Grote’s Latest Acquisition Grows Its Family of Brands’ Capabilities COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 23, 2024 – Grote Company, a manufacturer of reliable, top-quality food slicing and assembly equipment and parent company to industry suppliers Vanmark and PFI, announced today that it has acquired ProFab, a food industry conveyor manufacturer, millwright, and process piping supplier and installer based in Springdale, Arkansas. “Grote Company’s acquisition of ProFab adds to our ever-growing family of brands,” said Bob Grote, chief executive officer of Grote Company. “ProFab’s focus on the poultr ..read more

CHICAGO – April 23, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization with global members spanning academia, government, and industry, has unveiled its pre-event educational workshops that will officially kick-off IFT FIRST: Expo and Event, which is being held July 14-17, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The workshops, formerly known as short courses, will be held July 13-14 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Registrants will receive workshop materials and a workshop certificate worth 14 credit hours. A complimentary Happy Hour ..read more

The latest Business Conditions Survey from the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) reveals rising sales and profit margins, ongoing labor shortages, and easing inflation in the first quarter of the year: The percentage of NABE panelists reporting rising sales minus the percentage reporting falling sales — or the Net Rising Index (NRI) for sales — increased from 37 in January to 49 in April, the highest reading since the April 2022 survey.  The NRI for profit margins continued to climb in April, reaching 24, the highest reading since the October 2021 survey. The NRI for pr ..read more

By Ronak Shah, Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights The food industry is experiencing a thrilling transformation, propelled by dynamic consumer preferences, technological breakthroughs, and a burgeoning consciousness for health and sustainability. For businesses in the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) arena, the key to success lies in keeping pace with the ever-changing demands of customers. Stay ahead by staying in tune with the latest trends and adapting quickly. It’s an exciting time to be part of the food industry. Are you ready to take the food industry by storm? The future is no ..read more

Every year, Earth Day reminds us of our responsibility to nurture the planet that nourishes us. This year, let’s turn our focus to the very foundation of our lives – food. From farm to fork, the food industry has a significant impact on the environment. But it also holds immense potential for positive change. This collection of articles explores innovative, tech-driven, and practical solutions for building a more sustainable food system.  Sustainable strategies 1. Starting to Think Sustainably: Addressing Big Issues Is Best Accomplished With Small Steps Tackling sustainability issues can ..read more

Sponsored by ECI Software Solutions  In today’s dynamic food and beverage (F&B) landscape, innovation reigns supreme. Consumers crave exciting flavors and healthy options while regulatory requirements continue to evolve. For process manufacturers, navigating this complex environment requires a strategic approach to product development, production, and compliance. This is where Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) emerges as a game-changer. PLM is a holistic approach that integrates all aspects of a product’s journey. By implementing a PLM system, F&B manufacturers can gain a ..read more

From a gluten-free protein bar, to caffeine-free herbal lattes, to a spicy mango margarita mix, here’s a look at some of the latest new food and beverage products. ALOHA: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar Photo: ALOHA ALOHA announced the launch of its latest protein bar flavor — Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. ALOHA’s newest flavor features: Chewy gluten-free oats with chunky organic chocolate chips Brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein for a wholesome protein boost Tapioca fiber for added fiber and a chewy texture Roasted sunflower seeds and sunflower oil to enhance flavor and nutrition Pri ..read more

By Stephen Dombroski, Director of Consumer Markets, QAD While it’s undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global supply chains, it’s important for individuals and businesses alike to recognize that supply chain issues existed long before the emergence of the virus. Blaming COVID-19 for all supply chain disruptions oversimplifies a complex issue and ignores underlying structural challenges that have been present for years. Supply chain disruptions predate the pandemic and stem from various factors such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, labor shortages ..read more

Sonoma County, CA — April 12, 2024 — North Star Carbon Management, a pioneer in carbon accounting and management technology, is thrilled to announce a strategic initiative with Clover Sonoma, California’s leader in sustainable dairy production, regenerative farming and animal welfare. While the California dairy industry has been making great strides in lowering methane emissions, companies and municipalities still struggle with accurate and robust measurement and reporting. North Star Carbon Management’s tool will assist Clover with its continued progress toward a cooler climate in a more tra ..read more

Packaging and sustainability industry veteran joins TIPA, to drive US adoption of  compostable packaging to curb plastic waste Miami, FL – April 17, 2024 – TIPA, a global leader in compostable flexible packaging solutions, announced the appointment of John Wilson as Commercial Director for North America. He is the latest executive to join the company’s growing North American presence and will head TIPA’s business expansion as demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions continues to grow. Wilson joins TIPA with a career spanning more than ..read more