Debra Schug

Debra Schug was Editor-in-Chief of Food Engineering. She began her media career over a decade ago writing and producing broadcast news for both television and radio at the local and national level. She spent many years as the managing editor for two trade magazines in the oil industry and the research editor for an annual petroleum report. She has a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University.

Labeling Transparency

Transparency push at Mondelēz International

The company has launched the SmartLabel app to address customers’ concerns

Debra Schug

February 28, 2017

Consumers are demanding more and more to know exactly what is in the foods they are eating. To evolve with this trend, Mondelēz International has just launched a new app that gives consumers quick access to this information and was one of the first companies to sign on to the SmartLabel initiative with the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) following its initial launch.

TECH FLASH

Horizon Organic president talks trends, merging with Danone

Company is offering more organic packaged food and beverages as well as increased transparency.

Debra Schug

February 15, 2017

“While we will always have deep roots in organic dairy, we are evolving to provide options that satisfy families’ broader diets, such as macaroni and cheese, crackers and fruit snacks,” says Mike Ferry, president of Horizon Organic.

Editor's Note

How SMART goals help manufacturers increase productivity

First pioneered by General Electric, the system helps anyone complete a seemingly unachievable task.

Debra Schug

February 9, 2017

The 5-part goal system can help anyone from editors to plant managers.

M&A forecast: Craft breweries headed for rapid pace of rollups

Food and beverage M&As in 2016 and what’s ahead in 2017

Debra Schug

January 29, 2017

“I think there’s a storm coming for craft beer,” says Kevin O’Connor, president and founder of O’Connor Brewing, a microbrewery located in Norfolk, Va.

Sustainable Plant of the Year Award: Clif Bar

The newly built bakery goes above and beyond the industry's sustainable standards.

Debra Schug

January 18, 2017

This year Food Engineering’s revived Sustainable Plant of the Year Award has been given to Clif Bar for its newly built bakery in Twin Falls, Idaho.

New Product Development

LiDestri shares 3 realistic tips for successful new product development

Outsourcing R&D can hasten the speed to market as well as help inform positioning and marketing decisions.

Debra Schug

January 16, 2017

Market research has proven that being the first in a category or introducing a novel flavor is beneficial. However, it isn’t always who is first, but who is doing it better.

Editor's Note

Industry 4.0: What the food manufacturing industry can expect in 2017

Industry 4.0 is the fourth wave of manufacturing, moving operations into the digitial space.

Debra Schug

January 11, 2017

Industry 4.0 is truly a revolution, with new production methods on the horizon.

Supply Chain

How food manufacturers can use technology to manage supply chains

With lots of moving parts and growing complexities, processors need to keep close tabs on managing product and data throughout the supply chain.

Debra Schug

January 11, 2017

New technology is helping members of the food processing industry improve the management and performance of their supply chain.

TECH FLASH

A trip to an Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production facility

The thousand-year old process requires quality ingredients, precise control and plenty of time.

Debra Schug

December 22, 2016

In the Caseificio San Lucio Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory—located in Sala Baganza just southwest of Parma, Italy—each production day, 1,300 liters of milk are placed in each vat.

Food Automation and Manufacturing Conference

2017 FA&M speaker line up announced

This year's theme is The Future of Food Manufacturing

Debra Schug

December 21, 2016

Food Engineering’s 2017 Food Automation and Manufacturing Conference agenda has been finalized. The theme for this year is The Future of Food Manufacturing.