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Baked goods have been a part of peoples’ diet for thousands of years, far longer than golfers have been hitting a little ball across a grassy surface with a long stick. As ingredients, production methods, distribution and a host of other factors have evolved, consumers at all income levels have been able to enjoy staples like breads and rolls, as well as sweet treats like cookies and pies.

Top snacking trends were found at the National Confectioners Association’s 2012 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago last week, and the show filled with plenty of visitors. Fun sweets, foreign flavors and healthy snacks emerged as things to watch. Thousands of new confectionery and snack foods were presented during the show, as the hottest new products from more than 560 companies lead the industry with the new flavors.

The emphasis on food safety has been constantly shifting and evolving. Traceability was an initial focus; then came the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices, which impacted manufacturing. More recently, the Global Food Initiative was created to improve food safety supply chain management.

When you hear the word, “tortilla,” what typically comes to mind? Tacos? Burritos? Enchiladas? Fajitas? Quesadillas? What about wraps, flatbreads or melts?

Buildings besieged with moisture inside can face suffering productivity.

A report on the hot trends this year in the CPG industry indicates that shoppers will keep defining value based on price. Some will open their wallets more if positive economic reports continue. But manufacturers and retailers could pass more manufacturing price increases onto shoppers because they’re running out of cost-cutting efficiencies and are sensing shoppers’ ability to pay more money. Private-label will continue to account for unit sales in the 22-23% range and dollar sales in the 18-20% range.

Family-owned Kangaroo Brands, Milwaukee, strives for consistent quality and value when it comes to all things pita. Passionate about baking and snack production, Kangaroo uses quality ingredients to provide quality products, including its popular line of light, crunchy pita chips for retail and foodservice. It’s for these and other reasons that Kangaroo is our Snack Manufacturer of the Year.

Authenticity, versatility and bold flavors are in demand when it comes to ethnic foods. Manufacturers are finding many clever ways to meet consumer preferences in this up-and-coming market segment, all while keeping healthfulness in mind.

The snack industry should plan on attending or exhibiting at SNAXPO 2012, March 16-19, in Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center. Hosted by the Snack Food Association, this exciting diamond anniversary (75th year) snack event will provide opportunities to network with snack food industry professionals from around the world, learn the latest and greatest trends and technologies and hear interesting speakers, such as former Arkansas governor and best-selling author, Mike Huckabee.