Marketers of beef jerky, a favorite of truckers and a staple at gas-station checkouts, want it to be a healthier snack. Makers of the spicy, salty dried treat find that consumers can accept turkey versions and are now stepping up sales with moister, tastier and fancier dried-meat products, some in flavors such as Basil Citrus and Lemon Garlic.

Bakers learn about the benefits and uses of honey at the National Honey Board’s recent Honey Summit in Chicago.

Dare Foods Ltd., Kitchener, Ontario, has appointed Peter Luik president, effective Oct. 1.

Members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) employed by Hostess Brands rejected the company's last/best/final proposal by 92%. Union members in every region of the country and every segment of the company's operations overwhelmingly opposed the proposal. Hostess seeks to impose bankruptcy-exit deal in court.

Royal DSM of the Netherlands is in talks with Cargill Inc. to possibly acquire the Minnesota-based company’s cultures and enzymes business.

Tortilla Industry Association, Arlington, Va., names Helen Chavez-Hansen of La Tapatia Tortilleria and Eugene Suarez Sr. of Abuelita Mexican Foods to its 2012 Hall of Fame at its 23rd Annual Convention & Trade Exposition at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Sept. 10-11.

Five cookie enthusiasts took top honors at Pastry Chicago’s 5th Annual Amateur/Student Cookie Competition on Aug. 25.

Kraft Foods will take full control of Morocco's top cookie maker, Bimo, from local investment holding National Investment Co. (SNI), which is controlled by the country's royal family.

Mill owners, directors and managers without a practical milling background can gain firsthand experience of the milling process through the Buhler Executive Milling short course, offered by Kansas State University’s International Grains Program.

The Minneapolis-based company says it will close approximately 60 underperforming or nonstrategic stores this fiscal year.