Mari Rydings

Kansas City

Editorial Director at Commercial Baking

Editorial Director at Craft to Crumb

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Articles

Automation investments and upskilling retool commercial baking workforce

3 weeks ago | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

KANSAS CITY, MO — Disruption via innovation takes many forms: a new product that satisfies an unmet consumer need, a first-of-its-kind business model, technology that significantly increases productivity. It’s the latter, often in partnership with AI, that’s driving disruption in manufacturing across all industries.
Unique tradition spurs Oklahoma's economic growth

1 month ago | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —New jobs, sustained economic growth and a stronger community are just a few reasons why attracting businesses to a state is vital. Grabbing the attention of companies isn’t easy, but Oklahoma has found a sustainable strategy — an annual turkey hunt — for which two prominent baking industry companies are sponsors.
Putting people first: Austin Kelly’s leadership mindset

1 month ago | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

PORTLAND, OR — Having important conversations combined with an organization-wide culture of questioning the status quo — always asking, “What if?” — has helped Portland, OR-based Willamette Valley Pie Co. more than double in the past four years, with distribution expanding from local markets to national retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Safeway and Albertsons.
‘Digital drag’ hinders food and beverage brand growth

1 month ago | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

WESTMINSTER, CO — When asked what keeps them up at night, leaders in the food and beverage industry had plenty to say, especially in terms of how technologically prepared their companies are to weather economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and regulatory mandates. “Digital Drag: The Growing Gap Between Tech Priorities and Implementation in the Food and Beverage Industry,” a new report from TraceGains, measured insights from 165 food safety, quality and innovation leaders.
Tackling food insecurity: The role commercial bakers play

2 months ago | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

KANSAS CITY, MO — Food insecurity is one of the most complex problems the world faces today … and it’s growing. The phrase refers to when people don’t have enough to eat and aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. In the US, it’s not a matter of scarcity; food production and supply are healthy. Rather, the high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and chronic health issues, among other drivers, are fueling the problem.
Food scientists offer 'food for thought' on NOVA and UPFs

Mar 25, 2025 | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

KANSAS CITY, MO — The term “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs) is getting a lot of attention in the press lately. While nutritionists point to research studies that link consumption of UPFs to serious health risks, food manufacturers contend that processing improves food safety and offers a convenient — and less expensive — way to feed people worldwide.
How Willamette Valley Pie’s CEO Austin Kelly leads by learning

Mar 20, 2025 | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

PORTLAND, OR — High school jobs are typically just a temporary means to an end. Yet on rare occasions, those early experiences ignite a fire to explore an unexpected career path. That’s exactly what happened to Austin Kelly, CEO of Portland, OR-based Willamette Valley Pie Co.Kelly worked the cherry harvest in high school for a grower that supplied bakeries with fruit for pies and other desserts. Once the fruit left the orchard, though, it was pretty much out of sight, out of mind for him.
Modernizing operations for the next generation

Mar 3, 2025 | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

ORLANDO, FL — Following in a parent’s footsteps at a family-owned commercial bakery is never easy, especially when the next generation is brimming with fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box ideas. OJ DeSouza, president of Signature Baking Co. and a fourth-generation baker, shared his experiences with modernizing his family’s business during BakingTECH 2025, the American Society of Baking’s annual industry conference, held Feb. 15-19, in Orlando, FL.
CAPS Network connects industry partners with young talent

Feb 27, 2025 | commercialbaking.com | Maddie Lambert |Mari Rydings

ORLANDO, FL — Almost every industry is facing a significant workforce shortage in the coming years, including commercial baking. To address this challenge, professional conferences typically include at least one education session that discusses practical solutions to attracting and retaining high-performing employees. During BakingTECH 2025, the American Society of Baking’s annual industry event, which was held Feb.
Middleby to create standalone food processing business

Feb 25, 2025 | commercialbaking.com | Mari Rydings

ELGIN, IL — The Middleby Corp., a leading global manufacturer of equipment for commercial foodservice, residential kitchens and food processing industries, announced plans to create a standalone public company for its food processing business. The move, which was the result of a portfolio review conducted earlier this year, will create two independent companies: The Middleby Corp. (Middleby RemainCo) and Middleby Food Processing.

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