Packaging requirements are changing, and the effects extend well beyond the materials used to protect food products.
As manufacturers explore lighter materials, recyclable alternatives and new package formats, they’re also evaluating how those changes affect existing production equipment. A package that meets sustainability goals still needs to move reliably through conveyors, automated loading systems and …
A package has always needed to protect its contents, preserve product quality and communicate important information. But today’s dairy packaging is being asked to do much more.
Consumers want products that are easy to open, convenient to carry, simple to store and practical to use throughout the day. Whether it’s a resealable bag of shredded …
Billions of dollars are being invested in dairy manufacturing across the United States, with new facilities, major expansions and modernization projects taking shape throughout the industry.
According to the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), approximately $11 billion has been committed to more than 50 new and expanded dairy production projects through early 2028.
That’s …
If you’ve followed HART on social media for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something: we like to have a little fun.
From chili cook-offs and fish fries to cornhole tournaments, corn roasts and an ice cream bar complete with a soft-serve machine, there’s usually something happening around HART.
Give us a food-themed holiday, …
Food manufacturers are being asked to accommodate more products, formats and package configurations, often within the same production environment. As those requirements change, flexibility can become an important consideration when processors evaluate new equipment.
Recent industry research provides some context. According to a PMMI report covered by Dairy Foods, the U.S. packaging machinery market …
Improving efficiency in a dairy processing plant is rarely as simple as replacing one machine or optimizing one step in production. Equipment, product flow, sanitation, controls, utilities, automation and downstream operations all influence how efficiently a production system performs.
Recent industry reporting on membrane technology provides a useful example. Removing water from dairy streams earlier …
Protein continues to influence product development throughout the dairy industry. Recent retail data indicates that dairy products carrying protein claims are growing faster than the broader dairy category, with yogurt, cottage cheese and milk among the areas showing momentum.
While protein-focused products continue to show growth in several dairy categories, market opportunities can vary significantly …
How consumers eat can be just as important as what they eat. Traditional meals remain part of everyday life, but snacking, grab-and-go options, smaller portions, shared foods and other eating occasions are giving food and dairy manufacturers more opportunities to think differently about product development.
Nutrition and functional benefits remain important, but flavor, enjoyment and …
Packaging does not always have to tell the entire story at first glance. By intentionally leaving certain elements unresolved, brands can tap into consumer curiosity and encourage shoppers to look closer, interact with a product, or seek out additional information. From mystery flavors and partial imagery to collectible packaging, these strategies demonstrate …
Limited-edition packaging can give food and beverage brands a creative way to capture attention without abandoning the elements consumers already recognize. From oversized packaging to designs tied to holidays and cultural moments, short-run packaging campaigns can create urgency, re-engage consumers, generate excitement and provide valuable feedback that may help inform future …