Vol. IV Issue 5 | Feb. 3, 2010

Editor's Note: Deal or No Deal Sometimes it seems like some members of the baking industry just don't enjoy prosperity, according to editor Dan Malovany. How else can you justify some of the irrationally foolish promotions in the bread aisle? Okay, maybe "deep discounting" or "extreme" promotions are the politically correct ways to describe them, but he's going let you do the math to decide which term is most accurate. Are bakers being "extreme" or just "foolish"? Check out what Dan has to say. more
IN OTHER NEWS Joe Blommer Leaves a Legacy Behind Joseph W. Blommer, who helped build Blommer Chocolate Co. into one of North America's largest cocoa bean processors and chocolate suppliers, passed away last month at his home in River Hill, Wis. He was 67. In a career spanning more than 35 years, Blommer, president and CEO, ran the company through a period of sustained growth and change. more ABA Recognizes Child Obesity Initiative Although the American Bakers Association supports Michelle Obama's recent move to take a leadership position in tackling childhood obesity, the Washington, D.C.-based organization notes that it's critically important for the first lady to recognize the significant contribution that food manufacturers, including bakers, continue to play in providing healthy, wholesome and convenient food choices at relatively low price points for America's families. more

MATADOR by Jack Link's Beef Jerky Company: Jack Link's Beef Jerky, Minong, Wis. Web site: www.jacklinks.com Introduced: November 2009 Distribution: National Suggested Retail: $2.99 for a 1.4-oz. package; $5.99 for a 3-oz. package Product Snapshot: MATADOR by Jack Link's expanded its meat snack line to include a cluster of bold new varieties. Available in Sizzling Sweet and Smokin' BBQ options, consumers can still enjoy a tender bite blended with a zesty taste.  more
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Solving Gluten-free Reformulation Challenges (Part II) Sales of gluten-free products have grown annually by double-digit rates during the past five years as hundreds of new products have hit the market, and not all of them are good tasting. In our second installment on gluten-free snacks and baked goods, find out what are the most difficult products to reformulate and how companies are addressing such issues as limited shelf life, high ingredient costs and the lack of some nutrient values of gluten-free products. more

FPSA to Focus on Innovation, Food Safety New product development, including new technologies for creating innovative products, will be among the topics discussed at the Bakery Council of the Food Processing Suppliers Association conference, which will be held March 10-13 in Cancun, Mexico. Additionally, breakout sessions will shine a light on critical issues in plant operations to give attendees a clear vision of their customers' operations. more	Video of the Week Kwik Lok Corporation Kwik Lok goes green with environmentally friendly bag closures. From weeks past: Dunbar Systems Reiser Koenig Technology
The Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery Network Magazine | Digital |  Newsletter Comments? Questions? We value your feedback. Let us know. SNAXPO 2010 Check out the premier event for the snack food industry. March 3-5, 2010 Fort Worth, Texas Learn more about SNAXPO 2010 IRI Summit Information Resources. Inc.'s Reinventing CPG and Retail Summit March 22-24, 2010 San Antonio, Texas Learn more about the IRI Summit Sweet & Snacks Expo 2010 (Formerly the All Candy Expo) Find the newest, coolest, latest and greatest... May 25-27, 2010 Chicago, IL Learn more about the Sweet & Snacks Expo 2010	Free Webinar Food Plant of the Future Advancing Food Safety Through Sanitary Design March 9, 2010 2 p.m. EST Learn more about this Webinar SF&WB Digital Magazine Read Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery magazine whenever, wherever. Complete current and back issues are available, now! View Digital Issues Food, Beverage & Packaging Store Further you technical education and industry knowledge with industry and academic journals, studies and research. Learn more about the FBP Store Are you ready to face the Fresh Connection Competition? The Fresh Connection is a Web-based role playing simulation game in which teams of four operations management professionals will be challenged to collaborate and employ supply chain management expertise to help save a virtual fruit juice manufacturer. Join the competition and become a part of an engaging and interactive platform that will enhance your team-building and e-collaboration skills. Compete online weekly from April 5-May 17, 2010. Register Now!

Advertise in Operations Weekly Publisher Jeff Heath (847) 405-4074 Senior Sales Manager Barb Szatko (630) 527-9927