The newly developed thermal-oil-heated tunnel oven combines the constant radiant heat typical for thermal oils with true vertical turbulence for convective heat transfer, and can also work with different baked goods carriers even without conveyor belts.

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.

The new TruBake HiCirc convection oven launched by Baker Perkins brings higher rates of convection, higher heat flux, and a broader range of product capability than its predecessors. 

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.

Companies that make pans for the baking industry, whether for breads, baguettes, muffins, cookies, cakes, pies, etc., are focused on issues like larger sizes, a desire for energy and material efficiency, stick resistance, and the ability to help produce specialty and artisanal products.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., shoppers began to frantically stock up on select food products. Due to its convenience and comfort-food appeal, frozen pizza was a top choice, and retailers soon found themselves with dwindling supplies as American society braced for the worst.

Renewable Lubricants new food grade Bio-Extreme High Temperature Oven Lubricants perform at extreme high temperatures up to and over 1000° C, with protection up to 2000° C. 

Reading Bakery Systems has introduced a new multi-pass environmentally controlled proofer that accelerates dough development time in a reduced production footprint.

MECATHERM has launched the Authentik Baguette, a solution that allows manufacturers to meet the new expectations of consumers looking for more authentic products, with a product positioned midway between the classic baguette and the artisan-style baguette. 

The Digital Air Velocity Sensor Array delivers a precise picture of airflow patterns inside an oven, dryer, or cooling tunnel, from side-to-side and end-to-end.

Energy efficiency, automation, and ensuring a robust return-on-investment have been top-of-mind for snack food and wholesale bakery companies in the market for ovens and proofers, according to companies that make those machines, who say sales have been strong.

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

Snack food and wholesale bakery companies had been steadily adding automation to their plants and equipment contained therein for a number of years—and then the pandemic hit, accelerating the process due to both the difficulty in finding qualified people to hire, and the need for social distancing that accompanied at least the early stages of COVID-19. Ovens, proofers, and associated equipment have been among the candidates for automation.

The design is intended to offer bakery customers faster installation.

Synergy Flavors, Inc., a supplier of flavors, extracts and essences for the global food and beverage industry, announced the launch of Dairy by Nature, a new portfolio of custom taste solutions.

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.

On Thursday, December 3rd, Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery attended a virtual "wine and cheese" night hosted by Wisconsin Cheese.

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.

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

Idaho Milk Products recently promoted Pratishtha Verma to the position of research & development (R&D) scientist.

CreamEase is a cost-stable dairy analogue alternative to traditional cream cheese that delivers on taste, color, and texture expectations. 

Holiday shopping is poised to be more chaotic than ever this year given supply chain disruptions, but Whisps has launched a unique gift that’s 100 percent custom and ships in just two weeks.

The Parmesan Crisps brand will debut these updates at The 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show.

Joyfull Bakery, the artisan Parmesan Crisps company, has announced that its crisps will be available in all Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide.

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

The brand's fall offerings include a Pumpkin King Cream Donut, Pumpkin Danish, Maple Pecan Layer Cake, and more.

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

First Watch is rolling out its seasonal menu highlighting flavors of pumpkin, salted caramel, apple butter, and hot honey.

The doughnut combines the tastes of chai and coffee in a baked item.

Krispy Kreme's Golden Harvest Collection is available beginning today for a limited time at participating shops.

From cakes and pastries to deals for Rewards members, there are no tricks, only treats at Paris Baguette this October.

Expanding its better-for-you nostalgic treats, Lexington Bakes introduces four seasonal flavors, each crafted in collaboration with artisan brands.

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

Albertsons Companies is introducing its private label lineup of Halloween-inspired treats, including from its newly launched Overjoyed brand.

Flavors of the new pastries include cherry, bacon, lemon, apple, praline, and Speculoos.

Krispy Kreme’s Thanksgiving Pies Doughnut Collection is available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s app and website.

The ingredients innovator in the bakery, sweet goods, and chocolate industry hosted its annual Taste Tomorrow conference in Austin this week.

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

The collection features seven curated cozy flavors as a tribute to the moods of warmth, comfort, and energy that define the autumn season.

The producer also is bringing back Cranberry English muffins, bagels, and swirl bread.

The puffed and extruded snacks category is having a great year: all of its subcategories are up from the same time period last year, per Circana data, and consumers are returning to gatherings where snacks like Cheetos, Funyuns, and other snacks are omnipresent.

The brand is introducing its first ever Thanksgiving Pizza available for consumers this November while supplies last.

The series is intended to help snack, bakery, and other food firms refine their flavors.

The movie chain is offering the seasoned popcorn in select venues across the U.S.

Southern Recipe Small Batch is rereleasing its Cranberry Jalapeno and Apple Cinnamon pork rind flavors for the holidays.

This year’s report also provides insights and recommendations on how to turn these trends into action to encourage consumer engagement and to stand out from the competition. 

Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning launches with limited-edition menu items nationwide at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer restaurants.