Journalists and experts from the U.S and Canada visited Poland in November as part of the Union of Producers and Employers of Meat Industry (UPEMI)’s “Meat with European Quality” campaign. During their stay, delegates took part in a seminar for European producers and exporters and then visited leading meat processing plants.

According to research by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, almost a third of food processing operations already use robotics in their facilities. What’s more, half of those surveyed said they will increase their level of automation in the next three to five years. However, not every food manufacturer is an automation convert.

Smart phones can be an asset on the plant floor, letting operators look at current plant data and make intelligent decisions. But, should personal devices be checked at the door, and are they a potential risk for cyberattacks?

We know ransomware can wipe out a business—maybe not so much from the cost of paying the ransom, but from the downtime it causes—so don’t get caught without a backup. I asked the experts whether a processor should pay the ransom, and while the responses were mixed, the moral of the story is: Have a backup!

Campbell Soup Company named industry veteran Mark A. Clouse, former CEO of Pinnacle Foods, as its new chief executive, chosen to lead Campbell’s turnaround plan because of his success delivering growth.

Bright Light Agribusiness has selected Tomra Food as its partner for an end-to-end almond sorting solution.

The Department of Homeland Security National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and the FBI have issued an activity alert to inform all computer network system operators about SamSam ransomware—aka MSIL/Samas.A. This malware has been in circulation for some time and continues to inflict damage to systems.

Green Life Farms has announced a partnership with Hydronov to design and build a sustainable hydroponic greenhouse in Boynton Beach, Fla.

Diversey, a global supplier in the hygiene and cleaning industry, has announced the appointment of Mark S. Burgess as its new chief executive officer, effective Dec. 17.

Maple Leaf Foods has announced it will build a $660 million fresh poultry facility in London, Ontario, Canada.