Herndon, Virginia; Jan. 20, 2026 — , Feb. 17–19, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, will offer several new show features and expanded educational offerings, according to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Celebrating its 10th year, PACK EXPO East has grown into the East Coast’s premier packaging and processing event with 500 exhibitors showcasing solutions for more than 40 vertical markets over 125,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The show features a wide range of packaging and processing machinery, from filling and labeling to automation and robotics. Attendees can see equipment in action and learn how it can improve efficiency and reliability on the production floor.

New for 2026, PACK EXPO East introduces the , designed to help brand owners, package designers, and manufacturers explore the latest advances in paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable packaging. The pavilion highlights innovations that support brand differentiation, functionality, and sustainability, including recyclable, biodegradable, and e-commerce-ready materials.

Also debuting at the show is the , presented by PMMI in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP). This show floor destination is designed to spotlight early-stage, Pennsylvania-based companies tackling real-world industry challenges, from smart automation and predictive analytics to sustainable materials and next-gen packaging design.

The Incubator Hub aims to connect attendees with emerging technologies and entrepreneurial innovation by offering a concentrated area where startups showcase solutions that could become future standards in the industry. It positions Pennsylvania as a strong innovation ecosystem and highlights how startups contribute to economic growth, job creation, and manufacturing advancement.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) will be able to easily identify SMB-friendly exhibitors and education sessions targeted to their companies through . The educational sessions will feature SMB- related topics on lean operations, cost-effective packaging solutions, startup supply chain strategies, and scalable technologies. Attendees can also easily identify exhibitors showcasing machinery by looking for the gear icon in the show directory.

With intuitive planning tools, SMB FastTrack makes it easy for SMBs to connect with the right suppliers — quickly and conveniently. This exclusive program helps exhibitors and attendees find each other faster, opening the door to new partnerships and opportunities for growth. New this year, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will be on-site, showcasing resources and services to support business success.

“PACK EXPO East provides a convenient, high-impact way for packaging and processing professionals to discover solutions, connect with peers, and move projects forward,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “We’re proud to be introducing exciting new features and expanding education and networking opportunities that will give attendees tools and insights to apply immediately to their operations.”

In addition to new features, PACK EXPO East 2026 will offer a robust slate of free educational programming on the show floor, including Industry Speaks and sessions led by industry experts and exhibitors. Industry Speaks topics will address timely challenges and opportunities such as 2D codes, food safety sanitation, regenerative robust gasification, pharmaceuticals packaging, and capital goods financing. Innovation Stage will feature sessions covering operational efficiency, AI, automation, next-gen packaging, workforce development, food safety, and sustainability.

Attendees also can take advantage of multiple networking opportunities, including the Taste of Philly Opening Reception, Young Professionals Networking Reception, Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception, and the new Philly Snack Stop, offering complimentary local snacks directly on the show floor each day.

Attendees won’t want to miss the exclusive Vision 2030 session. This immersive, focused forum, tailored for leaders and decision-makers in the packaging and processing sectors, delivers actionable strategies and insights to help CPG companies and PMMI members advance their operations and business performance. It also provides a platform to connect with industry peers, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on solutions that drive innovation and growth. Separate registration is required, and spots are limited to ensure high-level targeted discussions.

PACK EXPO East’s first-quarter timing provides a strategic head start on 2026 projects, while its East Coast location makes it easy for teams to attend with minimal travel. Registration is $30 through Jan. 23, 2026, and increases to $130 thereafter. For more information and to register, visit

TAUNTON, Mass., January 20, 2026 — Harpak-ULMA announced a new application of the Mondini Trave Sinfonia® tray-sealing platform designed explicitly for high-volume ground-meat production. The solution delivers a higher-output, fully automated alternative to conventional tray-sealing methods — setting a new performance benchmark for producers.

Sinfonia can effectively double throughput compared to typical mechanical grind-line tray sealers, increasing output from roughly 120 packs per minute to as high as 200 packs per minute. Sinfonia's software-controlled magnetic-transport architecture delivers this dramatic performance advantage by moving trays on independent shuttles with micron-level accuracy. The innovative design eliminates belts, pusher arms, and other friction-based components that typically constrain sealing speed, especially in low-oxygen MAP applications.

Although the Sinfonia system was introduced in 2023, this marks its first application for grind-line environments, where tray control, contamination, and mechanical indexing have long limited achievable speeds.

"The competitive ceiling for grind-line tray sealing is around 120 ppm. With Sinfonia, we can engineer a 200-ppm grind line—almost a 100% throughput increase," said Carlo Bergonzi, Product Manager, Tray Sealing at Harpak-ULMA. "Sinfonia fundamentally changes what's possible in ground-meat tray-sealed packaging," he added. "By controlling each tray independently, we remove the mechanical constraints that typically dictate line speed. The result is a faster, cleaner, and far more stable tray-sealing process that simply isn't achievable with conventional systems. Given the momentum behind meat-brick formats across major retailers, this application directly addresses the performance conversations we’re hearing from processors as they head into IPPE 2026.”

The new configuration integrates portioning, dual denesting, retractable conveyor loading, and a 14-up sealing array — enabling each processing station to run at its optimal rate without being limited by fixed-pitch conveyor mechanics. With the new Sinfonia application, producers gain a consistent, contamination-resistant tray path and simplified changeovers in a compact footprint. In contrast, competitive systems rely on mechanical indexing systems that cannot independently control tray motion. Comparable throughput levels are not currently achievable using traditional technologies.

For more information, visit or call (508) 884-2500. Experience a live demonstration at one of Harpak-ULMA's Customer Experience Centers in Boston, Atlanta, or Costa Mesa, Calif. —call (508) 884-2500 to make arrangements. Visit Harpak-ULMA at IPPE on Jan. 27–29, 2026, in Atlanta at booths BC43109 & BC45111.

HALIFAX, NS, Jan. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- As the functional soda category enters its next phase of growth, Cove Soda today announced the appointment of Bryan Crowley as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member. He is joined by Craig Olikiewicz as Chief Commercial Officer and Joe Lee as Chief Operating Officer, forming a seasoned leadership team to guide Cove's expansion across North America.

Crowley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across food, beverage, and consumer brands, spanning early-stage innovators and global category leaders. Most recently, he served as CEO and Board Member of G FUEL. He previously partnered with serial beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins to launch and lead Casa Azul Spirits an d ZenWTR, helping scale both brands through innovation and profitable growth. His appointment marks Cove's evolution from breakout functional soda brand to scaled category contender as consumers and retailers increasingly prioritize better-for-you, no-sugar alternatives.

"Functional soda has moved from an emerging trend to a high-growth category that demands creative brand building and disciplined execution," said Crowley. "Founders John and Ryan MacLellan have built a great-tasting product and an authentic brand with real consumer love. The opportunity now is to scale that foundation thoughtfully and build a business designed for longevity."

Founded in 2017 by two brothers at a local farmers' market, Cove Soda has built a devoted following through its fresh approach to functional beverages. Today, Cove is the leading functional soda brand in Canada and is entering the U.S. market at a time when retailers are actively reallocating shelf space toward functional, low-sugar beverage offerings.

Crowley has repeatedly stepped into leadership roles at pivotal growth moments, bringing operational rigor and strategic clarity. His prior experience includes serving as CEO and Board Director of Casa Azul Spirits, CEO and Board Member of Soylent, Co-Founder and Board Member of Flying Embers, Chief Strategy Officer of KeVita (acquired by PepsiCo), President of VEEV Spirits (acquired by Luxco), Chief Marketing Officer of Pabst Brewing Company, and Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Mars, Inc.

Joining Crowley is Craig Olikiewicz, Chief Commercial Officer, a seasoned sales and commercial executive with deep experience across beverages, energy, and CPG. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Nutrabolt, leading national retail expansion and commercial execution across major channels.

"Craig is a proven commercial leader who understands how to build brands at scale," said Crowley. "He brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to growth and the relationships needed to win at shelf. I have seen firsthand how he elevates teams and delivers results and we're thrilled to have him on board."

Cove also announced that Joe Lee joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in spring 2025. Lee brings more than 20 years of global operations and supply chain leadership across high-growth CPG brands, positioning Cove to scale efficiently as demand accelerates.

Together with founders John and Ryan MacLellan, the leadership team reflects Cove's focus on building a durable, execution-driven organization capable of meeting growing consumer and retailer demand.

In November, USD Series A financing, led by Vanterra Ventures, with participation from RiverPark Ventures, The Palm Tree Crew, Simple Food Ventures, Diplo, Miles Teller, The Chainsmokers, Michael Rubin, Jack Eichel, Aaron Ekblad, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez. The funding supports Cove's continued growth across North America, the introduction of new flavors, and the expansion of its leadership and operational teams.

"With this leadership team in place and strong investor backing, Cove is entering its next chapter," Crowley added. "This is just the beginning."

DENVER (January 16, 2026)—The U.S. chicken industry is on a decades-long winning streak. Steady growth in consumer demand coupled with efficiency gains in broiler production have powered the sector’s remarkable growth over the last 30 years. However, an emerging set of challenges could put that track record of consistently reliable growth in jeopardy. A slowdown in new processing plant construction —  combined with the inherent limitations of existing production systems and an undersupply of chicks — could ultimately hinder processors’ ability to maintain recent growth trends.

According to a , the near-term outlook for broiler production remains exceptionally strong. But the opportunities for increasing output are becoming more limited. Higher capital costs, tight labor availability and increased local regulation have stalled greenfield site expansion. Chick availability has trended downward as genetic priorities have shifted from hatchability to meat yield, and adding more pounds per bird has its limits.

“The potential long-term challenge becomes how big is too big for birds on the processing line, and what will drive consumer preferences for chicken products into 2030 and beyond,” said , lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “In the short-term, there has been a growing interest in secondary processing or the value-add segment. That’s helping chicken producers meet increased consumer demand for further processed and flavor-enhanced items like tenders, nuggets and sandwiches. But it’s not necessarily a sustainable or long-term approach to consistently increase overall production volume.”

Annual per capita chicken consumption in the U.S. has increased 30 pounds since 1995 and currently stands at 103 pounds, according to USDA data. That number is projected to rise to 107 pounds by 2030, which far exceeds U.S. per-capita consumption of beef and pork. The steady increase in demand led chicken processors to focus on increasing meat yield and efficiency. Broiler genetics companies responded by shifting away from an emphasis on hatchability, or how many chicks a hen could produce, to feed conversion efficiency which promotes larger birds and higher meat yields.

With the change in genetics, producers are now able to achieve more than 1,000 pounds of chicken from a single egg-laying hen. That’s a 17% increase since 2005. While the shift in genetics enabled processors to increase broiler meat yields, those gains have come at a cost. Fewer chicks are available to raise for broiler production. That limits the opportunity to increase production by adding birds into the system. The trend of lower hatchability could be reversed, but it would take several years before genetic changes improve chick availability.

Jumbo birds, value-added products driving current growth and investment

The overall chicken product mix available to consumers today barely resembles what it did 30 years ago. Back then, whole birds and other raw pieces comprised the bulk of consumer purchases. Today, the further processed segment makes up nearly half of all chicken marketed in the U.S. The jumbo bird format works well with chicken marketing plans that include new product innovations focused on portion-sized convenience and more exciting flavor options in products like strips, nuggets and tenders.

Earnest said the elevated costs associated with new greenfield expansion will limit the addition of meaningful head count in the near future, and short term growth will be facilitated by larger birds and continued investments further processed capabilities. “Relying on efficiencies in per-bird production will require flexibility and technology. For processors, that means line speed efficiency will be paramount to grow production until such time more birds can be added to meet steady growth in demand.”

Watch a video synopsis and read the report,