This month marks the unveiling of the new look for Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.

Since identifying the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 until press time for our April issue of SF&WB at the end of March, the virus is known to have infected over 750,000 people, tragically causing over 36,200 deaths.

During the interview for our September issue cover story profile on fast-growing entrepreneurial brand Ka-Pop! Snacks, a company founded and led by Dustin Finkel, he talked about the need to keep the joy in better-for-you snacking.

Culinary history can bring powerful elements to storytelling, as seen in the origin of Mikesell's Potato Chip Co. and its Saratoga chips.

When I travel, or throughout the always-lively and competitive greater Chicagoland grocery industry, my home market, I revel in visits to unfamiliar grocery and convenience stores. Instantly immersed, strolling the perimeter and aisles, eyes darting to end caps and standalone displays, I'm a true omnivore awash in the thrill of the hunt for something new and delicious.

One of the best parts of my job is traveling around this great country to visit with snack and bakery companies, some of which have helped define this industry for over a century. I'm always humbled to hear their pioneering stories of perseverance and success - and honored with the privilege of telling their stories to the world.

Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution? If you don't automatically align with the solution end of that equation, you might want to think about your overall messaging to consumers, and to the industry overall.

The history of the American food industry boasts a number of iconic snack foods. And one of the best is Cheez-It crackers, a brand currently owned by another American classic, Kellogg Co. In fact, Kellogg's is home to a wealth of historic snack and bakery products, including Corn Flakes and Pringles, among dozens of other strong category anchor brands.

There is nothing like a pandemic to test a company's limitations. While food producers received official designation as "essential" businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the American food industry, continuing operations during the pandemic did not equate to business as usual.

Near the end of December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, Wuhan City, China, reported several pneumonia cases that officials eventually tied to a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, now generally known as COVID-19.

This past year was unlike any other throughout our history as a nation, and the snack and bakery industry saw significant impact.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for snack and bakery companies to improve safety, production, and efficiency.

New technologies to help expand increased refrigerated and frozen snack and bakery product warehousing and distribution.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, snack and bakery companies increase and adjust sanitation procedures for their facilities.

Reviewing and revising sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compact belts and conveyors for snack and bakery production meet demands for cleanability and automation.

Throughout the year, whenever you pick up a sandwich away from home, there is a good chance you have Bimbo Bakehouse to thank for your bread.

Lest anyone think that the pandemic pressed "pause" on campaigns for corporate sustainability, think again. If anything, COVID-19 reminded consumers, and the snack and bakery sectors, just how interconnected we are, whether we’re selecting suppliers, expanding production, or packing a protein bar into our gym bags.

According to the April 2021 "Cold Chain Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report" from Grand View Research, the global cold chain market size was valued at $210.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8 percent from 2021 to 2028.

Traceability takes a top spot in modern food industry food safety strategies, following every aspect of the supply chain through manufacturing and to the point of consumer purchase.

Over the past few months, after nearly two years of disruption, I've been getting back into the saddle, visiting with the industry across the many pathways I carve through the course of my work.

Building consumer trust, understanding a product’s life cycle, and addressing challenges like increasing costs and the supply chain.

"In 1970, my dad and uncle opened our first restaurant," says Daniel Schwartz, president, Schwartz Brothers Bakery, Renton, WA. "Three years later, they opened a concept called The Sandwich Shop and Pie Place. They were looking to source the very best pies to serve at their restaurant, and they couldn’t find any that they liked."

From cloud computing to the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 is essential for modern-day snack and bakery companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Snack food and wholesale bakery companies in the market for machines that help prepare, store, transport, and otherwise handle ingredients are most focused on qualities like automation, ease of maintenance, and the ability to deliver higher performance in throughput and accuracy.

Back by popular demand, Sandwi-chips, crafted with Herr’s flavor expertise, feature bold condiment flavors and a hearty crunch that aims to complement sandwiches.

This year marks 20 years of MTN DEW's Baja Blast and to celebrate the "Bajaversary," Frito-Lay's Doritos brand has teamed up with MTN DEW to add Doritos Baja Fiery Mango to its lineup.

The brand best known for its kettle-cooked sweet potato chips is now at 800 US Walmarts.

The new kettle cooked potato chips are available in three flavors: Original, Zesty Jalapeno, and Sweet Maui Onion. 

Nuts and seeds are growing in popularity due to an increase in healthy snacking and consumer interest in plant-based products. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 in 10 U.S. consumers sought healthier snacking options in 2018.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming 2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2 and a half cup equivalents of vegetables per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Innovative inclusions are geared toward delighting snack and bakery consumers while delivering BFY benefits.

The producer’s CPG products also include frozen meals, sides, and other food items.

Both products deliver an elevated snacking experience that blend together two favorite classic snacks into one product. 

The Hot Honey Flavored Pretzel Pieces combine sweet honey and spicy chili heat with a salty pretzel base.

Whether it is apple, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry, cherry, peach, Key lime, lemon meringue, coconut cream, sweet potato, mince or countless more, the sweet, savory tastes are as American as... well, you know.

A decadent slice of pie after a holiday meal is a tradition that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of food allergies or dietary restrictions.

For this Mother’s Day, Grand Traverse Pie Company is thrilled to release a Strawberry Champagne Pie.

Grocery retailers across the country now have even more choices to offer in-store bakery shoppers when it comes to pies.

Raised Gluten Free is celebrating the sweet flavors of spring and summer with two seasonally inspired offerings: Southern Peach and Blueberry Bliss.

Jar Joy has introduced its new innovative line of multi-layered desserts. 

Representatives of JTM Foods LLC and its financial partner Tenex Capital Management announced the expansion, joining Wichita leaders in the groundbreaking at ict21 Industrial District.

The all-natural pie company expands into the healthy frozen snack category with almond butter and fruit sandwiches.

Wholly Wholesome's new pie shells and rolled pie dough contains clean-label ingredients that consumers would find in their own kitchens.

Brand to launch holiday product offerings at Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.

The Kraft Singles Apple Pie tops a single-serve pie with a piece of American cheese.

The sandwiches aim to bring a balance of good taste and clean label to the table.

The kosher brand also is giving its product packaging a makeover.

Hitting shelves nationwide the first week of April, the launch marks the latest expansion from Del Real Foods.

The company is kicking off the next half of its Brownsville facility expansion.