KANSAS CITY – From bioengineered organisms to Ho-Hos, 2013 presented a year of opportunity for the baked foods industry. As more consumers avoided gluten and bioengineered ingredients, companies responded with new product introductions and labeling initiatives.

The biggest headline-maker of the year was Hostess Brands, Inc., which sold its bread and snack cake brands and remaining assets in 2013.

Another company that saw big changes during the year was Bimbo Bakeries USA, which named a new president, broke ground on a bakery in Pennsylvania and closed multiple plants.

“It’s obviously a large company,” said Fred Penny, president of B.B.U. “So, we’re trying to create, as all companies want to do, a culture, and a certain way of working around mission, vision, values, etcetera. When you have so many associates from so many backgrounds, that’s not easy.”

Click for a slideshow of top business stories in 2013.