While popped snacks are gaining considerable attention as one of the up-and-coming sectors of the bagged snacks market, there still appears to be some mileage in the traditional popcorn market, both in the US and Europe.

The acquisition includes a leased facility in Seattle and will add approximately 150 employees. The transaction, which is expected to close by the middle of September, is not anticipated to have a material impact on Smucker’s fiscal 2015 financial results.

With the popularity of diets like Paleo, Primal and Atkins, protein has been the darling of lean diets for more than two decades now, and ties in more broadly to the consumer quest for health and wellness food and beverages to address specific health concerns. This presents a unique opportunity for food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants."

In 2014, global retail value sales of confectionery reached an all-time high of US$198 billion according to Euromonitor International’s newly published data, an increase of nearly $4 billion over 2013.

Global snacks manufacturer Mondelez International Inc., Deerfield, Ill., named Mark Clouse as chief growth officer, a newly created position.

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Oak Brook, Ill., said it completed its previously announced acquisition of Flagstone Foods, the Minneapolis provider of private label healthy snacks

Seneca Foods Corp., Yakima, Wash., celebrates the 20th birthday of its original Apple Chips line.

Diversified confectionery and foods leader Mars Incorporated, McLean, Va., outlined some of its recent health and wellness goals and activities, in conjunction with the company’s fourth annual “Principles in Action” summary report.

Protein bar maker Quest Nutrition, Los Angeles says it has developed the first high-protein snack potato chip.

The energy-boosting trend may have originated in the beverage arena, but recent introductions prove it certainly has spread its wings into other categories.