

SNAC International announced Andy and Tony Caridis of Heat and Control as the recipients of the 2025 Circle of Honor Award, presented at SNAXPO25 in Orlando, Fla.
Established in 1994, the Circle of Honor Award recognizes the most visionary and transformative executives in the snack food industry. These candidates demonstrate exceptional innovation and business acumen that are shaping the industry’s future.
This year’s honorees, Andy and Tony Caridis, exemplify that legacy. Andy, who founded Heat and Control in 1950 with the aim of revolutionizing food industry heating methods, laid the groundwork for one of the most influential companies in food processing and packaging. His original innovation—a remote heat exchanger designed to replace direct burner systems—sparked decades of groundbreaking technology development.
Under the leadership of the father-son duo, Heat and Control has launched state-of-the-art equipment, such as thermal ovens, chicken fryers, and potato chip fryers—technology that currently powers production lines for leading snack manufacturers worldwide.
“We are incredibly humbled to be recognized as this year’s Circle of Honor winner,” says Tony. “SNAC International has been immensely helpful to a company like Heat and Control. Working with them exposes us to the entire United States, expands our business, and ultimately connects us to the rest of the world.”
With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to innovation, Andy and Tony have been instrumental in shaping the future of snack production. They have redefined what is possible in snack manufacturing—streamlining operations, enhancing food quality, and establishing new industry standards.
“Heat and Control has been one of the innovative pillars of the snack industry for the past 75 years,” said Christine Cochran, CEO of SNAC International. “This award is a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking heating solutions that Andy and Tony have brought to our industry. Whether they realize it or not, many established and emerging brands owe their success to Andy and Tony.”
To view the commemorative video, click here.
Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) is the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers, and manufacturers. Upon its three pillars of education, advocacy, and networking, SNAC is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. For more information, visit www.snacintl.org.
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Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, is partnering with “Weather Women: Into the Bear’s Cage,” a cinematic storm chasing documentary by Paradeigm Films.
“At Casey’s, we know it’s not crazy to chase your dreams – and storms – and these amazing women are proof that when an opportunity arises, you got to chase it. We’re here to fuel the adventure of storm chasing season across Casey’s Country,” said Katie Petru, Director, PR and Communications, Casey’s.
This series, fueled by Casey’s, follows renowned storm chasers as they capture the 2025 storm season in real-time, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the power of nature. Filmed in a cinéma vérité style—raw, unscripted, and in real time—Weather Women captures the true intensity of storm chasing with no second takes.
“Storm chasers are often misunderstood—seen as thrill-seeking renegades when, in reality, they are experts in weather, often highly trained meteorologists, PhDs, and researchers doing critical, life-saving work,” said Stephen Brucher, Owner of Paradeigm Films and Director, Weather Women. “They are the eyes on the ground, relaying vital information on severe storms and tornadoes that radar alone can’t capture. Their efforts may go unnoticed, but they are the unsung heroes standing between chaos and safety.”
The Weather Women story begins at the 2025 National Storm Chaser Summit, and follows the stories of Jessica Moore, meteorologist, travel writer, and professional photographer; Tori Jane Ostberg, photographer and writer; and Emmy-winning broadcaster, meteorologist Jennifer Watson.
To learn more and get branded gear, visit www.weatherwomen.com.
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