The latest product handling equipment, cartoners, case erectors and packers, loaders and palletizers, features maximum flexibility in terms of product handling and packaging styles, which is good news for bakery and snack producers.

X-ray, metal detection, checkweighing and vision systems continue to advance, offering bakery and snack producers many ways to improve their quality control programs. Today's sophisticated inspection equipment can detect smaller foreign objects, reduce false rejects, and handle a wider range of products to assure maximum food safety along with higher productivity.

Today's snack and bakery consumers want food products in packaging that offers convenience, reliable functionality and sustained freshness. They're looking for better-for-you snacks in single-serve portions and resealability.

Lubrication is critical to equipment functionality and longevity. And in food production environments like snack and bakery facilities, it's also imperative that lubricants do not contaminate products and pose a health hazard.

Today's form/fill/seal (FFS) systems accommodate a wide range of packaging options at high speeds, and provide packaging formats that bring convenience to shoppers.

Sustainability has become a major driver in the development and application of new packaging materials used in the bakery and snack market along with advances that extend shelf life.

New routing and scheduling software integrated with telematics systems provides fleet managers with the tools they need to improve the delivery process.

New robotics technology is helping to improve primary and secondary packaging applications in snack food and wholesale bakery operations. Areas of innovation include end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), robot learning, sanitation and space optimization.

Software is a key component of warehouse management systems (WMS) that create today's connected warehouse. It enables centralized management of tasks such as tracking inventory levels and stock locations, order fulfillment, and shipping and receiving.

Many snack producers are adding interesting flavors and ingredients to their pretzels. Recent product introductions include pretzel nuggets filled with peanut butter and dark chocolate, as well as more gluten-free options.