Articles by Neal Lorenzi

Crackers remain one of the most-important segments in baked snacks. But growth has stagnated in recent years. To drive sales, manufacturers are doing exciting things with flavors and other ingredients to meet culinary- and health-driven consumer demands.

Third-party logistics (3PL), the use of a third-party business to outsource elements of a company's distribution and order fulfillment services, can help snack producers and bakeries deliver their products more effectively. 3PL providers specialize in integrated warehousing and transportation services that can be customized to meet customers' needs based on market conditions.

Consumer demand for convenience packaging and product freshness are driving the design and manufacture of bagging and closing equipment in the snack food and wholesale bakery market. The latest machines feature higher production speeds, smaller footprints, sanitary designs and smart technology.

New packaging materials and technologies are available to keep snack and bakery products fresh over the course of their expected shelf life, and to actually extend that shelf life. These innovations include modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) solutions and active packaging, often in combination with the latest packaging material technology.

The latest warehouse equipment, including lift trucks, forklifts, automated picking and autonomous vehicles, is designed to improve driver safety, visibility and maneuverability.

Sanitary equipment design is essential to ensuring food safety in the snack and bakery industry. To that end, the Baking Industry Sanitation Standards Committee (BISSC) has established standards and guidelines for the design and operation of equipment.

Snack producers and bakeries are facing a competitive marketplace inhabited by more brand designs and increased variation in packaging. Brand extensions focused on more flavors, seasonal offerings and promotions need to happen at a faster pace.