Two of the biggest and costliest global disasters of 2012 were Hurricane Sandy, with a cost of $65 billion, and the year-long Midwest/Plains drought, which cost $35 billion.

The U.S. microwaveable packaging market is expected to hit $2 billion by 2016, reflecting revenue growth of 9.4% per year during the next five years, according to a new study from Allied Development, Burnsville, Minn. One factor driving market growth is the rapid adoption of microwaveable packaging within food product categories that require increased packaging functionality.

Karl Gerrand will join Bunge North America as managing director, Canada, upon the retirement of Richard A. Watson.

Pirate Brands, maker of Pirate’s Booty rice-and-corn puffs and other all-natural snacks, is offering consumers tips for healthier snacking just in time for Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3.

Hormel Foods is buying Skippy, the country's number two peanut butter brand, from Unilever for about $700 million. Skippy debuted on the market in 1932 and is a staple in American pantries. Hormel says it hopes the brand will boost its presence in the center aisles of the supermarket, where shelf-stable foods are sold. It also gives the company a clearer path for growth overseas, where Hormel is also looking to expand its Spam line, reports The Associated Press.

That’s what one graphic designer feels a brand should be: Packaging design should give personality and flair to its product, especially in a crowded marketplace. Communicating brand benefits is the top priority for packaging, says Mark Salisbury, director of graphic design agency Solid Block.

Market research firm Packaged Facts sees the Hispanic food and beverage market embarking on a rigorous growth pattern now through 2017, as firms pour more dollars into innovation and marketing.

More results of the bad economy: U.K. consumers are buying less bread and making what they buy go further, even if it means eating stale bread. Meanwhile, supermarkets hit by shoppers' reluctance to purchase bread are pressuring suppliers for cheaper products.