Natural and organic food sales continue to climb — why manufacturers should adapt

Even if the product is not inherently healthy, consumers expect ingredients from natural sources.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 7, 2016

Has gluten-free industry reached a saturation point?

The segment is expected to post $1.328 billion in sales this year, a slowdown from the 86% sales bump the segment saw in 2013.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 7, 2016

Working women, millennials spur RTE market growth

One hurdle is consumers' perceptions that these products are often processed, particularly RTE packaged foods.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 7, 2016

Manufacturers cope with surpluses of food basics

Farmers may receive much of the attention when ingredient surpluses are in effect, but manufacturers must also adjust pricing, marketing and product development strategies. 

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 6, 2016

Net income soars to record heights for US agricultural co-ops

Total business volume for the Top 100 cooperatives declined from $177 billion in 2014 to $149 billion in 2015.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 6, 2016

Sentences upheld, DeCosters will end up serving their 3-months

This case could now set a precedent for future misdemeanor charges against food and beverage executives found guilty of introducing adulterated food into the supply.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 6, 2016

Lack of preparation for food safety crises has manufacturers on edge

More than one-third said they promote product safety and quality management by employing predictive analytics technologies. However, only 5.6% consider their use "advanced."

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 6, 2016

Matcha green tea finds its niche in chocolate and cookies

The powdered green tea is packed with nutrients and starting to become a more widely used component of sweets in North America.

By K.O. Morgan • Oct. 5, 2016

Almonds and avocados become 'healthy' under new FDA definition

The regulatory agency's new definition will also better align with recommendations from the 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 5, 2016

Why consumers are gobbling up turkey and manufacturers are happy to oblige

Turkey could lose its luster if it can’t compete with other meats on flavor, texture, versatility and appearance.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 5, 2016

Why the dairy industry shouldn't cry over spilled milk

Don't have a cow: Federal financial assistance, strategic on-trend innovations and optimized operations can help the industry stage a turnaround.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 4, 2016

Keep it positive: Why fear-based messages won't encourage healthy diets

Researchers found when conventional produce was demonized in favor of its organic counterpart, low-income shoppers were unlikely to purchase any fruits and vegetables.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 4, 2016

Moody's upgrades outlook on packaged foods

The report recognizes limited potential for top-line growth, but also notes how manufacturers' cost-cutting initiatives have helped increase margins and cash flow.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 4, 2016

How will the new president impact FSMA?

Would new leadership keep FSMA, change deadlines or do away with it? We'll know after the election.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 4, 2016

Alcohol substitute may take away the hangover. Should manufacturers be concerned?

Public health advocates say this new alternative could be a way to limit alcoholism and prevent damage to bodily organs from consuming alcohol.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 4, 2016

By working together, manufacturers and retailers can attract more shoppers

"I need it now" grocery trips make up about two-thirds of shopping excursions and one-third of expenditures, but one store usually can't fulfill everything the consumer needs.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 3, 2016

How preventive measures reduced cyclospora cases

These should be promising for manufacturers working toward compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's FSMA rules.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 3, 2016

How manufacturers can get older consumers to eat more protein

Complications related to a low-protein diet include increased risk of falls and fractures, weaker immune system and higher risk of infection.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Oct. 3, 2016

Even though plant proteins are popular, meat is here to stay

Manufacturers should consider that plants don't offer the same complete proteins or bioavailability that animals do.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Sept. 30, 2016

How manufacturers can benefit from the medical foods trend

As the global population ages, instances of medical complications will increase, and many consumers will prefer to manage their ailments with food.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Sept. 30, 2016

Redefining 'healthy': FDA revisits a controversial term

It's been 20 years since the agency updated the term's definition.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Sept. 28, 2016

Will declining grocery retail prices eventually bounce back?

With prices being so low, manufacturers may have to sell significantly more products to make up for slimmer margins in order to maintain profitability.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Sept. 28, 2016

Why distribution and beverages are vital to the growth of dairy alternatives

Their distribution via major retailers demonstrates the increasingly mainstream embrace of these products. 

By Carolyn Heneghan • Sept. 28, 2016

Vegetables sneak on to the plate with manufacturing innovations

The next generation of veggies is just as healthy—but looks like rice, tater tots, juice and pizza.

By Sandy Skrovan • Sept. 28, 2016

It's not too late: Effectively turn operational challenges into functional improvements

During the process of real organic growth, too often organizations don’t stop to plan for the future.

By Randy Poteat, PE, LEED AP, Food/Bev Business Leader, CRB • Sept. 27, 2016