The manufacturer of all-natural snacks has introduced a limited edition, 12-pack of half-ounce Pirate’s Booty, themed to the Disney Junior preschool series Jake and the Never Land Pirates.

With more than 50% of the votes, Nonni’s Salted Caramel Biscotti is the winner of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery’s Best New Snack & Bakery Products of 2012. Coming in second and third, respectively, are BIGS Hidden Valley Ranch Sunflower Seeds and Sister Schubert’s Sweet Hawaiian Rolls.

Snyder’s-Lance Inc. says it will close its bakery facility in Cambridge, Ontario, effective May 17, to reduce operating costs and consolidate production into other manufacturing sites.

As part of its 100th anniversary celebration this year, Lance announces product introductions and improvements, social media giveaways and more.

After more than a year's delay, U.S. schools have a new government ruling aimed at snacks sold to students, in a move nutritionists say could figure prominently in the war against childhood obesity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a “Smart Snacks in School” proposal Feb. 1, which includes provisions such as promoting availability of healthy snack foods with whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or protein foods as their main ingredients.

After more than a year’s delay, American schools will soon see new U.S. government rules targeting the kinds of snacks sold to students, a move nutritionists say could play an important role in fighting childhood obesity, according to a Reuters article.

Pirate Brands, maker of Pirate’s Booty rice-and-corn puffs and other all-natural snacks, is offering consumers tips for healthier snacking just in time for Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3.

David V. Singer, CEO of Snyder's-Lance Inc., Charlotte, N.C, will retire from his position following the company's annual stockholders' meeting on May 3.