In a retail landscape that demands that snacks and baked goods have it all—great taste, affordable pricing, innovative flavors, recognizable ingredients and boosted nutrition—one category in particular is rising to the challenge: cookies.

Today’s snack and bakery market remains as fiercely competitive as ever. The definition of what constitutes a “snack” is tracking an evolutionary course, shifting in step with consumer trends and desires.

In the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA recommended that we consume 6 ounce equivalents of grains per day, half of which should be whole grains.

When it comes to logistics and the ability to ship goods to market on time, snack and bakery producers face many challenges.

As the whole and ancient grain wave continues to surge, chefs and product developers alike are pushing the envelope on the next evolution of breakfast, baked goods, appetizers and snacks.

A friend once told me that she wouldn’t be impressed by technology until she could download a snack. Although we are not quite at the level of the Jetsons, the snacking trend continues to grow.

September is Whole Grains Month, and the Boston-based non-profit Oldways Whole Grains Council (WGC) is encouraging people everywhere to join the celebration by supporting “Good Grains for a Good Cause.”

Over four centuries ago, the brilliant Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher and mathematician Galileo Galilei insightfully proposed that “passion is the genesis of genius.” Passion tied to a good idea motivates action. And good ideas like to grow.

Snack and bakery companies want mixers that are easier to program and control, simpler to clean, more energy efficient, and well-tailored to their particular applications—and they expect equipment manufacturers to consult with them upfront to find the best fit.

Value-added packaging formats like retail-ready or shelf-ready packaging make it easy for retailers to quickly shelve products. It also builds an additional layer of branding to help snack producers and bakery companies deliver a strong message to shoppers.