Salman describes Midera’s ‘new era’

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Salman describes Midera’s ‘new era’

3 Aug 2026

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

ROSEMONT, IL — After ringing the closing bell at Nasdaq under its new name on July 7, Midera Food Processing began trading as an independent company spun off from the Middleby Corp.

“The Midera name comes from the idea of ‘Middleby’s new era,’” said Mark Salman, Midera CEO, reflecting on the company’s history as Middleby Food Processing. “As we’ve grown the business over the past 10 years, we’ve created our own narrative and have become our own force in the industry.”

With more than 30 brands and a global equipment and systems base of more than 100,000 units, Midera is a leading supplier of total line solutions for food and bakery manufacturing. The spinoff was developed from the need for a specific focus on these capabilities, not only from a dedicated board of directors and c-suite but also from its own capital allocation strategy.

With a valuation of nearly $1 billion, Midera’s bakery equipment production represents more than 35% of the business. The company is equipped with the ability to invest in equipment development, people and potential acquisitions to support organic growth, the key drivers of which include total line solutions, further market penetration through innovation and geographic expansion, and increased aftermarket capabilities.

As bakery manufacturers contend with consumer skepticism for food manufacturing, they need support in all areas, from ingredients to process solutions to equipment. Maintaining a balance in all three areas enables them to create quality products at reasonable price points and stay competitive in the marketplace.

“Midera’s job as an equipment manufacturer is to bring the technology that can balance the trending demand for fewer ingredients,” Salman said. “We are focused on developing technology that supports cleaner labels and a better eating experience. That’s the impact we’re making on the industry.”

With four innovation centers globally, Midera not only can develop equipment technology, but it also provides a testing ground where bakers can experience how their products can work with the machines.

“We are focused on developing technology that supports cleaner labels and a better eating experience. That’s the impact we’re making on the industry.” — Mark Salman | CEO | Midera Food Processing

Every innovation center was designed to enhance the customer experience by providing space for creativity, whether through automation options or the staff of experts trained to test, validate and optimize total line solutions.

“Our innovation centers are where ideas move from concept to reality,” Salman said. “They are spaces where we simplify complex issues and where performance is engineered with innovation. Here, customers can discover what their operation can become.”

Much of Midera’s customer-first mindset comes from Salman’s personal experience working as a baker early in his career. He has approached his work as a supplier with empathy for bakers and their need to create a profitable business.

“I come from the bakery side,” he said. “At Midera, everything we do is to maintain that focus on how we can help bakers make the best products and be more profitable. They need reliable suppliers that can provide a lower cost of ownership and create a better gross margin.”

That culture was also present at Middleby, where the original brand portfolio was decentralized by design. Today, the 33 Midera brands are each led by its own president; while the brands function independently, they all share Midera’s dedication to the customer.

“The presidents run their divisions their own way, but always customer-centric,” Salman noted. “This model makes the decision-making process much more efficient. Our brand presidents make the best decisions for what they feel is right for the customers.”

In the spirit of entrepreneurial decentralization, Midera’s new structure focuses on support-based leadership.

“Midera leadership works for the brands, not the other way around,” Salman said. “In that regard, the spinoff was easy. From there, it was about adding resources and showing investors why our model works. The most important aspect is ensuring our customers get the benefit of this pure-play focus.”

For more information on Midera Food Processing, its brand portfolio and the innovation centers, visit www.midera.com.

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