Americans are more concerned about their gut health than ever before, and they increasingly look to their food purchases (including bakery and snack buys) to help further it. Schueller, director of marketing insights and analytics for Ardent Mills, offers some wisdom in that arena that producers can use to tap into the trend.

Snack producers, baking companies, and other food-focused outfits are interested in packaging equipment investment, and many prowled the exhibits at PACK EXPO International 2024 in Chicago to check out the possibilities. Marquez, director of custom research with show organizer PMMI, outlined the packaging industry outlook as shared in the recently released State of the Industry report.

Safieddine and Ryan Brothers (founders of BFY doughnut maker Drumroll) connected with SF&WB's Brett Parker to discuss their growth since they started the company in 2019, as well as their plans for the future. They also talk about the recent $3 million investment from 7-Mile Brands and plans to harness the funds to fuel future expansion.

Nature's Bakery has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years, and Mars is betting big on the baked snack brand's future with investment in a new $237 million facility. CEO Gardiner talks about the upward trajectory, history of BFY innovation, and more.

Multimedia Specialist Brett Parker connected with Dennis (who hails from Ghana) to discuss Flow's Tasty Treats' mission to bring African cuisine into the American mainstream, with items like toasted corn, peanut mixes, and dried coconuts. She also shares insights about her charity work and sales at  Costco.

Thanks to recent innovations with inclusions, better-for-you baked goods and snacks can be more than tasty and healthy; they can also be fun. Miller talks about some of the company's products that sweeten, sparkle, and otherwise enhance products to help delight consumers.

On its 100th anniversary, the American Society of Baking's annual event has more than a few innovations in store for the industry pros attending. Lisa Arato of Spiromatic and Ashley Robertson of Corbion share a sneak peek at some of the notable changes.