Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution? If you don't automatically align with the solution end of that equation, you might want to think about your overall messaging to consumers, and to the industry overall.

Our work in food is visceral. It's immediate. It's supremely intimate to serve a role in preparing the daily bread for people across our planet.

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.

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.

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.

As the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic descended upon America in early 2020, the American population began reacting to their new reality, and it was clear that snack and bakery production across the country would face a clear challenge. People were stocking up on supplies at an alarming rate, and the rush was on to keep grocery store shelves stocked.

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.

Traceability takes a top spot in modern food industry food safety strategies, following every aspect of the supply chain through manufacturing and to the point of consumer purchase.

The snack and bakery industry continues to face a difficult road when it comes to staffing. Challenges related to filling open positions for skilled and unskilled production personnel have persisted for years. But the past several months have proven particularly trying as employers seek to fill available jobs with individuals from an increasingly wary, pandemic-weary America.

Over the past few months, after nearly two years of disruption, I've been getting back into the saddle, visiting with the industry across the many pathways I carve through the course of my work.

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."

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.

State of the Industry Overview for bakery, including a look at baking industry challenges like the supply chain, workforce development, impact from the war in Europe, and the pandemic.

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

This year marks 20 years of MTN DEW's Baja Blast and to celebrate the "Bajaversary," Frito-Lay's Doritos brand has teamed up with MTN DEW to add Doritos Baja Fiery Mango to its lineup.

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.

The chip will make its theatrical movie debut in The Garfield Movie in May, and is celebrating with a limited-edition Garfield-themed bag, a larger-than-life mural, and more.

As a Preferred Salty Snack of the Kentucky Derby, the popped, never fried snack offers at-home Derby viewers the chance to win $20,000 plus a Derby-style garland of PopCorners.

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

Consumers can try all three Flavored by Philly Contest flavors and vote for the best.

Whether gearing up for summer travel, or simply packing for a summer picnic, Frito-Lay has a variety of flavors and on-the-go options to help consumers fuel the summer fun. 

Celebrity Chef Joe Sasto from Bravo’s Top Chef officially launched Tantos, a puffed pasta chip, in four flavors: Marinara, Cacio e Pepe, Pesto, and Classico.

As flavors inspired by the tastes of Greece, India and Korea hit store shelves across America, Lay's offers fans the chance to win a trip to one of the origins countries.

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.

​​​​​​Parker Products, a provider of inclusions and other specialty ingredients for the baking, dairy, beverage, confectionery, RTE and snack, and foodservice industries, has announced that cookie manufacturer Creative Food Ingredients (CFI) has joined the Parker portfolio.

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.

Limagrain Ingredients has developed Pep's Balls: a new range of extruded pulses to enrich products with plant-based proteins, without any compromise on taste and offering a great mouthfeel.

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.

Nuts.com's Valentine's Day collections for 2024 include cookies, chocolates, gummies, and chocolate-covered pretzels.

Packed with 28 grams of protein and only six grams of carbs per pack, the new, flavor-packed plant-based protein pretzels launch nationwide on March 2024.

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

Rold Gold Waffles, with a lattie shape, is the brand's newest offering.

The Hot Honey Flavored Pretzel Pieces combine sweet honey and spicy chili heat with a salty pretzel base.

The flavor will join the brand's existing lineup of Bold + Herby, Simply Stellar, Maui Monk, and Sweet & Sparky flavors.

The brand known for its chocolate treats made with simple, pronounceable ingredients is expanding its collection with a sweet and salty snack collection.

Pretzel Pete, Inc. announced that it is adding four new flavors to its Topzels product line.

Bonnie & Pop has consumers covered for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa gifting options.

Available in sweet and savory flavors, the all-new 85-oz. Bucket of Bites features Pretzel Bites served with six different sauces of the fans’ choice, such as Cheddar Cheese, Pizza Sauce, Honey Mustard, and Cream Cheese.

This holiday season, Snack Factory is again rolling out its seasonal Pretzel Crisps flavors, White Crème & Peppermint and Dark Chocolate & Peppermint. 

Diamond of California, the century-old producer of “Made for Homemade” specialty nuts, has announced the launch of a new chocolate flavor, of their ready-to-use Nut Pie Crusts, available now on both store shelves nationwide, and online with Amazon. 

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.