The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Hostess board of directors, is set to close in early January 2020.

Innova Market Insights said new product development is reflecting the industry’s push toward added value, both in terms of taste and nutritional benefits.

FMCG Gurus reports in new research that 88 percent of consumers in the U.S. say they snack, largely due to skipping meals throughout the day. 

With the snack bar market expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, there is rich potential for agile, innovative manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Kar's Nuts has appointed Victor Mehren as chief executive officer. Nick Nicolay, Kar's Nuts president and ceo since 1995, will remain actively involved in the company as its chairman.

Chief Operating Officer Chuck Metzger will succeed founder Rich Scalise as ceo of Hearthside Food Solutions as Scalise remains chairman of the company’s board.

These Welch’s Fruit Snacks come in fun shapes such as a bat, witch, ghost, haunted castle and pumpkin.

Founder Daniel Lubetzky, who’s served as ceo for 15 years, will move into the company’s executive chairman role. He’s succeeded by Mike Barkley, who joined KIND last fall as president and coo.