After a whirlwind fall attending several conventions and events in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, it is rewarding to recognize a SunOpta as our 2023 Processor of the Year. Congratulations to all of the refrigerated and frozen foods processors and manufacturers who were nominated – it was fascinating to read the submissions and learn about the ways companies big and small are innovating and improving. 

Events like PACK EXPO, Process Expo, and the Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo are invaluable for learning about an industry that never stops evolving. SunOpta certainly embodies evolution – for nearly 50 years, the Minnesota-based company has been pioneering products like plant-based milks and doing so in a sustainable fashion, before it was en vogue. You can learn more about SunOpta and its 1,500 SKUs, in our cover story and the accompanying podcast episode of From the Cold Corner.

Other features in this issue include a look at Long Beach, the second California port city to be profiled this year. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port of Long Beach handles $200 billion in trade annually. R&FF also spoke with FreshRealm for a look at how meal kits are making mealtime easier and proving to be a resource for retailers.

The November issue includes two columns on cold chain operations. The first, from Joe Ellestad of Rite Hite, discusses how managers of cold storage facilities can find ways to keep pace without sacrificing safety or efficiency. The second, by Doug Thurston of Cargo group at Copeland, focuses on shoring up the seafood supply chain.

Our new retail department, always a popular read on both our website and in the e-mag, focuses on some of the latest plant-based foods to hit store shelves.

As always, thank you for reading!