It's time for new inspiration and the January 2025 cover story looks at three refrigerated food processors launching new products, production sites and more.

Our feature examines some of the new advancements in high pressure processing (HPP) technology, including the industry's largest capacity machine, expected to be installed at the first F&B processors this spring.

This issue also includes a look at some of the newest innovations and banding efforts in ice cream packaging.

An expert column on cold storage roofing considerations and an overview of some of the latest new retail products in cold meat, poultry and seafood round out this issue.

A new calendar year means the start of conference and trade show season – the International Protein & Processing Expo (IPPE), the Refrigerated Foods Association Annual Conference and AFFI-Con are all on my agenda in first quarter.

And, as the content manager for the 26th annual Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium (FA&M), I’m looking forward to April. Among our speakers we will welcome R&FF’s 2024 Processor of the Year, Cafe Spice, to the stage to share their story! If you’re not familiar with FA&M, I invite you to check out the agenda and join us in downtown Tampa, Florida this spring!

I want to draw your attention to several awards and contests planned for 2025. Entries will open for the 2025 Processor of the Year in late spring – be sure to nominate a refrigerated and/or frozen foods processor/manufacturer you think is deserving of recognition!

Our annual search for the Best New Retail Products is now accepting nominations. Be one of the 25 finalists selected for voting during March National Frozen Food Month! Enter a refrigerated or frozen product launched in 2024 today!

And new this year, R&FF will launch an annual award for Best Cold Storage Facility. Stay tuned for more on that and be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter to stay updated with all things cold chain.

Have a happy New Year!