Articles by Liz Parker Kuhn

We were recently able to interview Randy Kreienbrink, vice president of marketing at BI, about clean label trends, formulations, and goals.

More companies across the food industry have been transitioning to software systems versus paper to manage sanitation scheduling, processes and documentation. This allows them to integrate with sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) and also help improve food safety. They can also help better coordinate regular facility maintenance tasks.

Bakery snacks, including key segments like pastries, doughnuts, muffins, snack cakes and more, remain a staple in Americans' snacking routines. Whether shoppers are looking for an indulgent snack or a better-for-you item, there's something for everyone.

Consumers are reading labels more, looking for products that are nutritious, with ingredients that are easy to understand and that work with their family's budget. While there's no official definition of "clean label," consumers and the snack and bakery industry have their own definition in mind.

In the modern age, traceability is becoming more and more important, both to suppliers and to end users. Technology and new software is adapting to users’ needs, and 2018 brings new advancements in both areas.

DIGIORNO recently conducted a social experiment using facial recognition and emotion-tracking software to measure which pizza makes for happier gatherings: fresh-baked from the oven or delivery.

The gluten-free market continues to grow. Euromonitor reports that global sales hit $3.5 billion in 2016, up 12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and global gluten-free sales are projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2020. In this still-expanding market for gluten-free, snack producers and bakeries continue to develop strategies for growth and product improvement.

In early December, Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli and his fellow expedition 53 crew made pizza in space. 

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software helps producers improve efficiency and day-to-day operations. New software can help snack and bakery companies increase their financial success, and there are a variety of ERP technologies from which to choose.

Confession: one of my favorite things to do is watch my favorite TV shows and bring some chips or another snack onto the couch with me.