Food and beverage firms announced several major expansion and capital projects during November, including plans for Ferrero’s first chocolate plant in the United Sates. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the industry in many ways over the last month. A shocking story emerged of managers at a food plant who placed wagers on how many workers would contract COVID-19. 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 November. 

Ferrero Selects Illinois for First US Chocolate Plant
Confectionery firm Ferrero North America is committing $75 million to open its first-ever chocolate manufacturing plant in North America. Located in Bloomington, IL, the new 70,000-sq-ft chocolate production center will produce a variety of Ferrero brands, including Raisenets, 100Grand, and Crunch.

Suit Claims Tyson Plant Managers Bet on COVID Case Numbers
Tyson Foods is facing a lawsuit alleging that several managers at the firm’s meat processing plant in Waterloo, IA were betting on the number of employees that would contract COVID-19.

Bunge Enters Deal to Sell Rice Mill in California
American agribusiness Bunge said Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to sell its rice mill in Woodland, CA to Sacramento-based Farmers’ Rice Cooperative.

Firm Invests $13M to Expand Indiana Snack Plant
Contract manufacturer Hearthside Food Solutions is launching a $13.6 million expansion project at its Michigan City, IN production plant to increase production of crackers.

Mondelez Mulls Closure of 2 Nabisco Production Plants
Confectionery and snack foods manufacturer Mondelez International is reportedly mulling a closure of its Nabisco plants in Fair Lawn, NJ and Atlanta, GA in 2021.

ADM and Partner Plan “World’s Largest” Insect Protein Plant
American agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and French insect ingredients manufacturer InnovaFeed are teaming up to erect a new inspect protein production facility in Decatur, IL.

Frito-Lay Launching $100M Expansion Project at Snack Plant
American snack products manufacturer Frito-Lay is moving forward on a $100 million project to add four new production lines to its Pulaski, TN production plant.

Cheese Manufacturer Invests $15M to Expand Illinois Plant
Hispanic cheese private brand, co-packing, and ingredients manufacturer Hispanic Cheese Makers-Neustro Queso is launching a $15 million expansion project at its Kent, IL.

Grain Elevator Explosion Injures Several People
Several fire departments were called to a reported explosion at the Aurora Cooperative grain elevator in Superior, NE in early November.

To view more food and beverage industry articles, click here.