Manufacturing News

FSMA: A work in progress

January 7, 2015

In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act came into being, and six core teams were formed to focus on six key sections: preventive standards, inspection and compliance, imports, federal/state integration, fees and reports, and studies.

TECH FLASH

US, China to protect common food names

The US dairy industry praised the results of recent meetings with China where officials committed to stronger protections for common food names.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 29, 2014

The recent US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade meetings should facilitate the export of products such as Feta and Parmesan cheese to China.

TECH FLASH

Fresh food consumption to grow

Over the next five years, the consumption rate of fresh food will continue to grow, with the youngest generations driving the trend.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

From 2003 and 2013, the consumption of fresh foods (including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and eggs) grew by 20 percent to over 100 billion products.

TECH FLASH

US grant helps promote organic products in Japan and worldwide

Demand for organic products is exploding, with US sales in 2013 hitting a record $35.1 billion and US organic exports reaching $537 million last year.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is ready to launch a new strategy to promote organic products and educational programs in Japan and around the world.

TECH FLASH

Bottled water to become number one packaged drink

Last year, the bottled water segment grew 4.7 percent and is expected to grow to $13 billion in 2014.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

BMC says in the past five years the bottled water market has grown from 14.4 percent of the overall beverage market to 17.8 percent.

TECH FLASH

Alternative sweeteners gain 12 percent share of market

Sucrose leads the alternative market at 78 percent, while high-fructose corn syrup accounts for 12 percent

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

Lux Research finds the Americas are at the top in terms of per capita consumption.

TECH FLASH

Good chiller maintenance practices for winter

As the temperatures start to drop, the proper maintenance and cleaning of chiller systems after shutdown can help avoid future problems.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

Delaying maintenance can lead to more repair costs and lost production time.

TECH FLASH

Specialty food trends in 2015

The Specialty Foods Association lays out its predictions for the top 10 specialty food trends in 2015.

Jeremy Gerrard

December 15, 2014

The association says more people are turning toward stronger flavors, alternative sweeteners and snacks.

Manufacturing News

PMMI brings PACK EXPO to Philadelphia, works with FE

December 2, 2014

For the 48,000-plus people who attended PACK EXPO in Chicago last month, it may have seemed like the mall three days before Christmas, and with the wealth of information and product solutions available, there was something for everyone.

TECH FLASH

Northwest Ohio food processing

With plants like Campbell’s, Cooper Farms, Hirzel Canning Co. and Lakeview Farms, the Toledo area is host to a high concentration of food processing companies

Debra Schug

November 24, 2014

With access to natural resources, transportation and a strong supply chain it’s no wonder agribusiness and food processing is excelling in Northwest Ohio.