Manufacturing News

TECH FLASH

More than some like it hot

NPD Group research reveals 56 percent of US households keep a bottle of hot sauce in their kitchens.

March 30, 2015

Louisiana-style hot sauce is still the leader in terms of volume, but increased variety has meant growth for flavors like habanero, chipotle and Sriracha.

TECH FLASH

Changes to household impact Americans’ food preferences

The modern family dynamic is changing in terms of size and structure, resulting in different consumer demands

Jeremy Gerrard

March 30, 2015

From social media to organic ingredients, consumers are still obsessed with food, but the public’s relationship with food and eating is shifting.

TECH FLASH

Heinz and Kraft merge to create global food giant

Heinz shareholders will own a 51 percent stake in the new company, per the agreement valued at $36 billion.

Jeremy Gerrard

March 30, 2015

The combination of these brands will create the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world.

TECH FLASH

Top 150 Frozen Food Processors Report

Industry overcomes consumers’ negative perception about the health and wellness of frozen foods.

Marina Mayer

March 16, 2015

In May 2014, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), McLean, Va., launched a national effort to encourage consumers to take a fresh look at frozen foods.

TECH FLASH

Fruits and veggies get star-studded backing

A new Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) campaign seeks to increase the consumption and sales of fruits and vegetables.

Jeremy Gerrard

March 16, 2015

Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, John Cena, Victor Cruz, Stephen Curry, Nick Jonas, Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton and other celebrities and athletes support the healthy food campaign.

TECH FLASH

US packaged foods at crossroads

A new Heartbeat EXEC report argues legacy brands are dated in consumers’ eyes, while smaller and private labels are generating growth.

Jeremy Gerrard

March 16, 2015

If large CPG companies continue to rely on existing brands and categories, there is little hope for organic growth.

TECH FLASH

Food allergies a concern for millions

In Europe, one out of every 20 children has one or more food allergies

Jeremy Gerrard

March 16, 2015

In the last decade, the cases of food allergies have doubled, and the number of hospitalizations caused by severe allergic reactions has increased seven-fold.

Manufacturing News

Connected, secure automation yields positive results

March 5, 2015

Doing more with fewer resources. Big data.

TECH FLASH

Dietary guidelines committee submits recommendations

USDA and HHS will now consider the report and begin the process of developing the updated 2015 guidelines for Americans.

Jeremy Gerrard

February 25, 2015

The committee identified a healthy dietary pattern as one higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, seafood, legumes and nuts.

TECH FLASH

Ball proposes acquisition of Rexam PLC

According to Ball, the combined company will have pro forma 2014 revenue of approximately $15 billion and approximately 22,500 employees across five continents.

Jeremy Gerrard

February 25, 2015

Headquartered in London, Rexam PLC operates 55 can manufacturing plants in more than 20 countries, employing approximately 8,000 people.