Member News & Headlines Blog

Just about every industry is tech-centric nowadays, which means IT plays an enormous and ever-expanding role in keeping operations running smoothly—from manufacturing processes to cybersecurity strategies. And though it doesn’t get nearly the plaudits of sales or R&D, IT is vital to the economic health of any organization. That’s certainly true at Doumak, The American Marshmallow Company located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois that began its journey in 1921. Mindsight recently spoke with Jim Leonauskas, Doumak’s Director of Information Technology, about IT’s impact on his company.

A new era of conscious consumption is creating a shift toward more sustainable ingredients and eye-catching color palettes influenced by the natural world, according to GNT. GNT, which supplies plant-based EXBERRY® colors, has identified “Regeneration Rising” as a key trend in the food and drink sector. The company’s analysis explores the growing global appreciation for the natural world and desire to protect the planet. This mindset is now intensifying the focus on the origins of raw materials and sustainable production.

Technology can be scary for most nonprofits. The idea of changing tried-and-true processes to achieve possible efficiencies can feel like a daunting task. Compounding that with an organization’s willingness to make a monetary and resource investment can be an insurmountable mountain for most organizations.

However, nonprofits risk falling behind in the current digital landscape if they don’t properly make investments in their technology. New and emerging technologies can help nonprofits increase efficiencies through automation tools and, ultimately, reduce costs in various ways. Read more to learn examples of such efficiencies and financial benefits.

Our friend, Mott Smith, co-founder of Amped Kitchens and a Startup CPG partner, was recently featured on The Startup CPG Podcast. Listen in as Mott shares about:

⁠

• Benefits of Commercial Kitchens vs. Comans⁠
• Facilities and Offerings of Commercial Kitchens⁠
• Equipment Needs for Different Types of Food Products⁠
• Consultation, Expertise, and Cost Considerations⁠
• Certifications and Licensing⁠
• Services Provided by Amped Kitchens⁠
• Ghost Kitchens and Food Halls⁠

Listen to the Podcast

Kerry introduces Tastesense Salt, an ingredient designed to provide salty flavor for snacks such as potato chips but without the addition of sodium. This ingredient uses botanical extracts, peptides, and ferments to achieve a sodium reduction of up to 60% in certain applications. This development aligns with the industry's focus on offering healthier snack options to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Knorr, known for its range of sauces and broths, is introducing seven new rice and pasta varieties tailored for health-conscious individuals seeking convenient office meal solutions. Which flavor will you try? Read more to explore Knorr’s new rice and pasta options.

The Good Food Fund will provide support to food entrepreneurs in communities with inequitable access to food. Made possible by Mayor Brandon Johnson and City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, the fund was designed in collaboration with the Food Equity Council and Greenwood Archer Capital. Allies for Community Business has been selected to manage the Good Food Fund, through which they will provide grants, low interest loans, and free business coaching to food and beverage entrepreneurs in Chicago.

Frank Yiannas, who assisted in developing the agency's new food safety tracking policy, stated that the system is far from where it needs to be to meet the 2026 deadline.

T. Hasegawa's 2024 Food and Beverage Flavor Trends report highlights a focus on innovative and global flavors, health-conscious and sustainable ingredients, and the emergence of the standout flavor of 2024, catering to consumers' desire for culinary exploration and indulgence. Download the report to learn more about:

• Reimagined classics and spicy-sweet global flavors, blending tradition with exotic tastes.
• Nutritious, sustainable ingredients, aligning with health-conscious consumer trends.
• Consumer desires for empowering, exotic, and comforting food and beverage choices.
• The unique and versatile flavor of the year.

And more!

CohnReznick's Manufacturing & Distribution tax leadership team has recently published an article discussing the significant changes implemented in 2023 and the pending legislation outlined in the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. These developments are anticipated to have a profound effect on the M&D sector.

Read more to learn about top tax topics like:

• IRS Interest Rates
• ERC
• Section 174

And More