SugarCreek: Brandworthy Food Solutions

SugarCreek

Sugar Creek prides itself on its authentic culinary expertise. With nearly 50 years in the food manufacturing business, we know what Americans want to eat.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

2 Things Your Procurement Process Is Missing When You're Only Focused on Price

Posted by SugarCreek

Feb 5, 2016 10:00:00 AM

Today's supply chain data is incredible. It's rich with opportunities for companies of all sizes to become more efficient, protect product until it reaches the customer, and reduce costs. Yet, many times, the only thing the procurement process looks at when selecting a distributor is price. That's a mistake.

Turn back the clock a few decades and your options in distributors were less diverse. The risks to your supply chain seemed fewer and farther between, too—or at least unavoidable, no matter which distributor you chose. There were a limited number of companies that were globally connected, especially at the small to mid-size business range, too. Choosing the distributor who offered the best product at the lowest price was more straightforward.

Today's marketplace is constantly growing and changing. While price is an important factor, it is not the only factor to consider when selecting a distributor.

Read More

Topics: Technology, Supply Chain

Why You Need a Copacker Willing to Invest in Tech

Posted by SugarCreek

Jan 1, 2016 2:00:00 PM

From ice cream to burritos, foodborne illnesses made headlines in 2015. As companies like Chipotle, Blue Bell and Costco struggle to stage a comeback after major E.coli and listeria outbreaks, could the “Internet of Things” offer a solution? Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) — the network of physical objects (“things”) with embedded sensors and electronics for data communication with the external environment — boasts some 14 billion objects connected devices. Analysts estimate that number could be anywhere from 20 billion to 100 billion by 2020. And that could be big news for the food industry.

Read More

Topics: Technology

All-Natural and Organics: Have Retailers Missed the Boat on This Trend?

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 28, 2015 10:00:00 AM

There's no doubt that today's grocery shoppers are looking for more natural foods and beverages—from produce and meats to non-perishables like cereals, macaroni and cheese, and other convenience foods. With the media fanning consumer unease over genetically modified foods, antibiotics in meat, hormones in dairy products and preservatives in packaged foods, it's not surprising that grocery shoppers are leaning more towards purchasing organic and natural foods. But with food manufacturers of all types and sizes answering the call of this trend, grocery stores are awash with products with “organic” and “all-natural” labels. But is the food industry missing the boat on these trends?

Read More

What We Still Need to Learn about Adapting to Trends

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 23, 2015 12:30:00 PM

“Food has always been expressive of identity,” wrote John Lanchester, British journalist and gourmand. It’s about who we want to be, and how we want to live. Food fashions and trends encourage us to choose who we want to be. Today, consumers want food to be fresh, local, and sustainable. They want “clean” and healthy ingredients: No more trans fats. No more hormones and antibiotics. Hold the aspartame and artificial caramel colorings, please. Food industry trends point to a healthier, cleaner approach to eating. And the big brands, the titans of the food industry—companies like Campbell’s, Kraft, McDonalds, and Panera—are taking notice.

Read More

Topics: Trends

Why You Need a Copacking Partner That’s Concerned about Sustainability

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 21, 2015 9:30:00 AM

Last week, 195 nations approved a global climate change accord at the COP-21 Paris Climate Conference, committing to lowering greenhouse gas emissions to stave off the most drastic effects of climate change. Here in America, food manufacturing companies are already taking historic steps to reach new emissions reduction targets and support sustainability. Climate change poses a major threat to global food security. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a new report on the risks that climate change poses to global food security, including the challenges facing food manufacturers in adapting to changing climate conditions. Companies from General Mills and Walmart are taking steps in food manufacturing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sustainably source key ingredients.

Read More

Topics: Sustainability

Modern Processing Methods Make Foods Safer, Better Than Ever

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 18, 2015 10:30:00 AM

In the last decade, “processed food” has become a dirty word for some consumers, reports The Washington Post. Just last year, food blogger Vani Hari (who blogs at the now-discredited site Food Babe) stirred up consumer fears when she reported that bread contained a chemical additive also used in yoga mats—glossing over the fact that there are over 10,000 additives safely used in even home-cooked foods every day. Thanks to the biased reporting of bloggers and writers like Hari, processing food now connotes big industrial operations for many consumers. Even companies like Chipotle tapped into this mistrust with ads like “The Scarecrow,” which touted the virtues of farm-fresh food over “Big Ag” and corporate farming businesses. But is the backlash against processed food justified?

Read More

Topics: Food Safety

The Key to Staying on Top of Flavor Trends? Mixing Old and New.

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 14, 2015 2:30:00 PM

Korean barbecue madness. The locavore movement. Artisanal toast. Seaweed. The food truck as the casual usurper of the Michelin-starred restaurant. Food trends change so quickly that it is nearly impossible to keep up with them. Do you remember the Cronut? Have you heard that fonio is the next quinoa? Listening to a table of foodies get heated up about the latest fads in flavor is like listening to the banter at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. As chef and author Anthony Bourdain put it: “This is The Era of Crazed Oral Gratification.” Today, even average grocery shoppers are inundated with flavor trends better suited to science fiction. A bag of Southern Biscuits and Gravy Lays potato chips… really? It appears so. And it’s all part of the seismic food culture shift in America.

Read More

Topics: Retail

Your Relationship with Co-packers and Distributors Must Change in 2016

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 11, 2015 11:00:00 AM

In the competitive world of quick service restaurants (QSRs), variety and freshness are paramount for keeping customers satisfied and profits strong. QSRs need to pay special attention to their supply chains and inventory management in order to deliver a quality quick meal at an affordable price. Everything from fuel costs and product quality concerns to the public’s changing taste preferences for fresh, healthy foods are squeezing supply chain profitability.

Read More

Your Pizza Chain Needs an Edge. Flatbread Could Be It.

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 7, 2015 2:00:00 PM

In the past, traditional pizza marketing has often favored the adolescent and young adult niches. Advertisements in this industry typically focus on indulgence, with stuffed crusts and an over-abundance of cheese taking center stage. However, food industry research indicates that consumers are growing tired of this approach as food industry trends continue to shift away from extravagance. To keep your pizza chain competitive, consider incorporating flatbread into your menu.

Read More

Topics: Trends

What’s Your View on Pork Antibiotics?

Posted by SugarCreek

Dec 4, 2015 9:30:00 AM

In October, Subway made headlines by announcing that they would stop selling meat from animals given antibiotics. The plan involves switching to antibiotic-free chicken and turkey next year and eliminating all other meat raised with antibiotics within the next nine years. The move comes in the face of pressure from consumers and activist groups like the US Public Interest Research Group. But many producers, including a number of those in the wholesale bacon industry, have expressed misgivings about the move. Is going 100% antibiotic free necessary or safe?

Read More

Topics: Food Safety, Bacon, Proteins