When it comes to packaging materials, one of the biggest consumer demands cited by bakers and snack producers is the need for extended shelf life—packaging that makes food last longer on the store shelf and in the refrigerator.

Equipment manufacturers offering scales and checkweighers now offer systems that feature data connectivity, hygienic design, high speeds, improved accuracy, less waste and the ability to maintain traceability. And in addition to all these improvements, today’s scales and checkweighers are easier to use than earlier models.

Mrs. Freshley’s has expanded its partnership with Cinnabon to create Mrs. Freshley’s Cinnamon Twirls.

Marketers are prompting something nicknamed "hand-to-mouth" snacking with packaging that encourages such behavior. Such packaging includes resealable bags that eliminate the chore of unwrapping products inside, single-serve trays, cups, bottles and more.