The results are in for PLEX’s State of Manufacturing Report 2020, and they show the food and beverage industry is in many ways out in front of other industries in terms of adopting new technologies to maximize efficiency, competitiveness and profits.

Dandies Marshmallows (a product of Chicago Vegan Foods) got its start when its cofounder, President and Resident Engineer Ryan Howard, wanted his son to try a marshmallow for the first time. But his son, who was a vegan since birth, was not to consume traditional marshmallows, which contain gelatin, an animal-based ingredient. So it was time for Howard, being a food process engineer, to come up with an alternative, truly vegan marshmallow—which he did in his test kitchen in April of 2008. He called the marshmallows Dandies.

Stampede Meat, Inc., has announced it will be expanding to New Mexico, the company's first expansion outside its home state of Illinois.

Dean Foods has announced that its Mayfield Creamery ice cream brand is expanding to new markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico.

Recently, the company has undergone a fundamental shift in how it thinks about food and the way it operates.

Meat processing company Smithfield Foods announced this week a realignment of its organization and new senior management appointments to accelerate growth and further its mission.

Burger Kind Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of its first restaurant in New Delhi, marking the fast-food chain’s debut in India as well as a milestone for the brand which is now operating in its 100th country.

Morton Salt announced it is expanding its product offerings and capabilities in China through a strategic collaboration with Morton China National Salt (Shanghai) Salt Co. Ltd., a Chinese joint venture.