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Carry-out packaging can be traced back over 100 years in American history. Early examples came from city lunch carts serving frankfurters and urban establishments serving sandwiches, hot dogs, and the still popular Chinese carry-out. Things have come a long way in 100 years, but most notably, the face of this industry has changed significantly in the past 5 to 10 years, and the rate of innovation in this space continues to increase. Like the iconic “paper pail,” most commonly used for Chinese food, Carry-out packagingdates back to the late 1800s when it was invented by Fredric Weeks Wilcox. Packaging in those times was limited mainly by the available materials. Paper containers and wax-coated paper wraps were most common in the early days. Aluminum carry-out packaging came on the scene next, and finally, plastic packaging like polystyrene foam, Polyethylene, and various plastic wraps and containers began to take share in the food service market. Single-use plastics have remained very popular for food service carry-out because they are inexpensive, versatile, and can provide properties like insulation to keep carry-out food warm or cold. While plastics are extremely versatile and functional materials, they can remain in the environment for many years once they have served their purpose and are discarded. Knowing this, the industry is now increasingly participating in a global movement to effectively reduce the usage of plastics for “single-use” applications such as for foodservice disposable products. At US Foods®, for instance, we are listening to our customers and other stakeholders’ desires to have more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics as the food service industry continues to embrace carry-out and food delivery programs.
Across cultures, food has always meant more than simply satisfying hunger. It preserves traditions, brings families together, and creates lasting memories. At Moda Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant, those values are at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the words "Mom & Dad," the name Moda reflects the family values that continue to shape our philosophy. From the moment guests walk through our doors, we want them to feel as though they are visiting our home rather than simply dining at a restaurant. At Moda, we bring together the rich traditions of Turkish cuisine, the freshness of Mediterranean flavors, artisan pastries, handcrafted desserts, specialty coffee, and carefully selected Italian favorites. Whether our guests join us for a traditional Turkish breakfast, a business lunch, coffee and dessert, or a family celebration, our goal is always the same: to create an authentic, welcoming, and memorable experience.
Innovation in the nutraceutical and functional food industry is no longer measured solely by ingredient quality, but by how consumers experience it. Modern buyers want products that are convenient, enjoyable and aligned with emerging health trends. For brands, meeting these evolving expectations demands a reliable manufacturing partner that can anticipate consumer preferences and design future-ready products. TopGum Industries Industries helps brands bring innovative, commercially viable supplement solutions to market with confidence. Rather than simply following market trends, the company is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that pushes it to anticipate where the gummy category is headed and build the capabilities needed to get there first. The conviction that effective supplementation should begin with an enjoyable experience underpins TopGum’s product development approach. Gummies are its primary dose form, chosen for their naturally enjoyable, treat-like qualities. Drawing on its confectionery heritage, the company applies its expertise in flavor, color and aroma to create an enjoyable sensory experience in every gummy.
Consumers rarely purchase a new beverage on impulse. Questions about taste, unfamiliar ingredients, emerging categories, or overall value often create hesitation at the point of purchase. For suppliers, successful sampling depends on more than simply placing a product in someone’s hand. It requires knowledgeable representatives who educate shoppers, engage shoppers in meaningful conversations, and ultimately convert interest into sales. Yet many traditional sampling companies struggled with inconsistent execution, leaving suppliers searching for a better solution. Introducing Adult Beverage Solutions Owners, Vince Trunzo and Dario Caravette understood that frustration firsthand. Having spent years working in beverage purchasing and brand marketing, they repeatedly encountered sampling companies whose ambassadors arrived late, lacked product knowledge, or failed to engage consumers effectively. Their disciplined approach to retail marketing had already earned the trust of major beverage companies, and when Molson Coors faced the same challenges launching new products, it approached them with an unexpected proposal: build a dedicated sampling company. That conversation led to the creation of Adult Beverage Solutions (ABS), which supports suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers across 11 Midwestern states through sampling and event programs in grocery stores, liquor stores, bars, festivals, and community events. Recently Bill Havle, a beverage industry veteran with nearly three decades on the supplier side joined the leadership team, adding deep supplier relationships and helping expand ABS from three states to eleven. Together, the leadership team has built the company around a simple philosophy: it is not a staffing company or a modeling agency, but a selling organization where every event is designed to educate consumers, drive purchases, and deliver measurable results. Recognition as the Top Beverage Off-Premise Sampling Services provider reflects the value it delivers through every customer interaction.
If one asks David Gaver, VP of Sales and Recruiting, what APEX Hood Cleaning really sells, the answer protects far more than a kitchen. “Our work goes beyond keeping commercial kitchen exhaust systems clean. Its about reducing fire risk, protecting lives and livelihoods and helping businesses operate safely,” he says. A passed inspection keeps a restaurant open, its insurance valid and its people working. Grease collects inside kitchen hoods, ducts and rooftop fans daily, invisible until a flame finds it and shuts a kitchen down. APEX has built its business on that risk since day one. APEX opened in 1978 to reduce fire danger by properly maintaining commercial kitchen exhaust systems, knowing that grease buildup ranks among the greatest hazards in any kitchen. Removing grease on schedule prevents fires from starting and that purpose still drives every job across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.
Bakery
Riaz Ahamadeen, Vice President Of Quality/Food Safety & Regulatory – North America, Oatly
Food Processing and Packaging
Jonathan Caretsky, Director of Operations, Levy Restaurants
Alternative Proteins & Plant Based Food
Ata (Al) Baroudi, Ph.D, Vice President, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, the Cheesecake Factory
Food and Beverages Marketing
HILARY BUTLER, VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING, MCBRIDE SISTERS WINE COMPANY
Food and Beverages Marketing
Nathan Bertke, Marketing Director, NORMS Restaurants
Food and Beverage Consulting
Bob Davis, Vice President Of Meat & Seafood, Kroger
Food and Beverages Marketing
April Kinloch-Hackstall, MBA, North America Head of Digital Marketing, Nando’s Restaurant Group, Inc.
On-demand pastry delivery is rising in cities, driven by convenience, technology integration, freshness expectations and evolving consumer eating habits.
Gummy supplement manufacturers produce safe, high-quality products by improving manufacturing, driving innovation and meeting changing consumer nutrition needs with consistency.
Building Food Businesses Around Changing Consumer Needs
Our cover story features US Foods, supporting foodservice operators with product innovation and packaging solutions shaped by changing customer needs. Its work combines practical testing, functionality and sustainability, helping operators find solutions that balance performance with customer expectations.
Also, TopGum Industries is recognized as the Top Gummy Supplement Manufacturer 2026. The company helps brands develop functional gummy solutions by combining formulation expertise, manufacturing capabilities and consumer-focused design. Moda Cafe, recognized as the Top Pastry and Desserts Distributing Service 2026, brings Mediterranean flavors, artisan pastries and hospitality-focused service to its customers.
APEX Hood Cleaning, recognized as the Top Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Services 2026, helps foodservice operators keep kitchen exhaust systems clean and well-maintained through trained technicians and detailed reporting. Adult Beverage Solutions, recognized as the Top Beverage Off-Premise Sampling Services 2026, helps beverage brands reach consumers through trained ambassadors, product education and in-person sampling.
The issue also features perspectives from leaders across food and consumer industries. Bob Davis, Vice President of Meat & Seafood at Kroger, discusses customer-focused innovation, affordability and building teams that can respond to changing expectations. April Kinloch-Hackstall, MBA, North America Head of Digital Marketing at Nando’s Restaurant Group, Inc., explores how customer understanding, personalization and collaboration shape stronger brand relationships.
Together, these stories show that successful food businesses are built by understanding customers and responding with consistency. We invite our readers to explore these perspectives and discover how innovation, execution and customer focus continue to shape the future of the food industry.