Several major capital investments were announced by food and beverage companies last month despite headwinds presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A dust explosion and several major fires also captured headlines during October. Agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland released a report indicating that the coronavirus crisis will likely continue to influence consumer behavior during 2021. 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. 

ADM Report Calls Out 5 Major Food Trends for 2021
American agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) released a report late in the month that identifies five food and beverage trends that will have major impacts in 2021. The results of the company’s research indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing lasting changes in consumer behavior.

Dust Explosion at Riceland Foods Plant Injures 3
Three workers were hurt in a combustible dust incident in mid-October at the Riceland Foods production plant in Stuttgart, AR. The company described the incident as a “minor dust explosion.”

Purina to Open $550M Pet Food Plant in Ohio
American pet food and treats company Nestle Purina PetCare is committing $550 million to erect a new production plant in Williamsburg Township, OH to meet increasing demand. The 1.2 million-sq-ft facility will manufacture dry dog and cat food brands.

Corn Drying Equipment Fire Leaves $420K in Damages
Crews were called to the Metcafe Brothers Farm in Janesville, WI in early October after a blaze ignited in a piece of corn drying equipment. Reports said 28 firefighters from five area fire departments responded to the incident.

Tyson Issues White Paper on Workplace Safety during COVID
American food company Tyson released a white paper last month to share what the company has learned about keeping its workers and their communities safe during the course of the pandemic.

HARIBO Names Contractor for Buildout of First US Plant
Confectionery firm HARIBO of America selected Gilbane Building Company of Milwaukee, WI as the general contractor for the construction of its first manufacturing plant in North America in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Barry Callebaut Starts Construction on New Cocoa Plant
Swiss cocoa processing and chocolate production firm Barry Callebaut  held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on its new cocoa facility in Durán, Ecuador. The new plant will focus on drying, cleaning, and storage of cocoa beans for export to the company’s cocoa and chocolate facilities in the US, Canada, Asia and Europe.

Dust-Related Fire at Sugar Plant Injures 2 Workers
Crews from several area fire departments were dispatched to the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative sugar beet processing facility in Wahpeton, ND in early October after a fire ignited.

J.M. Smucker to Sell Crisco Business
The J.M. Smucker Co. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Crisco oils and shortening business to B&G Foods Inc. in a cash transaction valued at approximately $550 million.

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