This month marks our first dedicated Report covering the legal cannabis edibles market that has emerged in multiple states across the U.S., and nationwide across Canada.

The snack and bakery industry is filled with wonderful stories. Writing about the origins, growth and scope of the amazing companies that grace our covers is absolutely one of the best aspects of my job.

So much of this industry is about creating meaningful connections. Successful products that generate long-lasting repeat purchase patters resonate with their consumers.

Rarely does a week go by without the topic of workforce development crossing my desk. It's a problematic situation that’s central to industry performance as we deal with present challenges—and look toward the future.

Hostess Brands celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The first Hostess CupCakes hit the market in 1919, marking the sweet beginning of one of the most-beloved American bakery brands.

We are a nation divided. America has grown increasingly polarized across our political and social spectrum, and this national anxiety will, unfortunately, increase as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the November elections approach.

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.

Over the past few months, as I went through the process of developing SF&WB's annual "Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies" list, I felt a renewed sense of admiration for the inherent power of merging true nutrition with indulgence.

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.

During the recent and highly successful in-person PACK EXPO, Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of market development for PMMI, passed along some highlights from his 2021 PMMI "State of the Industry" report, including data noting a significant uptick in packaging equipment purchases.

Our work in food is visceral. It's immediate. It's supremely intimate to serve a role in preparing the daily bread for people across our planet.

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.

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.

As the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic descended upon America in early 2020, the American population began reacting to their new reality, and it was clear that snack and bakery production across the country would face a clear challenge. People were stocking up on supplies at an alarming rate, and the rush was on to keep grocery store shelves stocked.

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.

The snack and bakery industry continues to face a difficult road when it comes to staffing. Challenges related to filling open positions for skilled and unskilled production personnel have persisted for years. But the past several months have proven particularly trying as employers seek to fill available jobs with individuals from an increasingly wary, pandemic-weary America.

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.

SF&WB connected with several industry suppliers to gain their current market perspectives for the coming year.

"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.

State of the Industry Overview for bakery, including a look at baking industry challenges like the supply chain, workforce development, impact from the war in Europe, and the pandemic.

For the past several years, the baking industry has faced a long list of serious, ongoing challenges.

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.

Lay's continues to celebrate soccer by tapping "Chip Shot" Legend Lionel Messi for a new commercial, a consumer sweepstakes, and limited-edition commemorative Lay's packaging.

Available now through September, the chips' fiery flavor builds off the original Utz Mike’s Hot Honey chips but with three times the heat.

Whether gearing up for summer travel, or simply packing for a summer picnic, Frito-Lay has a variety of flavors and on-the-go options to help consumers fuel the summer fun. 

Celebrity Chef Joe Sasto from Bravo’s Top Chef officially launched Tantos, a puffed pasta chip, in four flavors: Marinara, Cacio e Pepe, Pesto, and Classico.

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

As flavors inspired by the tastes of Greece, India and Korea hit store shelves across America, Lay's offers fans the chance to win a trip to one of the origins countries.

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.

Striking the right balance between indulgence and better-for-you is important in winning over the consumer. The pandemic has heightened consumers' interest in health and well-being.

Inclusions such as fruits, vegetables, and chocolate can add another dimension of visual appeal, flavor, and texture to snacks and baked goods.

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

The items include Cinnabon churros, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Subway cookies.

The mother-daughter company seeks to provide treats that bring people together.

Nuts.com's Valentine's Day collections for 2024 include cookies, chocolates, gummies, and chocolate-covered pretzels.

The collection includes chocolate-covered pretzels, graham crackers, and sandwich cookies, plus strawberry delights and Linzer cookies filled with raspberry jam. 

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

The company introduced new confectionery and snack products at Sweets & Snacks Expo this week, plus new AR and image recognition technology.

Pretzel Pete, Inc. announced that it is adding four new flavors to its Topzels product line.

Each tin includes four 3-oz. bags of chocolate-covered grahams, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate caramel bites with pretzel crunch, and caramels with sea salt.