As a decades-old company, Mary’s Gone Crackers is one of the pioneers of the better-for-you and organic snack spaces. What’s more, the company continues to grow (it doubled manufacturing capacity earlier this year) and innovate (hello, Mary’s Gone Kookies). CEO Michael Finete talks about the history, future, and messaging of the creative company.

Since Quigg grew up in the baking business (several generations of Quiggs ran Richmond Baking before Bill took over as president and CEO), and he’s held leadership positions at the American Bakers Association before, he seems as apt a candidate as anyone to take over the organization as chair. During the recent ABA Convention, he took time to talk about baking being in his blood, his personal leadership philosophy, and more.

Nate Chesher, marketing director of the Cherry Marketing Institute, not only appreciates the taste and versatility of the fruit. He also loves talking about it, which he did with SF&WB recently. Listen in on the discussion of the health benefits and myriad uses of cherries in snack and bakery products, and how to use cherries to create foods that delight consumers.

Consumers around the world love their snacks. The fifth annual State of Snacking Report, courtesy of Mondelēz International, reveals some interesting insights into just how much people prioritize their snacking. Graham, global head of insights and analytics, has the scoop.

PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, recently unveiled its 2023 State of the Industry US Packaging Machinery Report. Egan reveals some of the key highlights from the info-packed resource, focusing on what the findings might indicate for the future of packaging and equipment investment for snack makers, bakery producers, and others in the CPG food field.

Ready-to-eat popcorn is a popular snack category, with plenty of players on the field. Asheville, NC-based Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn offers a range of unique, premium flavors that make it stand out, in pouches that stand up. Frank discusses the brand’s history, growth, and innovation.

Rich Products is betting big on the future of its cake and cupcake business. Spratt connected with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery to discuss the recent $27 million investment in its Middleton, TN facility, and its history of growth and innovation.

Consumers in the U.S. generally want to eat better, but they struggle to find foods (including snacks and baked items) that meet their healthy eating goals. During this podcast, Dr. Corwin talks about how producers can strive to provide healthier foods, while still delivering on good taste.

It’s not enough for a snack to be better for you to capture consumer interest, and keep them coming back. It has to taste good, too. If it combines being healthy and being tasty with being good for the environment, that’s a nice bonus. Anish Sheth talks about Redbud’s hat-trick snack Cheddies Crackers, its attention to quality, and its plans for the future.

When choosing bakery and snack purchases, consumers are interested in eating healthier, but they don’t want to give up indulgence—especially when it comes to chocolate. Cristian Chu Salgado recently connected with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery to talk about what shoppers are looking for, trends in chocolate, and how producers can harness the power of chocolate to deliver tasty BFY options.