Bread is the most-important category in the baking industry, but also one of the most-challenging for building appreciable growth. For the 52 weeks ending November 4, 2018, the fresh bread and rolls category grew 0.13 percent in dollar sales to $13.4 billion, per IRI, Chicago.

For a culture focused on convenience and clean-label nutrition, bars continue to deliver. Sales of snack and granola bars on the whole have grown 2.9 percent during the 52 weeks ending October 7, 2018, according to data from IRI, Chicago, hitting a value of $6.2 billion.

It's that time of year, the most wonderful time of year. The time for family, friends and, of course, food. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and so have the leftovers. Now we're in the throes of the holiday season with more gatherings every weekend.

Some people place such a high emphasis on quality that they hang their shingle on it, like Publican Quality Bread has in Chicago. Just bite into any of the signature artisan breads the bakery distributes to restaurants throughout the city and you'll have all the personal experience you need to define quality bread for yourself.

It has never been a better time to be in artisan baking. We are living in a time of heirloom wheat rediscovery and renewed appreciation for ancient grains.

Bay State Milling Company has announced the relocation of its Woodland, CA specialty grain milling facility.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) recently joined with members of the community to celebrate the opening of its modernized flour mill in Enid, Oklahoma.

Arista Cereal Technologies Pty Ltd (ARISTA) is pleased to announce that it has successfully defended a patent in its portfolio covering a form of wheat having greatly elevated fiber levels.

Grains are fundamental ingredients in snacks and baked goods, providing function, flavor, texture and nutrition. Grains are classified as either whole grains or refined grains.

People today go into a panic when they see the word "refined" anywhere near their food. But even though the term has become synonymous with overly processed and unhealthy, refined doesn't have to be such a dirty word.