It is no secret that robots and automation are in big demand in the packaging industry, from pick and place applications to robotic palletizing and everywhere in between.

Today’s food and beverage segments are packed with convenience items, grab-and-go packages, single-serve sundries and all things easy.

In less time than it takes to download a movie or to get the charcoal lit, home cooks all over America are throwing together meals that are quick, satisfying and and nutritious for loved ones inevitably on the run.

According to the North American label Market Study 2013 from AWA Alexander Watson Associates (www.awa.bv.com), the label market grew 3.8% from 2011 to 2012.

Manufactured with EcoStar® food-safe recycled PET, Placon (www.placon.com) introduces its new Fresh ‘n Clear™ CaterEase plastic catering tray and bowl line.

The award, which will be featured in this month’s CA Design Annual 54, was for Sandstrom’s brand and package design for Aviation Gin, the flagship product of Portland-based distillery House Spirits.

According to a report from Reportlinker, World demand for caps and closures is projected to rise 5.3% per year to $46 billion in 2016. In volume terms, demand will grow 4.1% annually to 1.9 trillion units.

Campbell Soup Company and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. announce an agreement that will bring together Campbell’s, the number one soup brand in the United States, and Keurig®, the number one coffee brewer brand in the United States by dollar sales.

Eat eggs in the office at lunchtime and the chances are you won’t be too popular. The Original Egg Company, a new niche brand under the Stonegate family, last month launched the Snack Egg – a single portion shelled hard-boiled egg convenient for people who want to eat ‘on the go’ - with Waitrose the first to put it on their shelves.

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue, “Beverage Packaging Market By Beverage Types (Non-Alcoholic, Alcoholic & Dairy), Packaging Types (Bottle, Can, Pouch, Carton, Draught, Bulk & Others), Material (Glass, Plastic, PET, HDPE, Metal, Paper-Board & Others) - Global Trends & Forecast To 2018.”