Explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions in food and beverage manufacturing with FOOD ENGINEERING—your source for processing, packaging, automation, and safety news. https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/rss/15084-food-and-beverage-manufacturing-top-stories en-us AI may dominate industry conversations, but data modeling is delivering measurable results today. Discover how food, dairy and pet food manufacturers are using real-time production data to improve quality, increase throughput and give operators the insights needed to drive smarter decisions. AI may dominate industry conversations, but data modeling is delivering measurable results today. Discover how food, dairy and pet food manufacturers are using real-time production data to improve quality, increase throughput and give operators the insights needed to drive smarter decisions.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103820 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103820-data-modeling-in-processing-targets-micro-stops-to-increase-quality The world of smart packaging comprises many parts — intelligent equipment, recyclable materials, captivating art and lots of data — but pulling it together is a challenge. However, if done correctly, it benefits everyone in the supply chain from producer to consumer with timely information. The world of smart packaging comprises many parts — intelligent equipment, recyclable materials, captivating art and lots of data — but pulling it together is a challenge. However, if done correctly, it benefits everyone in the supply chain from producer to consumer with timely information.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103812 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103812-smart-packaging-what-is-it The next phase of growth is shifting from science to scale — infrastructure is required to produce alternative proteins with the precision and consistency required of these systems. The next phase of growth is shifting from science to scale — infrastructure is required to produce alternative proteins with the precision and consistency required of these systems.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103814 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:13:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103814-when-food-meets-fermentation-engineering-the-next-revolution-in-protein-production Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) Food manufacturers face stricter demands as recalls and outbreaks push a more reactive focus on food safety. Responsibility is shifting from quality teams to shared ownership, using cross-functional approaches to improve safety, compliance, and daily practices. Food manufacturers face stricter demands as recalls and outbreaks push a more reactive focus on food safety. Responsibility is shifting from quality teams to shared ownership, using cross-functional approaches to improve safety, compliance, and daily practices.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103799 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103799-cross-functional-food-safety-breaking-silos-to-drive-safe-food-manufacturing Finding a secure way to manage waste in the food and beverage industry helps ensure that through every change of hands waste is handled discreetly and securely, mitigating brand risk. Finding a secure way to manage waste in the food and beverage industry helps ensure that through every change of hands waste is handled discreetly and securely, mitigating brand risk.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103790 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103790-mitigating-brand-risk-with-assured-product-destruction As CPG companies transition to sustainable materials, trade-offs are almost guaranteed. As CPG companies transition to sustainable materials, trade-offs are almost guaranteed.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103791 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103791-cpg-firms-must-move-strategically-to-meet-sustainable-packaging-goals Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) Food safety underpins every aspect of food manufacturing, yet new CRB research shows cost and competing priorities continue to hinder improvements. This month's From the Editor explores why investing in hygienic design and facility planning remains essential. Food safety underpins every aspect of food manufacturing, yet new CRB research shows cost and competing priorities continue to hinder improvements. This month's From the Editor explores why investing in hygienic design and facility planning remains essential.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103787 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103787-how-do-food-manufacturers-feel-about-food-safety-in-their-facilities As product portfolios expand and production requirements become increasingly complex, manufacturers are under growing pressure to maintain efficiency with systems originally designed for predictable, repetitive production. As product portfolios expand and production requirements become increasingly complex, manufacturers are under growing pressure to maintain efficiency with systems originally designed for predictable, repetitive production.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103779 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:06:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103779-how-automation-supports-variability-and-flexibility-in-food-manufacturing Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards highlights recent food and beverage industry developments, including Ferrara’s South Carolina plant, Ferrero’s line installation, Conagra Brands’ expansion in Arkansas, Walmart’s new milk processing facility, Kraft Heinz’s investment in Canada, and Swaggerty Farms’ expansion. EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards highlights recent food and beverage industry developments, including Ferrara’s South Carolina plant, Ferrero’s line installation, Conagra Brands’ expansion in Arkansas, Walmart’s new milk processing facility, Kraft Heinz’s investment in Canada, and Swaggerty Farms’ expansion.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103772 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103772-food-plant-openings-and-expansions-may-2026 Effective environmental monitoring programs are defined not by how much data they collect, but by how quickly they trace data forward and backward to isolate the source and analyze the impact. Effective environmental monitoring programs are defined not by how much data they collect, but by how quickly they trace data forward and backward to isolate the source and analyze the impact.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103769 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103769-the-value-of-speed-in-track-and-trace-environmental-monitoring-programs With unplanned downtime costing up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour, food manufacturers are rethinking how they monitor and maintain the systems that keep production moving. Conveyor systems offer a scalable and cost-effective starting point for predictive maintenance. With unplanned downtime costing up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour, food manufacturers are rethinking how they monitor and maintain the systems that keep production moving. Conveyor systems offer a scalable and cost-effective starting point for predictive maintenance.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103768 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:07:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103768-how-conveyor-monitoring-can-cut-costs-prevent-downtime-in-food-manufacturing You know the origins of all your ingredients and everything that happened during the processing, cooling and freezing of your product, but what can you know about your product once it leaves your premises? This is the job of the track part of track-and-trace. You know the origins of all your ingredients and everything that happened during the processing, cooling and freezing of your product, but what can you know about your product once it leaves your premises? This is the job of the track part of track-and-trace.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103770 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103770-track-and-trace-product-temperature-on-the-road Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) Dharma Prime and Halak Mehta are inspiring examples of women thriving in STEM careers, particularly in engineering and food science. As they share their experiences and insights, they highlight the importance of diversity and support in these traditionally male-dominated fields. Dharma Prime and Halak Mehta are inspiring examples of women thriving in STEM careers, particularly in engineering and food science. As they share their experiences and insights, they highlight the importance of diversity and support in these traditionally male-dominated fields.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103733 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103733-engineering-change-discovering-the-impact-of-women-engineers-in-food-manufacturing Food and beverage plants require predictive, remote and machine-embedded tools on packaging machinery to ensure uptime, but operator shadowing and hands-on repetition are equally important for operational efficiency. Food and beverage plants require predictive, remote and machine-embedded tools on packaging machinery to ensure uptime, but operator shadowing and hands-on repetition are equally important for operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103756 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:02:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103756-shifts-in-training-are-mandatory-for-battling-the-workforce-gap In an evolving manufacturing landscape, leaders are leveraging AI and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Contextual data and real-time insights are driving innovation, allowing companies like Ruiz Foods and Kraft Heinz to unlock significant value and optimize operations. In an evolving manufacturing landscape, leaders are leveraging AI and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Contextual data and real-time insights are driving innovation, allowing companies like Ruiz Foods and Kraft Heinz to unlock significant value and optimize operations.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103744 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103744-contextual-data-and-advanced-analytics-support-oee For cultured meats to succeed in the market, they will have to prove themselves cost-effective to produce, be as food-safe as their conventional counterparts and gain acceptance from consumers — though some states have already banned FDA-approved cultured meats. For cultured meats to succeed in the market, they will have to prove themselves cost-effective to produce, be as food-safe as their conventional counterparts and gain acceptance from consumers — though some states have already banned FDA-approved cultured meats.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103734 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103734-cultured-meat-faces-old-and-new-obstacles Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) The organizations, which have long published parallel industry reports, have joined forces to offer food manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) an overview of market performance and a glimpse at what to expect going forward. The organizations, which have long published parallel industry reports, have joined forces to offer food manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) an overview of market performance and a glimpse at what to expect going forward.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103729 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:33:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103729-fpsa-pmmi-unveil-2026-processing-state-of-the-industry-report In a recent podcast, Bonna Cannon, president, owner and principal consultant of Bonnafide LLC, discusses how to prioritize true food safety over audit preparation, turning audit insights into operational improvements and building food safety into plant design. In a recent podcast, Bonna Cannon, president, owner and principal consultant of Bonnafide LLC, discusses how to prioritize true food safety over audit preparation, turning audit insights into operational improvements and building food safety into plant design.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103730 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103730-podcast-prioritizing-food-safety-over-audit-readiness Knowing how to find partners who can provide consistent, quality tubing that meets all regulatory requirements is essential for food manufacturing and supply chain professionals. Knowing how to find partners who can provide consistent, quality tubing that meets all regulatory requirements is essential for food manufacturing and supply chain professionals.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103721 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103721-sourcing-food-safe-tubing-systems-for-food-and-beverage-operations While Listeria remains a consistent threat in the ready-to-eat (RTE) space, experience and recall data indicate that upgraded drainage can reduce key risk vectors and provide better tools for staff and management to identify and control hazards. While Listeria remains a consistent threat in the ready-to-eat (RTE) space, experience and recall data indicate that upgraded drainage can reduce key risk vectors and provide better tools for staff and management to identify and control hazards.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103716 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:21:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103716-designing-hygienic-drainage-to-control-listeria-in-rte-facilities Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) In our annual Women in Engineering feature, we highlight inspiring stories of women like Halak Mehta and Dharma Prime. Despite progress, the pay gap persists, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts toward equality. In our annual Women in Engineering feature, we highlight inspiring stories of women like Halak Mehta and Dharma Prime. Despite progress, the pay gap persists, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts toward equality.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103715 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103715-are-women-engineers-paid-the-same-as-men Ever notice how ChatGPT or CoPilot saves all your AI chats? While this can help solve future problems more quickly, private data accumulated from an OT system saved on the public internet is a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, in most cases AI is embedded in the process and data stays private and protected. Ever notice how ChatGPT or CoPilot saves all your AI chats? While this can help solve future problems more quickly, private data accumulated from an OT system saved on the public internet is a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, in most cases AI is embedded in the process and data stays private and protected.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103706 Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103706-control-ai-access-in-the-ot-environment By combining sustainability, precision engineering and real-time intelligence, modern aseptic technologies are redefining what sterility looks like in practice. By combining sustainability, precision engineering and real-time intelligence, modern aseptic technologies are redefining what sterility looks like in practice.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103705 Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103705-sustainable-decontamination-solutions-for-next-gen-aseptic-lines 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. 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.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103697 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103697-food-processors-tackle-sustainability-through-packaging-efficiency-initiatives-but-challenges-remain Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards summarizes recent food and beverage industry updates, including Mars' investments, Campbell's chip plant closure, and expansions by Chobani, Bel Group and Rise Baking Company. EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards summarizes recent food and beverage industry updates, including Mars' investments, Campbell's chip plant closure, and expansions by Chobani, Bel Group and Rise Baking Company.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103696 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103696-food-plant-openings-and-expansions-april-2026 As the call is on to conserve water and lower usage, modern cleaning and sanitation systems employ digital tools and AI to curb wasteful water usage. As the call is on to conserve water and lower usage, modern cleaning and sanitation systems employ digital tools and AI to curb wasteful water usage.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103695 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103695-looking-toward-water-smart-cleaning-and-sanitation In an era where visibility and agility are becoming more essential, many food and beverage manufacturers are moving toward enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that help create a single system of record. In an era where visibility and agility are becoming more essential, many food and beverage manufacturers are moving toward enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that help create a single system of record.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103694 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103694-how-food-manufacturers-navigate-labor-shortages-and-traceability-demands-with-erp-solutions Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103687 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103687-all-roads-lead-to-growth-for-hummus-maker-little-sesame Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards highlights recent food and beverage industry expansions, including Smithfield Foods’ South Dakota facility, Nestlé Purina’s Brazilian pet food plant, J.M. Smucker’s pet food expansion, DrinkPAK’s Texas beverage facility, Dainty Foods’ Ohio plant, and Tovala’s Illinois processing facility. EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards highlights recent food and beverage industry expansions, including Smithfield Foods’ South Dakota facility, Nestlé Purina’s Brazilian pet food plant, J.M. Smucker’s pet food expansion, DrinkPAK’s Texas beverage facility, Dainty Foods’ Ohio plant, and Tovala’s Illinois processing facility.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103683 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103683-food-plant-openings-and-expansions-march-2026 Conversations with manufacturing CEOs are rooted in strategy, risk and performance, highlighting the evolving expectations placed on design and construction partners. Conversations with manufacturing CEOs are rooted in strategy, risk and performance, highlighting the evolving expectations placed on design and construction partners.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103682 Mon, 11 May 2026 10:51:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103682-what-manufacturing-ceos-are-asking-their-project-delivery-partners-in-2026