Top Food & Bev Industry Posts You Missed in August

The food and beverage industry saw several major leadership changes and announcements of plant expansion projects during August. New research emerged on how the coronavirus is changing consumer habits and a list of some of the world’s top research centers for animal feed technology was released. A major “grain dust incident” also captured headlines. Powder & Bulk Solids editors selected these posts to provide our audience with an overview of some of the most interesting food and beverage-related news that was reported in the last month.

The World’s Top Animal Feed Technology Research Centers
Powder & Bulk provides a look at five of the world’s top animal feed technology and production research centers, including the University of Illinois’ Feed Technology Center and The O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center at Kansas State University.

Report: Pandemic Sparks Sales of Chocolate and Candy in US
Americans have increased their spending on chocolate and candy during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data published by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The organization found that chocolate and candy sales have grown by 3.8% since March 15, 2020.

Firm Says Blast at Grain Elevator was a “Grain Dust Incident”
The operator of an Iowa grain elevator that exploded on August 25 released a statement that dust played a role in the incident. The blast reportedly left a hole in a concrete silo at the site. 

Malfunction at Lindt Plant Covers Area with Cocoa Powder
A malfunction in a ventilation system at the Lindt & Spruengli cocoa processing plant in Olten, Switzerland dusted an area near the facility with a layer of fine cocoa powder.

New President Selected to Lead Coca-Cola North America
American beverage firm The Coca-Cola Company announced that the president of its Latin America group, Alfredo Rivera, will be appointed as the president of Coca-Cola North America. The move comes as the current occupant of the post, James L. “Jim” Dinkins, prepares to retire after working for the company for more than three decades.

ADM Research Shows How COVID-19 Changed Consumer Behavior
New research published in August by American agribusiness and food company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) shows that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to six major changes in consumer behavior.

General Mills to Upgrade Food Processing Plant in Iowa
American food firm General Mills is dedicating $37 million to upgrade and modernize its food production facility in Cedar Rapids, IA. The company intends to modernize an existing production line, acquire new machinery, and upgrade the line’s current production equipment to boost capacity.

Tyson Plans to Hire 200 Workers at Ohio Plant
American protein and packaged food products firm Tyson Foods is preparing to hire 200 additional staff members capacity at its Amherst, OH food processing plant after carrying out a $20 million project to expand production lines and capacity at the site.

Ardent Mills Adding New Retail Flour Packaging Capabilities
Flour miller and ingredient manufacturer Ardent Mills announced last month that it has made “significant” upgrades and investments in its retail flour packaging capabilities.

Purina Achieves Significant Environmental Goal
Known for its dog food, cat food, treats, and litter brands, Purina said it has reached its 2020 goal to achieve zero waste for disposal across all manufacturing operations and its corporate headquarters.

Tyson Foods Selects New Chief Executive Officer
A new chief executive officer was named to take the helm of American food firm Tyson Foods this fall. The company revealed that Dean Banks was selected to replace Noel White as CEO on October 3 as White transitions to a new position.