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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.

Articles

ARTICLES

Gossner Foods cheese processing facility

Cover Story

Technology helps processors produce natural foods and beverages

How processors are using minimal processing equipment and techniques to keep up with changing consumer demands

Debra Schug

March 7, 2018

Many food and beverage producers are using new technology to make products that will satisfy modern consumer tastes, as well as to differentiate their items on the shelf.

Home Chef opens new Chicagoland-area facility

The largest privately held US meal kit company’s third facility promises to help growth strategies and allow for more product offerings.

Debra Schug

March 2, 2018

Since its humble beginnings a few years ago in the condo of the company’s founder and CEO Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef has increased its annual revenue from $1 million in 2015 to $250 million today.

Building a future food factory

When looking for a site for a new food or beverage processing plant, land is an important consideration.

Debra Schug

February 26, 2018

From one of the many presentations at last year’s Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference, Sargento Foods’ vice president of engineering runs down what is important in site selection.

United Natural Foods Inc. distribution center

Building a Future Food Factory, Part 5: Labor

How to get the workers you need to run highly automated food and beverage plants

Debra Schug

February 21, 2018

How do you ensure you get people with the right skill sets when picking a location for your new food or beverage plant? The first thing to consider is identifying an area’s tech school base and that they focus on what you need done at your plant.

The impact of Peanut Corporation of America's criminal convictions

The sentences doled out to the company execs are the largest in any food safety case on record.

Debra Schug

February 16, 2018

Why food and beverage companies and executives should ensure that food safety is a part of their corporate culture.

Editor's Note

Digital tools can transform food and beverage production

Digital tools offer food processors greater flexibility, efficiency

Debra Schug

February 9, 2018

The food and beverage processing world will be changing. But it looks like a promising future, one where problems can be instantaneously reported and acted upon, and operations are more efficient.

Food and beverage mergers and acquisitions trends

M&A activity sheds light on consolidations in the dairy industry, growth in the alcohol space and expansions into cannabis-related packaged food and beverages.

Debra Schug

February 8, 2018

The top deal both globally and in the US was the UK-based Reckitt Benckiser Group's US$ 17.8 billion acquisition of US-based Mead Johnson & Company, the baby formula company.

Tax reform considerations for manufacturers

What the new tax bill could mean for manufacturers big and small.

Debra Schug

February 1, 2018

While most of the changes appear to benefit food and beverage manufacturers, there a few key areas businesses should be aware of.

Tech Update

How to choose X-ray and metal detection equipment

Concentrating on food safety and quality goals for your products helps determine the right choice in inspection systems.

Debra Schug

January 26, 2018

Both X-ray and metal detection machines can prevent a lot of headaches. But if this is your first time purchasing a system, determining which is right for your operations can be confusing.

The plant-based food trend continues to grow

Some big food companies, like Campbell’s, are signaling moves into this growing sector.

Debra Schug

January 24, 2018

According to recent Nielsen data, the plant-based foods sector grew more than 8 percent in 2017, and the plant-based milk category is up 3 percent since last year, outpacing sales of cow’s milk over the same period.

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