America has long been a nation of snackers, with over 60% of the population filling out their three meals a day with a snack or two. However, as snack foods increasingly replace traditional meals, it means big business for not only packaged food producers, but also for suppliers of convenient and highly marketable packaging.

On January 1, 2017, Mexican consumers were faced with a gasolinazo, a hike in gasoline and diesel prices of up to 20% as the Mexican government rolled back its subsidy on fuel prices. This shift could have rippling impacts through the many other transportation markets, including the automotive aftermarket.

Barrier films go unnoticed by most consumers, though they are used myriad industries, from packaged foods, medical products, and even agriculture. The latest trends in barrier film production reveal a fast growing industry that is carving out space in a wide range of applications.

After a decades-long hiatus in major refinery construction in the US, two refineries in Texas are planned for completion in 2019, buoyed by investment in the Permian Basin. Find out what is driving these refinery construction plans and how they will impact the overall oil and gas industry.

Electric buses have made large gains in market share over conventional diesel and gasoline models over the past several years. Advances in range, speed, acceleration, and charging processes have made these gains possible. Learn more about these technological advances.

A new efficiency standard for natural gas furnaces has created an ongoing debate within the furnace manufacturing industry concerning increased costs and payback results for consumers. Several compromises have developed, though at this point the implementation of the rule is in question. A Freedonia analyst weighs in on what this means for the heating equipment market.

Trends focused on quick and easy meal preparation for home cooks have led to greater demand for food products that help to take the frustration out of the cooking process. This means that retailers are shrinking down meat packages and adding new lines of precooked and preseasoned products in convenient and ready-to-use formats that can be priced at a premium. A Freedonia analyst explains what this means for the packaging market.

The legal marijuana industry has been framed by many as a high-growth industry on its own, creating jobs and generating significant revenue. However, ongoing concerns with federal legality and corporate restrictions, coupled with significant theft concerns, have made it a complicated industry for security services. Learn more about how marijuana growers and dispensaries have created opportunities for the security services industry.

As baby boomers downsize their homes, their storage and organization needs will change. These lifestyle changes will influence many trends in the home organization market, including rising interest in products designed to maximize storage in under-used spaces and a preference toward stylish, high-value products meant to be stored in plain sight.

If there’s one thing that DIY wood coaters value above all else, it’s simplicity. For this reason, products that combine two functions, like stain-and-sealer and self-priming paints, will gain further popularity. Find out how these trends will influence the wood coating market in the US.