In the world of snacks, some innovations are hotter than others, and sometimes burn so brightly that the entire industry feels the heat.

So goes the tagline on much of the recent marketing surrounding Takis rolled tortilla chips, the flagship line from Barcel USA - the SF&WB 2020 "Snack Producer of the Year."

The 2018 Farm Bill cleared the pathway for legal cultivation of industrial hemp in the U.S. Botanically, non-psychoactive industrial hemp and psychoactive cannabis are identical, classified as Cannabis sativa.

Despite pockets of growth at individual companies, the categories spanning fresh bread, including bread, buns and rolls, bagels and English muffins, continue to remain relatively flat.

Hostess Brands celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The first Hostess CupCakes hit the market in 1919, marking the sweet beginning of one of the most-beloved American bakery brands.

In 2015, we launched the "Best New Snack & Bakery Products" of the year contest to honor outstanding new snack and bakery products entering the industry, with the online SF&WB audience voting for their favorites.

The U.S. grain-based snack and bakery industry, as regularly covered in Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, accounts for over $100 billion in annual retail sales; and many companies add incrementally more revenue by serving foodservice and other customers.

Part of our process in developing this month's annual "Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies" list involves reviewing annual reports and communications with shareholders from some of the top companies working in grain-based foods today.

With the right recipe and conditions for growth, greatness can arise from humble beginnings. Such is the case with Main Street Gourmet, located in Akron, OH, a bakery company founded by lifelong friends Steve Marks, co-founder, member of the board of directors and former co-CEO, and Harvey Nelson, co-founder and CEO.

Rarely does a week go by without the topic of workforce development crossing my desk. It's a problematic situation that’s central to industry performance as we deal with present challenges—and look toward the future.