May 2026

ON THE COVER:
► All Roads Lead to Growth for hummus maker Little Sesame

FEATURES:
► Is 'Desteaming' Right for Your Food Manufacturing Facility?
► Control AI Access in the OT Environment
► Plant and Process Considerations for Switching to Natural Food Colors

Little Sesame staff standing outside at the opening of its new facility in Capitol Heights, Maryland with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

All Roads Lead to Growth for Hummus Maker Little Sesame

From opening a fast-casual restaurant in D.C. to quintupling its CPG production capacity when its new Maryland facility becomes fully operational, Little Sesame is on a journey of creativity, inspiration and growth.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 12, 2026

From opening to a fast-casual restaurant in D.C. to quintupling its CPG production capacity when its new Maryland facility becomes fully operational, Little Sesame is on a journey of creativity, inspiration and growth.

Close up of blue water bottle outside with a blurred background showing greenery.

Sustainability

Sustainable Packaging Struggles While Energy Efficiency Gains Momentum

Consumer preferences for recycled packaging are not unanimous, but they remain interested in sustainability practices. Meanwhile, food processors are strategically advancing energy efficiency programs that leverage advanced analytics and automation technologies.

Grant Gerke

May 19, 2026

Is ‘Desteaming’ Right for Your Food Manufacturing Facility?

Steve Ashby

Bhaskar Chowdhury

April 13, 2026

Desteaming — the practice of replacing steam with a right-sized thermal solution like hot water — can improve the efficiency of hot water generation, helping to reduce operational expenses and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Plant and Process Considerations for Switching to Natural Food Colors

Mark Vermeij

March 27, 2026

A synthetic dye that was once stable across wide pH ranges, heat loads and storage conditions may be replaced with a pigment that behaves very differently under shear, thermal cycling or light exposure.

Future-Proof Food and Beverage Manufacturing Plants with Fluid Management

Steffen Knoedler

March 16, 2026

By integrating modern pump technology, hygienic design principles, clean-in-place (CIP)-ready systems and energy-efficient components into the plant layout from the start, manufacturers can reduce waste, secure lower long-term operating costs and meet stringent food safety requirements.

From the Editor

Is the Food Industry Making Progress on Food Waste?

Food manufacturers are 'talking the talk' on food waste, new research shows, but are they walking the walk on establishing and progressing toward reduction targets?

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 7, 2026

Food waste poses a significant challenge across the food industry. New research reveals that while many companies recognize the issue, only a fraction set tangible reduction targets. To align actions with global best practices, measuring and reporting food waste is crucial.

Close up of chickens staring into the camera.

USDA Considers Proposals to Update Line Speed Rules

The USDA’s proposals would update processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems.

May 5, 2026

The USDA’s proposals would update processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems.

Software/Devices

TwinThread Debuts Perfect Batch Analytics Solution

March 23, 2026

Perfect Batch applies industrial AI to identify ideal batch proﬁles from historical data and actively recommend actions for increasing efficiency.

Cooking

GEA Debuts CookStar First Compact Spiral Oven

February 16, 2026

The new oven extends the GEA CookStar product family and addresses requirements for consistent product quality, controlled processing conditions and improved resource efficiency from initial startup.

Software/Devices

Siemens Unveils Digital Twin Composer

January 26, 2026

Digital Twin Composer enables industrial companies to combine 2D and 3D digital twin data from Siemens’ comprehensive digital twin with physical real-time information in a managed, secure real-time photorealistic visual scene.

Join Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor at Mintel, and Alyse Thompson-Richards, Editor-in-Chief of FOOD ENGINEERING, as they break down the 2026 Top 100 Food and Beverage Companies and discuss the factors affecting this year’s rankings.

Explore food safety strategies that strengthen sanitation, risk management, operational efficiency, and compliance across foodservice and facility environments.