Shows
From the Cold CornerRetail-Ready, Other Trends in Cold Foods PackagingA little over 10 years ago, Peter Fox opened the North American subsidiary of Germany-based SOMIC Group. A 35-year veteran of the packaging industry, Fox has worked for Kraft Foods, the Pillsbury Company, Delkor Systems and Interpress Technologies. He was named CEO of SOMIC Packaging in 2021. Last year, SOMIC Packaging moved to new headquarters in Minnesota, quadrupling workspace to 48,000 square feet and allowing assembly of all new North American purchased machines. In North America, SOMIC has installed hundreds of end-of-line packaging machines with about 60% of their equipment placed with manufacturers using a refrigerated environment. Fox joins From the Cold Corner to...2025-06-0935 min
From the Cold CornerIngredient Innovation in Cold & Frozen FoodsFrom supply constraints on eggs, rising cocoa prices and damaged citrus crops, to ingredient disclosure regulations, recalls and changing consumer demands, cold foods processors and manufacturers face challenges at every stage of the production process. Eimear Robertson, chief technical officer for Kerry NA, leads the research, development & applications and regulatory & scientific affairs teams in North America. She shares some of the ways F&B manufacturers are meeting market expectations through reformulating products to reduce sugar and sodium, improve flavors and enable fresher foods.2025-05-1433 min
From the Cold CornerFA&M 2025 in RewindKelley Rodriguez, editor in chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods and content manager for FA&M, Alyse Thompson-Richards, editor in chief of FOOD ENGINEERING and Michael Levitt, editor of FOOD ENGINEERING, unpack highlights from the 26th annual Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo.2025-04-3023 min
From the Cold CornerEPR, Plastic Packaging for Cold Foods and MoreAs consumer and regulatory pressure put plastic in the spotlight, the next few years looks to be pivotal in the area of food packaging. What are the key drivers in developing packaging and what should cold processors and manufacturers know to prepare for looming legislation and its impact on refrigerated and frozen food packaging. Kellie Alvarado, director of sustainability at Anchor Packaging, joins From the Cold Corner to unpack the latest in sustainable plastic packaging for the cold foods industry.2025-04-0127 min
From the Cold CornerDriving Efficiency with ERPERP and MES - Enterprise Resource Planning AND Manufacturing Execution Systems – two pieces of tech that can have a powerful impact on F&B processing and manufacturing. MES helps bridge the gap between the shop floor and enterprise systems, ensuring real-time visibility, control, and optimization of manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, ERP integrates business functions across the organization, streamlining operations from finance to supply chain management. Jim has nearly 30 years specializing in computer systems that provide operational capabilities and analytic tools to drive profit maximization, competitive advantage, and customer satisfaction for F&B manufacturers. Join us as we unpack how these two sys...2025-03-0427 min
From the Cold CornerRefrigerated Foods Association Marks 45 YearsFounded in 1980, the Refrigerated Foods Association is celebrating 45 years as the coolest association on earth. R&FF met with leaders at the 2025 conference in Orlando to learn more about RFA and how it serves the refrigerated prepared foods segment.2025-02-2121 min
From the Cold CornerArizona Cold Storage Project Deploys A2LDesigning and installing a refrigeration system on a cold storage or frozen food production facility is challenging in and of itself but one that needs to operate efficiently and consistently in Nogales, Arizona, -- one of the hottest ambient climates in the U.S. -- coupled with changing regulations meant a whole lot of hands on deck. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, Jeff Warther, senior key account manager at The Chemours Company and Luis Bustamonte, owner of Bustamonte Refrigeration, discuss the project and its challenges.2025-02-0719 min
From the Cold CornerUS Foods, Distributor of the Year, on Using Tech to Help Foodservice Operators 'Make It'As one of the largest foodservice distribution companies in the country, US Foods, Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 2024 Distributor of the Year, helps 250,000 foodservice clients across the country succeed every day. Gene Carbonara, vice president of ecommerce and digital, at US Foods, joins the podcast to share more about how the distributor is using technology to enhance ecommerce and more.2024-12-2019 min
From the Cold Corner2024 Rewind: The Latest Trends in Food ManufacturingFOOD ENGINEERING Editors Derrick Teal and Alyse Thompson-Richards and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Editor Kelley Rodriguez discuss the major trends affecting food manufacturing in 2024 and what they expect to see in 2025. They cover food safety, automation, sustainability, mergers & acquisitions, and more.2024-12-1832 min
From the Cold CornerCafe Spice, 2024 Processor of the YearA private label powerhouse, Cafe Spice produces its own branded RTE meals as well as co-manufactured and foodservice products for customers including Whole Foods, Kroger and Amazon. The company late last year began manufacturing from a 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in Beacon, New York, near their original, 50,000-square-foot site in New Windsor. The Beacon site, which now accounts for nearly 90% of the company’s output, is in its first phase of operation, with additional production lines coming in 2025. Cafe Spice has been named R&FF’s 2024 Processor of the Year. Sameer Malhotra, CEO of Cafe Spice, Ryan Bakst, R&D manager, Giov...2024-11-1427 min
From the Cold CornerBig Mozz, Winner of NFRA’s Penguin PitchTheir clean-label massive mozzarella sticks are a branded menu item at major concert venues like Madison Square Garden and in just over a year have made it into 3,500+ retail doors. The NFRA recently celebrated Big Mozz as the winner of its inaugural Penguin Pitch competition. Matt Gallira, CEO and founder of Big Mozz, discusses transitioning from a concert staple, to a foodservice superpower, to a retail CPG, bringing to the masses.2024-10-2529 min
From the Cold CornerForecasting 2025 TrendsJustin Cook, lead Consumer Products researcher at Deloitte, joins From the Cold Corner to share more about Deloitte’s research into the refrigerated and frozen consumer and how F&B manufacturers and processors can work with grocers to win a bigger share-of-stomach.2024-10-1823 min
From the Cold CornerTechnology in Cold Foods DistributionCold storage providers and distributors are always looking for ways to cut carbon footprints and boost the bottom line. For cold storage companies and 3PLs, energy is typically the second-highest operating cost behind labor. Technology can play an important role in combating rising energy costs by cutting consumption and helping cold chain operators identify their weak points. On this episode, we’re talking technology in cold foods distribution with Jason Massey, CEO and co-founder of Ndustrial, and Damaris Grütter, director of U.S. & Canadian markets at Stoecklin Logistics.2024-09-1029 min
From the Cold CornerAdding Automation to Existing Cold Food FacilitiesAutomation – the word is everywhere in the food and beverage business – but many companies are looking for a starting point. On this episode, John Koury, consulting architect for A M King, a North Carolina based design-build firm, discusses how cold food facilities can maximize their investments and add automation alongside plant renovations or expansions.2024-08-1327 min
From the Cold CornerFedUp Foods & Its Next Chapter of Functional BeveragesFedUp Foods, the largest private-label fermented beverage manufacturer in North America, is beginning its next chapter of growth with construction of its third production facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. Renowned for creating health-conscious beverages such as Kombucha, Prebiotic Sodas, and more, the company currently serves nine of the 12 top private label programs in North America. The Wilmington facility will allow FedUp Foods to meet growing demand and offer new products, like cold brew coffee. On this episode, Zane Adams, co-founder, and executive vice president of Strategy and Development, shares more about FedUp Foods’ journey and the company’s latest production faci...2024-08-0226 min
From the Cold CornerSaffron Road CEO Adnan Durrani Sits Down with R&FF at Frozen IQThe better-for-you food movement is on fire and Saffron Road is among the F&B brands leading the charge. Inspired by world cuisines, and made with high quality, ethically sourced ingredients, all Saffron Road products are Halal-certified. Led by founder and CEO Adnan Durrani, the 15-year-old company is a Certified B Corp, with products found in over 25,000 U.S. retail locations. Last month R&FF Editor in Chief Kelley Rodriguez sat down with Adnan at Frozen IQ, in Fort Worth, Texas, where he spoke on a panel about sharing the benefits of frozen foods with consumers.2024-07-1924 min
From the Cold CornerIce Cream Manufacturing Capital of the WorldWells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913, the company produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells and its nearly 4,000 employees manufacture its signature brand Blue Bunny, lower-calorie Halo Top, the iconic Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics from Le Mars, Iowa, the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location, and plants in Dunkirk, New York, and Henderson, Nevada. July is National Ice Cream month, and who better than to talk about all things ice c...2024-07-0815 min
From the Cold CornerFarm to Frozen: Top Articles and Final ThoughtsFarm to Frozen: Navigating the U.S. Cold Storage Climate” is a series focused on the U.S. cold storage market, the need for infrastructure development and how food and beverage manufacturers/ processors can leverage the best option for their business. As the initial series wraps up, we are chatting with Marty Khait, principle at Yukon Real Estate Partners and author of the Farm to Frozen series.2024-07-0210 min
From the Cold CornerDairy MarketingAs we wrap up National Dairy Month, From the Cold Corner is talking building a brand with Elena Umanskaya, vice president of Marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy. The family-owned business is among the largest dairy companies in the world and owns an impressive portfolio, including Kraft Natural Cheese and Breakstone’s.2024-06-2416 min
From the Cold CornerMaple Hill Creamery’s Sustainable DairyJune is National Dairy Month, and to celebrate, From the Cold Corner is talking regenerative agriculture and how Maple Hill Creamery, a grass-fed organic dairy, is using it as a force for sustainability and social responsibility. Based in upstate New York, Maple Hill Creamery sources its milk from over 130 family small family farms. Its milk, yogurt, butter and kefir is available at locations nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts and Natural Grocers. Maple Hill Creamery, along with other partners, recently received a $20 million USDA grant to lead climate-smart practices among dairy farmers. Here to discuss that and more is Tim J...2024-06-1223 min
From the Cold CornerSuntado – Idaho’s First Vertically Integrated Dairy ProcessorIdaho’s first vertically integrated dairy processing plant opened just in time for June Dairy Month, with a focus on contract manufacturing. Suntado processes and packages on site with capacity for up to 1 million pounds of locally-produced milk per day into shelf-stable and extended shelf life (ESL) milk and liquid dairy products. The 190,000-square-foot facility is the first U.S. co-manufacturer to use TetraPak’s Tetra Top packaging. On this episode, we are joined by Tory Nichols, office of the CEO, Business Development, Suntado, Russ Lucas, Suntado plant manager, and Mat Rutz, vice president of contract manufacturing for Tetra Pak U.S...2024-06-0520 min
From the Cold CornerTillamook’s New Illinois Ice Cream Plant is Full of FirstsThe Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is an Oregon-based dairy co-op and manufacturer known for their award-winning cheese, yogurt, butter and most importantly to this story – their deliciously creamy ice cream. Tillamook’s new ice cream manufacturing facility in Decatur, Illinois marks a few firsts for the company: it will be TCCA's first owned and operated manufacturing facility outside of Oregon and its only facility solely dedicated to ice cream production. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, Mike Bever, executive vice president and chief Supply Chain officer at Tillamook County Creamery Association, joins us to share some ice crea...2024-05-1616 min
From the Cold CornerGifford’s Making Their Famous 'HomeMaine' Ice Cream Again After FireFor the first time in a year, Gifford’s Ice Cream is making Maine’s most famous ice cream after a fire ripped through production facilities, forcing the company to rely on co-packers. To get back up and running, the family-owned ice cream company carved out a smaller production area—roughly 30% of actual size once the factory is fully restored—and has two lines running to produce quarts and bulk flavors for its wholesale customers and ice cream stands. A brother and sister are part of the fifth generation of ice cream makers running the company and churning out distinctive flavors...2024-04-0819 min
From the Cold CornerAFFI-CON and More in 2024From the Cold Corner sits down with Mary Emma Young, vice president of communication at the American Frozen Food Institute, during 2024 AFFI-CON to discuss the lobbying Congress on behalf of the food industry, food safety and more.2024-03-1916 min
From the Cold CornerState of the Cultivated Protein IndustryLast summer, UPSIDE Foods, a cultivated meat, poultry and seafood company, received approvals needed by the USDA, following a greenlight from the FDA in Fall 2022. That allowed the company to start commercial production and sale of its cultivated chicken. Since then, a number of companies, like Meatable, Wanda Fish and Believer Meats, have announced plans to scale production. As so-called cruelty-free meat moves out of the lab and into the mainstream, what is the current state of the cultivated meat industry and how soon can we expect to see it on menus? On this episode of From the Cold Corner, S...2024-02-1536 min
From the Cold CornerWhat You Should Know About Building Cold & Frozen FacilitiesOn this episode of From the Cold Corner, Don Olsen, vice president of design and operations at ESI Group, discusses what food manufacturers and processors should know about the design-build process for cold and frozen facilities.2024-01-2938 min
From the Cold CornerAfia Foods’ New Texas Manufacturing FacilityAfia started in 2017 at an Austin area Farmer’s Market and moved into retail in 2018 with the H-E-B Quest for Texas’ Best program. In the years since, the company has grown to a national brand with 13,000 distribution points and three lines of frozen Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Food.On this episode, Farrah and Yassin Sibai, of Afia, discuss their newly-opened “purpose built” frozen food production space in Taylor, Texas, and what’s ahead for the brand.2024-01-1821 minFrom the Cold CornerWhat’s Ahead for Cold Storage in 2024Welcome to From the Cold Corner, a podcast dedicated to the refrigerated and frozen foods’ cold chain. Marty Khait, co-founder and managing principal at Yukon Real EstatePartners, and author of R&FF’s special series, Farm to Frozen, joins R&FF Editor in Chief Kelley Rodriguez to discuss what’s ahead in 2024 for the U.S. cold storage market.2023-12-1511 min
From the Cold Corner2024 Trends to WatchWith inflation anticipated to ease in 2024 and changing consumer preferences, new research indicates that specific grocery departments will lead the pack in volume growth. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive vice president and practice leader at Circana, discusses what is ahead in the New Year.2023-12-1416 min
From the Cold CornerArmored FreshArmored Fresh, a South Korean food tech startup, wants to be the cheese alternative everyone asks for. The company was the first in the world to create vegan cheese from plant-based milk using fermentation technology and patented processes it says creates a product nearly indistinguishable from dairy-based cheese. Andrew Yu, vice president of American operations at Armored Fresh, joins From the Cold Corner to discuss how the company’s patented tech could change the cheese game.2023-11-2822 min
From the Cold CornerSunOpta – R&FF’s 2023 Processor of the YearOn this episode of From the Cold Corner, we’re celebrating Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 2023 Processor of the Year: SunOpta. A global pioneer in the sustainable food and beverage industry, SunOpta has achieved consistent growth and deep-rooted success for nearly 50 years. Collaborating with some of the most planet-friendly brands in the world, SunOpta produces 450 total organic, non-GMO plant-based and specialty products, including plant-based beverages and ingredients, and fruit-based ingredients and snacks. Lauren McNamara, vice president of Plant-based Food & Beverage Business, and Bryan Clark, Senior Vice President of Research & Development and Quality Assurance, join From the Cold Corner to discuss how the Minn...2023-11-0922 min
From the Cold CornerFlavor Trends and Product Innovations in Cold & Frozen FoodsTo learn more about how food manufacturers and processors are creating the latest in craveable, consumable foods, this episode of From the Cold Corner features joined by Stacey Kinkaid, vice president of Product Development and Innovation at US Foods, and Chris Glab, chief innovation officer at Wild Brine/Bubbies. They talk about research into Gen Z dining and eating trends, how their companies approach R&D and what’s on the horizon for new refrigerated and frozen foods.2023-11-0324 minFrom the Cold CornerNew Options in Cold StorageIt certainly seems like a hot time to be in cold storage development. This episode of From the Cold Corner features Marty Khait, co-founder and managing principal at Yukon Real Estate Partners, and author of R&FF’s special series, Farm to Frozen, to discuss new options in cold storage and more.2023-10-1622 min
From the Cold CornerAutomation & Technology in Food Logistics/DistributionAt Refrigerated and Frozen Foods, we talk a lot about how cold foods are produced, processed and manufactured. But what happens once those foods are ready to be distributed to retailers across the country where they will ultimately end up in consumer’s homes? This episode honors Longbow Advantage, R&FF’s 2023 Logistics Provider of the Year, and discusses the ways in which technology and automation are changing the food logistics landscape. We’re joined by Mike Babiak, director of supply chain technology at Longbow Advantage, and Pratik Jagad, chief product officer at nuVizz, a delivery and transportation platform specializing in las...2023-09-1330 min
From the Cold CornerManufacturing & Processing Technology in Cold & Frozen FoodsOn this episode of From the Cold Corner, we’re joined by three guests to discuss the latest in food processing trends and cold foods manufacturing: Craig Susser of Craig’s Vegan, a California plant-based ice cream company. Created in 2016, it was a hit in Susser’s West Hollywood restaurant and by 2018, the brand had launched a pint-sized line of its cashew-based ice creams in six flavors at over 2,000 retailers nationwide. Bob Grote, CEO of Grote Company, an Ohio-based manufacturer of slicing and food processing equipment. Started with the Peppamatic over 50 years ago, Grote Company has diversified through the acquisitions of Van...2023-08-0942 min
From the Cold CornerHearth & Fire Pizza, Winners of the 2023 Best New Retail Products ContestSchwan’s Hearth & Fire, a frozen pizza line created with proprietary dough and a fermentation process that makes the perfect crust. With premium toppings like roast shiitake, Portobello and cremini mushrooms, whole basil leaves and goat cheese, the brand is winning over fans. So many in fact that it was voted by readers as Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Best New Retail Product for 2023! On this episode of From the Cold Corner, we're joined by Roger Bentz, principal food scientist with Schwans, Shelly Heid, senior director of Product Development for Schwan’s; Brian Thompson, Senior Marketing Manager for Hearth & Fire and Suman Nag, se...2023-07-1320 min
From the Cold CornerMeet the Duo Behind Painterland Sisters Skyr YogurtIn honor of June Dairy Month, meet sisters Stephanie and Hayley Painter, the duo behind Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt, which launched in 2022, to preserve, showcase and utilize their family’s fourth-generation organic dairy farm. The Icelandic-style organic yogurt is thicker and creamier. It is lactose-free, rich in probiotics, high in protein and contains 13 essential nutrients. Painterland Sisters skyr is made from organic whole milk and their five flavors are sweetened naturally using fruits and cane sugar. This spring, they expanded distribution to include Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Sprouts Farmers Market, Giant Food stores and more. Currently found in ove...2023-06-0722 min
From the Cold CornerFresh Has No Boundaries – Connecting the Charitable Food System with Refrigeration InfrastructureFood companies and retailers regularly donate foods to charitable organizations but often lack the capability to store and distribute those donations. Cooler Management, an Ohio-based company that designs and delivers cold storage solutions, recently launched a program to help solve the infrastructure dilemma and distribute more fresh foods to food banks, schools, retailers and more. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, Mark Inrott, CEO of Cooler Management, joins us to discuss his passion for sports, nutrition and agriculture and how we can look for new ways to feed hungry Americans. And, if the name Mark Inkrott sounds familiar...2023-06-0729 min
From the Cold CornerDrive-Thru: Helping Protect People, Products, Equipment & Your Bottom LineLearn why a loading dock designed with a Drive-Thru applications is the gold standard for facilities like cold storage, food, beverage (and more!) and how it helps protects your employees, minimizes damage to equipment and goods, while saving money on your bottom-line through environmental control.
Sponsored by:2023-06-0219 minFrom the Cold CornerTrends in Plant-based Foods: Part 2Sales of plant-based foods topped $7 billion in 2021, with retail sales growing three times faster than total food retail sales, according to the Plant-Based Foods Association. As demand from consumers for plant-based foods, especially protein alternatives in the meat and dairy aisles, continues to grow, data suggests alt-proteins will only move further into the mainstream. On this two-part episode of From the Cold Corner, we’ll focus on some of the emerging trends in plant-based foods. For part 2, we’re joined by Christine Lewington, CEO of PIP International, a Canadian-based pea protein company.2023-05-1621 minFrom the Cold CornerTrends in Plant-based Foods: Part 1Sales of plant-based foods topped $7 billion in 2021, with retail sales growing three times faster than total food retail sales, according to the Plant-Based Foods Association. As demand from consumers for plant-based foods, especially protein alternatives in the meat and dairy aisles, continues to grow, data suggests alt-proteins will only move further into the mainstream. On this two-part episode of From the Cold Corner, we’ll focus on some of the emerging trends in plant-based foods. For part 1, we’re joined by Alison Rabschnuk, Business Development Director – Plant based foods at Kerry Taste & Nutrition.2023-05-1621 min
From the Cold CornerGreen Building Practices for Cold FacilitiesOn this episode of From the Cold Corner, we’re joined by Dustin Norton, Sustainability Program Manager at Primus Builders, to discuss sustainability initiatives, LEED certification and more in the design and construction of cold storage facilities.2023-04-2725 min
From the Cold Corner40 Years of March Frozen Food MonthThis year marks the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA)’s 40th annual celebration of March Frozen Food Month! On this episode of From the Cold Corner, NFRA Executive Vice President and COO, Tricia Greyshock, and Angela Rosenquist, chief growth officer at InnovAsian Cuisine and chair of the NFRA Promotions Committee, discuss March Frozen Food Month and more.2023-03-0829 min
From the Cold CornerState of the Cold Chain 2023The demand for refrigerated and frozen foods remains robust. For example, a survey released in November by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) found more than a quarter of shoppers are buying more frozen fruits and vegetables than three years ago. And over 90% of foodservice operators reported using frozen foods in their menus, with the healthcare, convenience store and fast casual categories measuring the greatest increase in use since 2019. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, AFFI President and CEO, Alison Bodor, and the RFA Technical Director, Doug Marshall, join us to discuss the state of the cold chain...2023-02-2735 min
From the Cold CornerDevanco Foods, R&FF’s Refrigerated Foods Processor of the YearAs Argentina and soccer fans around the world celebrate, there’s little doubt that scores of hungry fans in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup dined on a Devanco Foods product: the Chicago-based company shipped more than a half million pounds of halal beef bacon and deli meats into the country ahead of the tournament. It’s no wonder that Devanco Foods has been named the 2023 Refrigerated and Frozen Foods’ Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, we’re joined by Parker King, national sales manager for Devanco Foods, and Janine Zenner, Founder of Zacca Hum...2023-01-0516 minFrom the Cold CornerCold Storage Construction Trends to Watch in 2023On this episode of From the Cold Corner, we’re joined by Grady McAdams, northwest region and cold storage sales leader at Heatcraft, and John Tippmann, Vice President of Sales Strategy at the Tippmann Group, to discuss the coming year in cold storage.2022-12-0517 min
From the Cold CornerMeet Godshall's, Winner of the 2022 Best New Refrigerated Products ContestGodshall's starts with premium cuts of Angus Steak seasoned with traditional steakhouse spices and slowly smoke using real wood. Their Uncured Beef Bacon made with Angus Steak delivers on great taste and versatility. It cooks just like pork bacon, but with 50% less fat and has just 40 calories per serving. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, we're joined by Francis Yupangco, executive director of marketing, to discuss the brand's new products, rebranding, a facility expansion and more. Read more about their story here and listen to the podcast by clicking the button below.2022-11-1415 min
From the Cold CornerTalkin’ Turkey with ButterballWith Thanksgiving and the holiday season quickly approaching, we’re talkin’ turkey. Known as the leader in Thanksgiving turkeys, Butterball recently released its 2022 Thanksgiving Outlook report. Kyle Lock, vice president of Marketing for Butterball, joins us to some consumer insights and turkey tips.2022-11-0917 min
From the Cold CornerFrozen Foods Processor of the Year: West Liberty FoodsIf you’ve ever made meatballs for a football tailgate or enjoyed chicken wings at a restaurant, chances are good you have eaten a West Liberty Foods product – our 2022 Frozen Foods Processor of the Year. West Liberty Foods produces grilled, baked, enrobed, chopped/formed, steam-cooked and convection items, such as grilled chicken strips and patties, meatballs, breakfast sausage and fully-cooked chicken wings. The company also produces sliced and whole muscle proteins and sous vide products for foodservice. Founded in 1996, when 47 farmers formed the Iowa Turkey Growers Co-Operative to purchase a turkey processing plant in West Liberty, Iowa, from Kraft Foods, the...2022-11-0425 min
From the Cold CornerTrends in HPP & PackagingOn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Vinicio Serment, U.S. Applications and Food Processing Specialist at Hiperbaric, a designer and manufacturer of HPP machinery, and Gianni Holzen, Commercial Sales Director at Fresh-Lock, a packaging company specializing in flexible and re-closeable technology, to examine the latest in high pressure processing – or HPP – and packaging for refrigerated and frozen foods.2022-09-1929 min
From the Cold CornerWhat’s Next for Cell-Based ProteinsThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicts meat consumption will increase by over 70% by 2050, meaning the world must find another source to feed a growing population. Investors in cell-based protein companies include names like Bill Gates and companies including Tyson and Cargill and other countries, including Singapore, India and Japan have invested in research and regulatory framework. For a look at where the industry stands today and what’s next for cell-based protein, on this episode of From the Cold Corner, I’m joined by Tony Moses, PhD., Director of Product Innovation at CRB.2022-08-2622 min
From the Cold CornerFrom Schools to Freezer Aisles: Mixmi FroyoJust in time for back to school – you may now be able to find a popular school lunch treat in the freezer aisle at your grocery store. Mixmi frozen yogurt has been sold in elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. since 2012 and late last year, the company began retail distribution, with 4-packs of Mixmi froyo now available in over 1,400 locations in 30 states. Mixmi co-founders and co-owners, Kristin and Chris Harlander, and their son, Axl Harlander, join From the Cold Corner to discuss the company’s growth.2022-08-1616 min
From the Cold CornerState of the Cold Chain – Refrigerated FoodsAs consumer behavior continues to change and economic pressure mounts, we wanted to check in on the cold chain. On this episode of From the Cold Corner, Lauren Edmonds, president of the Refrigerated Foods Association and vice president of marketing and product development for St. Clair Foods, Inc. joins us.2022-08-0532 min
From the Cold Corner2022 Best New Frozen Retail Winner: Boba BamFrom the Cold Corner sits down with Bob Yau, founder and chairman of BEK Foods, Boba Bam’s parent company, and Brian Khoddam, CEO of Boba Bam, the winner of our 2022 Best New Frozen Retail Products contest. Founded in 2020, the California-based company conducted its first retail test last July at Costco and sold out in less than a week. Since then, the company has sold over 2 million gallons of boba. The gluten-free, vegan and nut free brown sugar flavor Boba Bam packet goes from freezer to microwave to cup in about a minute, with all the taste and texture of bo...2022-06-2016 min
From the Cold CornerJune Dairy Month & Cabot CheeseIn honor of June being National Diary Month, From the Cold Corner sits down with Sarah Healy, senior vice president of marketing for Cabot Cheese and Jenni Tilton-Flood, a Cabot dairy farmer whose farm cares for 3,400 cows every day. Founded in Cabot, Vermont, in 1919, it has grown to be owned by 800 farms throughout New England and New York. Today the yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and butter produced by Cabot farmers can be found in stores across the U.S. alongside its award-winning cheeses.2022-06-1517 min
From the Cold CornerSustainable PackagingRodolfo Haenni, VP of market & strategy development and Rafael Posada, director of sustainability at Tekni-Plex, a material sciences company and Meg Sutula, director of marketing at Clover Sonoma dairy, join From the Cold Corner to discuss the evolution of sustainable packaging and circularity.2022-05-2333 min
From the Cold CornerEnergy-Saving Trends in Cold ConstructionBen Rubin, co-founder and CEO of SnoFox Sciences, a data science and analytics company and Dan Postlewaite, manager of sustainable development and senior project engineer at US Cold, join From the Cold Corner to discuss energy-saving and sustainability in cold facility construction.2022-05-1023 minFrom the Cold CornerState of the Cold Chain: Frozen FoodsAllison Bodor, CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), Bryan Freeman, executive chairman of REAL Good Foods, and Lucy Durbin, first vice president of the National Food Facilities Group at CBRE, join From the Cold Corner to discuss current issues impacting the frozen foods industry and a look at what’s ahead in 2022.2022-03-2431 min
From the Cold CornerShe Risked It for the Biscuit: Meet Ayeshah Abuelhiga, CEO of Mason Dixie FoodsAyeshah Abuelhiga, CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, joins us to discuss her clean-label, ready-to-bake line of frozen biscuits and breakfast sandwiches. The daughter of two immigrants from countries with very big food cultures, Ayeshah turned a love of soul food into a booming biscuit business, recently raising over $6 million in a Series A funding round. Mason Dixie products can be found in over 8,000 locations nationwide, including Whole Foods, Target and Publix.2022-03-0730 min
From the Cold Corner2022 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year Van’s Kitchen is on a RollLed by CEO Theresa Motter, Van’s Kitchen is a certified women-owned and minority-owned egg roll manufacturer supplying over 10,000 supermarkets and convenience stores across the U.S., with $45 million in annual sales. The Dallas-based company weathered the COVID pandemic, signing over 10 new distributor, supermarket and grocery accounts for a 40% increase in sales year-over-year. Read the full story here.2022-02-1414 min
From the Cold CornerMeet Hälsa Dairy-Free Scandinavian-Style Oatgurt, winner of our 2021 Best New Refrigerated Products ContestHelena Lumme, founder and president of Hälsa Dairy-Free Scandinavian-Style Oatgurt, and Mika Manninen, founder and CEO, join the Cold Corner to discuss winning the 2021 R&FF Best New Refrigerated Products Contest. They also talk about how the rapidly-growing company is addressing sustainability, innovation, and plans for 2022 and beyond.2022-01-0615 min
From the Cold CornerHow Crepini Addresses Modern Dietary Trends with a Traditional Clean-Label ProductCrepini’s President, Ann Daw, and CMO, Lisa Shkolnik, join the Cold Corner to discuss the company’s zero-carb, Paleo- and Keto-friendly egg wraps—a cross between a crêpe and a blini—and how those refrigerated products help consumers meet modern dietary preferences. They also discuss overcoming challenges with growing the company, a recent packaging redesign, and how they’re addressing current supply chain and labor issues at the company.2021-12-0618 min
From the Cold CornerUltimate Food-Safe Conveying Solution for Refrigerated and Frozen FoodSideDrive is the only company in the world focused solely on providing side-drive, edge-driven conveyors for food-safe production lines. USDA-approved plastic-belted SideDrive conveyors keep refrigerated and frozen foods safe with their smooth motion that prevents breakage. Increase uptime while reducing chemical and water use thanks to SideDrive’s open-frame construction and drumless design that make cleaning and high-pressure washdown simple by reducing bacterial harborage points. Whether you want to elevate or lowerate, optimize your space or need an instance of ‘time’ in your process to cool or cure, SideDrive’s flexible conveyor configurations allow for endless solutions that keep refrigerated or froze...2021-10-2909 min
From the Cold CornerInnovative Freezing & Chilling Solutions for Plant-Based Food ProducersWith a focus on finding creative freezing & chilling solutions, Tony provides Commercial Cryogenic Technology support to Air Products’ food customers in the Northeastern US Region. In addition to coordinating equipment installations and updates, Tony collaborates with food manufacturers to understand their operation and identify opportunities to improve process safety and efficiency and reduce cost to grow their business.Sponsored by:2021-10-2119 min
From the Cold CornerKiller Creamery’s Novelty Niche in Sugar-Free Ice CreamLouis Armstrong, Founder and CEO of Killer Creamery, sits down with R&FF's Layan Dahhan to talk about the origins of his healthy, sugar-free ice cream company. They discuss the difficulties of transporting frozen products, the growth of the business since its start back in 2016 and the recent addition of a frozen novelty, Killer Sammies, to their lineup of ice cream pints.2021-09-2916 min
From the Cold CornerHanan Products’ 75-Year Journey as Dessert-Topping LeadersRyan Hanan, COO for Hanan Products, joins R&FF’s Layan Dahhan to talk about the family-owned company’s evolution—this is Hanan’s 75th year in business—into an industry leader in whipped toppings, icings and fillings for the wholesale/retail bakery industry, including well-known brands like Tasty Whip and Whip Deelite. The company is also known for its kosher and vegan products today, and has expanded and upgraded its production facilities—including the addition of automation and sustainable initiatives—to help meet demand for Hanan’s products.2021-09-0915 min
From the Cold CornerHow Milk Cult Built a Following in the Hand-Crafted Frozen Novelty CategoryMilk Cult's Co-Founder and Co-Owner Ed Cornell sits down with R&FF's Layan Dahhan to talk about the origins and inspiration behind his hand-crafted, chef-inspired frozen novelty company, Milk Cult. What started in 2013 as a motorcycle version of a food truck in Washington D.C., has grown into a popular brand with grocery distribution and a devoted following throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. They also discuss the challenges and decisions a startup company faces when expanding production to meet rapidly growing demand, and much more.2021-08-2520 min
From the Cold CornerHow Caulipower Helped Pioneer the Better-For-You Convenience CategoryCaulipower’s Founder & CEO, Gail Becker, joins Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to discuss the company’s recent packaging redesign, the R&D process for bringing Caulipower products to market, how the company is faring with current supply chain issues, Caulipower’s community outreach as part of its sustainability strategy, and what really constitutes “better-for-you” cold foods in stores today.2021-07-2418 min
From the Cold CornerMeet Devanco Foods—Winner of our 2021 Best New Frozen Retail Products ContestEditor-in-Chief Michael Costa sits down with Peter Bartzis and Liz Vanderhoef from Devanco Foods—which placed first in our 2021 Best New Frozen Retail Products Contest—to discuss the company’s winning No-MSG Chicken Gyros Kits, as well as their overall retail sales growth (150% year-over-year), sustainability goals, new product launches, family focused company culture, and distribution strategies for e-commerce and foodservice, which is rapidly ramping up as pandemic restrictions are lifted.2021-05-2427 min
From the Cold CornerAqua ViTea's Cold Chain Choices Growing the Kombucha CategoryIf ever there was a beverage made for the cold chain, it would be kombucha. The fermented, nutrient-dense drink—which can be created in alcohol and non-alcohol versions—is a living product in need of stable temperatures throughout its journey to store shelves. One of the leading brands in the fast-growing kombucha category is Vermont-based Aqua ViTea. Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa caught up with Aqua ViTea CEO & Founder Jeff Weaber to discuss kombucha’s rise in popularity due to consumer demand for health and wellness options, and how Aqua ViTea successfully pivoted from a profitable keg-based distribution model to bottles and cans d...2021-05-1615 min
From the Cold CornerLessons Learned and Current Challenges for the Refrigerated Foods IndustryLauren Edmonds, newly elected president of the Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) joins Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to discuss the RFA’s plans for the coming year, plus how the pandemic is still affecting the refrigerated foods industry through price hikes and shortages on ingredients, a shrinking labor pool, and more. They also discuss Edmonds’ company, St. Clair Foods, and their move to an automated production facility.2021-04-2328 min
From the Cold CornerDel Monte’s Veggieful Foray into Frozen Snacks and AppetizersMario DiFalco, VP of innovation and insights at Del Monte Foods, joins the Cold Corner with Austin Keating, multimedia specialist for Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, to discuss the brand’s Veggieful line of frozen foods, and in particular, their award-winning plant-based Pocket Pies.2021-03-2511 min
From the Cold CornerAnalyzing a Record Year for Frozen Foods, and Trends to Watch in 2021Jeff Rumachik from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) joins the Cold Corner again with Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to analyze the industry’s record year for frozen food sales due to the pandemic and housebound consumers. This coincides with Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ annual Top 150 Frozen Foods Processors Report, which was just published and can be found under The eMagazine tab at the top of R&FF’s website.2021-03-1921 min
From the Cold CornerFresh Del Monte’s Sustainable Strategies Surrounding its New Produce Plant in CaliforniaEditor-in-Chief Michael Costa checks in with Pablo Rivero, Fresh Del Monte’s VP of marketing for North America, about the company’s new produce processing plant in Gonzales, California, operated by Del Monte subsidiary, Mann Packing, and the sustainable initiatives incorporated in and around the facility. They also discuss Fresh Del Monte’s plans for the rest of 2021.2021-03-0514 min
From the Cold CornerNestle's Strategies for Developing Plant-Based Refrigerated and Frozen FoodsRefrigerated & Frozen Foods Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa checks in Ryan Riddle, Senior R&D Specialist for Plant-Based Meal Solutions at Nestlé, about the company's Sweet Earth brand, which helped Nestlé grow its plant-based sales by nearly 40% this year. They also discuss why frozen and refrigerated plant-based foods are so popular today, which consumer markets are key targets for plant-based foods, how Nestlé incorporates its plant-based products into the brand’s freezer-aisle favorites like DiGiorno Pizza and Stouffer’s, plus much more.2020-11-3016 min
From the Cold Corner4 real-world examples of adaptability that let food distributors increase their market share during COVID-19The disruption caused by COVID-19 forced nearly every food distributor to rethink their supply chain. Derek Curtis of Körber examines four recent examples of how their clients adapted to the changes better than their competitors, and grew their market share as a result.
Sponsored by:2020-11-1119 min
From the Cold CornerHow CEBA Brings the Cold Storage Construction Community Together to Maximize Business OpportunitiesRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa talks with Vincent Free, chairman of the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) about how the organization helps bring together suppliers, sub-contractors, builders and more, to move the thermal envelope industry forward through education and networking. They also detail how trends in e-commerce and last-mile delivery are fueling a cold storage construction boom.2020-09-2816 min
From the Cold CornerInnovations in sanitary, high-speed carton loading: JLS Peregrine™Hear from JLS President/CEO Craig Souser about the latest pick and place innovations in the refrigerated/ frozen foods industries and how the new JLS Peregrine™ is sure to change the game of sanitary carton loading.
Sponsored by:2020-08-0423 min
From the Cold CornerSysco's Strategies to Help Foodservice Pivot and Survive the COVID-19 PandemicRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa sits down with Neil Russell, VP of corporate affairs at Sysco, to talk about the company's constantly evolving strategies to help foodservice customers pivot and survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss how Sysco lent labor, inventory and truck capacity to grocery stores when the supply chain was thrown off balance due to consumer stockpiling, and how the company has worked tirelessly with food banks around the globe during the crisis, donating 30 million meals to date.2020-07-2422 min
From the Cold CornerHow the AFFI is Maximizing Momentum for Frozen Foods During the COVID-19 PandemicRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa discusses frozen foods' record retail sales and foodservice challenges due to COVID-19 with Alison Bodor, president and CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI). They also talk about AFFI’s efforts to protect workers along the cold chain during the crisis, changes in packaging to allow increased inventory and easier supply chain movement, and efforts to retain new frozen food customers after the pandemic.2020-06-2720 min
From the Cold CornerUS Foods’ Plan to Reboot Restaurants with COVID-19 ConsiderationsRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa talks foodservice distribution and restaurant reopening after COVID-19’s complete disruption of the industry, with Jim Osborne, SVP of customer strategy and innovation at US Foods. Volume foodservice—restaurants, hotels, catering, schools, and more—accounts for approximately 1/3 of the food produced in the country. We also discuss US Foods’ sudden shift to retail distribution while restaurants were closed, and how pack sizes were (and were not) modified for store shelves.2020-05-2614 min
From the Cold CornerMarketing and Promoting Refrigerated and Frozen Foods Amid the COVID-19 PandemicRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa discusses strategies for marketing and promoting cold foods amid the COVID-19 pandemic with Jeff Rumachik, EVP and COO of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA). They also detail the NFRA’s 75th anniversary plans, and the unforeseen coronavirus challenges to scheduled events and awards in celebrating that milestone birthday. (Intro and outtro guitar performed by Tad Wilkes).2020-05-1515 min
From the Cold CornerSponsored Podcast: Reconfiguring Food Facilities in Response to COVID-19Food Engineering magazine (a sister publication to Refrigerated & Frozen Foods) Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman talks with Brian King, Owner and President of A M King, about how food processing and distribution operations are being severely impacted by COVID-19. Facilities are suspending operations to protect employees while the food chain is being jeopardized. Companies must develop new strategies for operating at full production while ensuring the health and safety of their workforces.
Sponsored by: A M King2020-05-1430 min
From the Cold CornerHow Washdown Motors Can Help Drive Efficiencies in Cold Foods ProcessingRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa spoke with John Calloway, general industries marketing manager for Regal Beloit Corporation, about the company’s washdown motors for food processing, how the IoT (Internet of Things) is creating new efficiencies for motors, and also how Regal Beloit is pivoting its business strategy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.2020-05-0907 min
From the Cold CornerHow the RFA is Helping Members Navigate Cold Food Spikes and Shortages While Monitoring Employee Health During the COVID-19 PandemicRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa spoke with Josh Knott, president of the Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) and also president of Knott’s Fine Foods in Tennessee, about why the health of those working along the cold chain is more important than ever, and how consumers are creating chaos through perceived shortages and stockpiling.2020-05-0115 min
From the Cold CornerWarehouse Automation and Possible Solutions to COVID-19 Cold Chain DisruptionsRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa spoke with Dematic’s Tom Swovick about the future of cold storage and logistics through the lens of automation, and what solutions might be out there to help ease the strain on the cold chain from COVID-19 disruptions. Swovick also details Dematic’s virtual tradeshow plans while industry conventions are shut down.2020-04-2409 min
From the Cold CornerWhat’s New with HPP? Find Out in Our Latest Podcast with Hiperbaric’s Roberto PeregrinaRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa spoke with Hiperbaric’s Roberto Peregrina about the latest trends in High Pressure Processing (HPP) and what the evolution of HPP might look like in the future. They also discussed COVID-19’s impact on Hiperbaric’s business, and what the company is doing instead of tradeshows to connect with F&B processors while travel is shut down.2020-04-0910 min
From the Cold CornerHear the Latest Developments Regarding COVID-19’s Impact on the Cold Foods Supply ChainRefrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa interviewed Lowell Randel from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) about the latest developments regarding COVID-19’s impact on the cold foods supply chain. Hear what on-the-fly adjustments the industry is making in response to crushing demand for retail refrigerated and frozen foods, plus the innovations that have been developed to move inventory faster, and help protect truck drivers in the current social distancing climate. Also, find out how the GCCA and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States partnered to quickly create and distribute hand sanitizer to those that need it.2020-04-0223 min
From the Cold CornerJoe Albert of Signode on Packaging for PerishablesPACK EXPO 2019: Packaging for Perishables
Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, interviewed packaging experts on the show floor to discuss trends in packaging for produce and other perishables.
Here we have Joe Albert, vice president of sales and marketing, global wrapping technology for Signode.
More and more companies are getting into automated storage retrieval systems. But, doing so can sometimes present challenges in packaging for a cold room environment. Discover how Signode overcomes these challenges with regards to packaging for perishables.2019-10-1002 min
From the Cold CornerBill Chastain of Harpak-ULMA on BrandingPACK EXPO 2019: Packaging for Perishables
Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, interviewed packaging experts on the show floor to discuss trends in packaging for produce and other perishables.
Here we have Bill Chastain, senior vice president of Harpak-ULMA.
Branding, value-added and single-unit packaging are the driving forces behind the shift in packaging for produce. Harpak-ULMA discusses how this change impacts the development of new packaging equipment.2019-10-1001 min
From the Cold CornerMike Wolf from Triangle Package Machinery Talks SanitationPACK EXPO 2019: Packaging for Perishables
Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, interviewed packaging experts on the show floor to discuss trends in packaging for produce and other perishables.
Here we have Mike Wolf, R&D manager for Triangle Package Machinery.
Sanitation is one of the biggest focuses of food safety within the produce industry. Find out how Triangle Package Machinery helps processors meet high levels of sanitation.2019-10-1001 min
From the Cold CornerCRB's Jason Robertson on Bringing New Products to MarketPACK EXPO 2019: Packaging for Perishables
Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, interviewed packaging experts on the show floor to discuss trends in packaging for produce and other perishables.
Here we have Jason Robertson, director, business development for CRB.
Many of today’s produce processors are turning to design-build firms for a turnkey approach to projects. Find out how CRB helps companies bring new product to market.2019-10-0901 min