When I travel, or throughout the always-lively and competitive greater Chicagoland grocery industry, my home market, I revel in visits to unfamiliar grocery and convenience stores. Instantly immersed, strolling the perimeter and aisles, eyes darting to end caps and standalone displays, I'm a true omnivore awash in the thrill of the hunt for something new and delicious.

One of the best parts of my job is traveling around this great country to visit with snack and bakery companies, some of which have helped define this industry for over a century. I'm always humbled to hear their pioneering stories of perseverance and success - and honored with the privilege of telling their stories to the world.

There is nothing like a pandemic to test a company's limitations. While food producers received official designation as "essential" businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the American food industry, continuing operations during the pandemic did not equate to business as usual.

Near the end of December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, Wuhan City, China, reported several pneumonia cases that officials eventually tied to a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, now generally known as COVID-19.

This past year was unlike any other throughout our history as a nation, and the snack and bakery industry saw significant impact.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for snack and bakery companies to improve safety, production, and efficiency.

New technologies to help expand increased refrigerated and frozen snack and bakery product warehousing and distribution.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, snack and bakery companies increase and adjust sanitation procedures for their facilities.

Reviewing and revising sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compact belts and conveyors for snack and bakery production meet demands for cleanability and automation.

Throughout the year, whenever you pick up a sandwich away from home, there is a good chance you have Bimbo Bakehouse to thank for your bread.

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.

According to the April 2021 "Cold Chain Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report" from Grand View Research, the global cold chain market size was valued at $210.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8 percent from 2021 to 2028.

Building consumer trust, understanding a product’s life cycle, and addressing challenges like increasing costs and the supply chain.

"In 1970, my dad and uncle opened our first restaurant," says Daniel Schwartz, president, Schwartz Brothers Bakery, Renton, WA. "Three years later, they opened a concept called The Sandwich Shop and Pie Place. They were looking to source the very best pies to serve at their restaurant, and they couldn’t find any that they liked."

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.

Snack food and wholesale bakery companies in the market for machines that help prepare, store, transport, and otherwise handle ingredients are most focused on qualities like automation, ease of maintenance, and the ability to deliver higher performance in throughput and accuracy.

Back by popular demand, Sandwi-chips, crafted with Herr’s flavor expertise, feature bold condiment flavors and a hearty crunch that aims to complement sandwiches.

The brand best known for its kettle-cooked sweet potato chips is now at 800 US Walmarts.

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.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming 2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2 and a half cup equivalents of vegetables per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

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

The producer’s CPG products also include frozen meals, sides, and other food items.

Both products deliver an elevated snacking experience that blend together two favorite classic snacks into one product. 

A decadent slice of pie after a holiday meal is a tradition that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of food allergies or dietary restrictions.

For this Mother’s Day, Grand Traverse Pie Company is thrilled to release a Strawberry Champagne Pie.

Grocery retailers across the country now have even more choices to offer in-store bakery shoppers when it comes to pies.

Raised Gluten Free is celebrating the sweet flavors of spring and summer with two seasonally inspired offerings: Southern Peach and Blueberry Bliss.

Jar Joy has introduced its new innovative line of multi-layered desserts. 

The all-natural pie company expands into the healthy frozen snack category with almond butter and fruit sandwiches.

Wholly Wholesome's new pie shells and rolled pie dough contains clean-label ingredients that consumers would find in their own kitchens.

The sandwiches aim to bring a balance of good taste and clean label to the table.

Hitting shelves nationwide the first week of April, the launch marks the latest expansion from Del Real Foods.

The BFY frozen food producer is bringing new snacks and veggie burgers to Targets.

The 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show marked the first time that the Kayco Kosher division had a presence, marking its debut into the specialty food market with a focus on the Manischewitz and Tuscanini brands.

The limited-time items released by the chain feature a wide range of sweet treats, savory snacks, holiday products, and more.

Solely has introduced two products this September at Target, Sprouts, and Thrive Market.

Candy is still dandy, but there is an increasingly broad range of trick-or-treat options.

Second Nature Brands LLC will acquire the Voortman cookie brand from The J.M. Smucker Co. in an all-cash transaction worth $305 million.

The new sandwiches, starting at $9.99, including Green Goddess Caprese Melt, Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt, and Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt. 

Martin's fresh-baked products are now available for purchase at 65 Kroger stores throughout Cincinnati, Ohio.

As family and friends more frequently gather in person for parties, dinners, and other social settings, it follows that sales of buns and rolls might increase, because such baked items often are invited to the table. 

The item offers consumers a better-for-you alternative to a traditional sandwich bun.

The sweet bakery items' net carb count is equivalent to that of a single grape.

With this latest product launch, Calise Bakery is expanding its lineup of signature rolls and sourdough products.

In the award-winning FX television drama The Bear, bread plays a crucial roll—namely, the hinged Italian rolls used in crafting Chef Carmen Berzatto’s famous beef sandwiches.

Portland Style Cheesecake and Dessert Co. has added 3-inch cheesecakes and cakes to its line.

Tastykake, a Flowers Foods brand, is offering limited edition Lemon and Strawberry Kandy Kakes until May 21.

Product manufacturers need to continuously evaluate portfolio strategies to defend financial goals and positioning for the short- and long-term.

Equipment manufacturers offering scales and checkweighers now offer systems that feature data connectivity, hygienic design, high speeds, improved accuracy, less waste and the ability to maintain traceability. And in addition to all these improvements, today’s scales and checkweighers are easier to use than earlier models.