Big efficiency wins don’t always require big changes. At Midland, we helped a client cut 65+ hours of manual labor per week by automating just one part of their packaging process.

The very first thing that direct mail needs to do in the mailbox is catch people’s attention. Many times, customers need help to create the most effective direct mail. We can help them by making suggestions on ways to create an eye-catching mail piece. There are many options out there for you to choose from. Five Eye-Catching Ideas: 1. Foil Stamping: In a study by the Foil and Specialty Effect Association they wanted to determine what would make products stand out on a shelf with similar products. 2. Embossing: When you bring lift to your mailer with embossing you are able to add dimension and pop. 3. Texture: There are many options for adding texture to paper. You can purchase paper that comes textured such as laid, linen, vellum and mottled. 4. Smell: Adding scent can be really fun. Scent can easily trigger good as well as bad memories. 5. Ink: There is a wide variety of reactive inks now that can really catch the eye.

Will protein fatigue hit in 2026? Just as big food makers like General Mills and PepsiCo are catching up to the high-protein trend with products like protein-packed Cheerios and Propel water, a sense of protein fatigue is setting in. In 2025, a number of beloved American classics got injected with a dose of protein. Kellanova rolled out its line of protein Pop-Tarts in November, taking inspiration from challenger Legendary Foods, which helped popularize gluten-free and keto-friendly toaster pastries. The new Pop-Tarts offer 10 grams of protein per serving and come in flavors like strawberry, blueberry and brown sugar cinnamon. Not to be outdone, Doritos protein chips are coming to shelves in 2026. From a sales perspective, there are few signs that protein mania is slowing down. But on social media, some brands and consumers are starting to poke fun at the onslaught of protein-filled products. Sweetgreen, for example, ran a social media campaign last year making fun of items like protein popcorn and protein cold foam, while calling out the amount of protein that Sweetgreen offers through “real nourishment.”

Aldi has big expansion plans for 2026 as it celebrates 50 years in the United States. The discount grocery giant plans to open more than 180 new stores across 31 states this year, pushing it closer to its goal of 3,200 stores by the end of 2028. It also announced plans to open three new distribution centers within the next three years. As part of its 2026 expansion, Aldi will enter two new states, Maine and Colorado. It also will grow its footprint in fast-growing metro areas such as Phoenix and Las Vegas.