet and savory varieties.

PepsiCo will be debuting new flavor innovations from Cheetos, Doritos, Quaker, and Lay's.

Not satisfied with the ingredients in many crunchy snacks on the market, Simply 7 Snacks, Houston, went into crunch time

Unique Pretzel Bakery astutely combines equal measures of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition and modern-day innovation to catalyze its success.

Product purchase and consumption patterns in America point toward a desire for affordable simplicity in our foods. This has catalyzed ongoing product development efforts to meet increasing consumer demand for natural and organic snacks. And efforts to bring cleaner snacking options to more Americans find increased success when retailers can offer such simplified products at affordable price points.

The bold, new look is designed to help the Cudahy, WI, bakery's products stand out in retailers' natural foods aisles.

Let’s take a look at how we can transform a basic brownie into a value-added product through the use of key functional ingredients and eye-catching inclusions.

Ingredient manufacturers offer a diversity of whole grains to build nutritional appeal in today’s snack foods and baked goods.

Save the date for the 25th annual Summit scheduled for May 8–11, 2023 in Rosemont, IL.

Maintaining sanitary conditions is at the top of the priority list in the food processing industry.

The food safety specialist has added the 20-year food industry veteran to its staff.

Company commits to not engage in advertising primarily directed to children under age 13.

The sweet baked goods brand has renamed its Minis line with a new name and packaging.

Hebenstreit GmbH is now offering manufacturers new technology designed for the manufacture of extruded snacks: the SE 70 and SE 110 single-screw cooking extruders.

Bunge North America purchases Heartland Harvest, a producer of die-cut pellets used to make extruded foods.

Improved weight accuracy, high-speed production, flexibility and easy sanitation are just some of dynamics bakers are looking for in depositors, dividers and rounders.

Processing Technologies International will invest $10 million in its Illinois headquarters in response to growing demand for its sheet extrusion equipment.

Growing consumer demand for better-for-you, gluten-free and innovative baked goods and snacks continues to drive bakers and snack manufacturers to explore new ingredients and formulations. It’s also prompting them to re-examine their equipment needs, as they discover that their existing machinery may not be able to efficiently handle today’s in-demand products. For some manufacturers, a new extruder may be just the ticket.

Snack manufacturers are looking to build in healthfulness through the use of raw materials, including vegetables and fruit, as well as cleaner ingredient profiles with more protein and fiber.