Due to a brisk exhibit sales pace, the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) is adding exhibit space for the October 2013 expo in Las Vegas.

Awrey Bakeries, Livonia, Mich., says it may lay off about 150 works, or possibly shut down, unless it finds a buyer or investor.

Some food and nutrition statements are coming through loud and clear, with survey data from the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) indicating that 70% and 63% of consumers are trying to consume less sugar and HFCS, respectively.

Nation Pizza and Foods, the subject of our upcoming December feature articles, was recently selected as Supplier of the Year for contract manufacturing by Nestlé Business Services North America Technical Procurement. The Schaumburg, Ill.-based supplier was selected from more than 130 contract manufacturers to receive the award.

AIB International is offering updated versions of four of its 11 Consolidated Standards for Inspection in a variety of formats.

Lepage Bakeries, Auburn, Maine, now delivers its freshly baked products daily to select retail outlets from Connecticut to upstate New York.

One Equity Partners, the private investment arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has agreed to acquire Chicago-based baker East Balt.

Expected to be completed by March 31, ConAgra Foods’ acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings will create one of the largest packaged food companies in North America, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion.

The ‘Hispanization’ of the American palate has been a strong trend for the past five years according to Stephen Palacios, executive vice president at consulting and marketing research company Added Value Cheskin. Palacios cites research by the Food Marketing Institute, discussing the trend that is becoming more mainstream, but hasn't yet reached its peak.