A record corn forecast made corn prices plunge after the government predicted corn production would rise this summer. Thus, consumers could see some relief from higher food prices by late fall, if the latest crop forecast holds up.

To meet growing demand, Archer Daniels Midland Co. opens its first commercial-scale plant to make Clarisoy vegetable-based protein, which it says offers high-quality protein nutrition. The isolated soy protein will be available for customers looking to purchase commercial quantities beginning in June.

Dutch foods ingredients group CSM, Amsterdam, announced on May 7 that it has put its main bakery supplies business up for sale, citing a lack of financial resources to keep all its businesses.

It’s official: Shareholders approve the new name for the global ingredients solutions company. The transition to the new moniker will begin shortly in the U.S.

As consumers’ interest in healthy eating continues to grow, so does their search for flavorful, prepared foods—including baked goods and snacks—with fewer calories and less salt, processed sugar and artificial ingredients. Products made with nutritious ingredients that have been around forever, such as fruit, nuts and chocolate, are more likely to find their way into the shopping carts of these concerned consumers.

Swerve, LLC releases Swerve, a natural, non-glycemic sweetener ideal for snacks and baked goods. Swerve is sourced from the fibrous part of fruits and vegetables and can be used in place of sugar, Stevia, high-fructose corn syrup or synthetic sweeteners. Plus, Swerve maintains excellent functionality and a reasonable taste profile and delivers zero calories.

These days, pretzels aren’t just your average bar snack. Manufacturers are producing their savory snacks with a bit of a twist, reaching the consumers who crave bolder flavors, a better-for-you snack or an innovative accompaniment to an everyday meal.

There’s something to be said about artisan craftsmanship. Hudson Bread, North Bergen, N.J., knows that quite well. With a view of New York City’s skyline, the bakery uses only the best ingredients to produce a wealth of fresh bread creations daily, and top sellers including French baguettes, seven-grain loaves and hand-cut loaves Francaise, which are signature rustic items.

The Grain Processing Corp. (GPC), Muscatine, Ia., unveils a new Solutions Center at its headquarters. The center was built to provide GPC technical and research departments with a state-of-the-art kitchen, laboratory and presentation area. The Center will also be used to facilitate customer training sessions.

Clabber Girl passed the century mark because it has done many things right. But like any manufacturer, it faces plenty of challenges to stay competitive. So it keeps on top of things by identifying waste, reducing cycle times and improving productivity every step of the way.