36 February 2022 * Vol. 44, No. 1 FEATURES 47 29 36 47 Not-So-Blind Optimism Challenges related to supply chain and labor issues have bakers investing in automation to meet consumers' sustained appetite for baked goods. Perfect Partners Partners, A Tasteful Choice Company, builds a state-of-theart bakery to create wholesome, specialty foods for now and the foreseeable future. Bouncing Back Nutrition and snack bars are poised to see strong growth and exciting innovation in 2022. 29 Cover: Despite significant headwinds from supply chain and labor issues, bakers are optimistic about the industry's future and investing their way out of the current challenges. Photo: ©Ruslan Grumble, Polymanu - stock.adobe.com, www.bakingbusiness.com / February 2022 Baking & Snack 5http://www.bakingbusiness.com