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Reflecting on 2024: How Did Beverage Consumer Trend Predictions Measure Up?

Prior to sharing our outlook for 2025, we wanted to review the predictions we made for 2024 to determine what we got right and what might not have fully taken shape. Here, we've collected capsule information for each section of our 2024 Predictions, in areas such as sustainability, foodservice and global flavors. Within each capsule, you will find our 2024 predictions and assessments of their accuracy.




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Amano Enzyme USA: Improve Taste, Texture

SupplySide West attendees are encouraged to visit booth #1973 and learn more about how Amano Enzyme’s high-quality microbial enzymes can help provide the optimal texture, taste and overall performance for a variety of applications including plant-based food products, functional beverages and dietary supplements.




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Chobani Opens Headquarters in New York City

As business leaders and local governments struggle to navigate changes in the commercial real estate market to address a forever changed landscape of urban needs, Chobani is embracing a new vision for how businesses can invest in and deliver sustained impact for their home community.




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3 Business Lessons from the Trail

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Glacier National Park for the first time, and I came home with a few takeaways from the trail.




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How to Start a Diagonal Herringbone Layout

Scott walks us through how to find the starting point for a diagonal herringbone layout and how to keep the tile in line.




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Floor Academy Briefing: How to Solve Problems Personally and Professionally

Columnist Kyle Hedin explains how a task list helps to process problems and find solutions.




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Welcome to FLOOR Trends & Installation

Introducing a new super brand dedicated to all things flooring: FLOOR Trends & Installation.




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Meet the Real Metroflor: Video Campaign Shares Metroflor’s Brand Spirit

Metroflor recently released the Dr. Russ video campaign to communicate one of the company's core values, "Take fun seriously," to customers.




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How to Differentiate Between Caulking and Sealant for Tile Installations

Scott Carothers, academic director for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, explains when to use grout, caulking or sealants for your tile installations. 




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Shower Tile 101: Building a Knockout Niche

Scott Carothers offers guidance on what it takes to build a proper niche that meshes seamlessly with the wall tile layout.




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2023 Flooring Industry Year in Review

The year 2023 was full of ups and downs for the flooring industry, but what was consistent was an endless amount of news, style and innovation. 




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Tile Installation Instructions: The Answers are at Your Fingertips

Many tile manufacturers place installation tips and techniques on the cardboard box, and many are based on the industry standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and industry recognized best practices.




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Discover Flooring of a Higher Standard in 2024

Flooring manufacturers and retailers are setting a quick pace on innovation, focusing on higher product quality, more transparent marketing and easier-to-digest messaging for consumers. 




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How to Avoid Failures on Balcony and Roof Deck Tile Installations

Proper water management can help avoid failure with the installation of tile or natural stone on an exterior roof deck or balcony.




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Women’s Leadership Events in March 2024

If you haven’t already participated in an event with Women in the Floorcovering Industry, make this the year you do.





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Do You Know the ANSI Standards for Tile Coverage, Offset and Acceptable Lippage?

Everyone in the tile industry needs to push the quality bar to the next level and beyond.




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If the Floor Is Not Flat, Fix It

As installers approach a floor tile job, there are numerous questions that need to be answered before the first tile is set. Is the floor substrate suitable for receiving tile and is it flat?




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My Takeaways from WFCA’s New Leadership Development Certification

Floor Trends & installation Associate Publisher and Editor Tanja Kern shares her experience with The World Floor Covering Seeking Excellence As Leaders (SEAL) Leadership Development and Certification Program.




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What to See at NeoCon 2024 and Fulton Market Design Days

As NeoCon's 2024 trade show draws design aficionados to the Mart in Chicago, nearby Fulton Market highlights launches from more than 40 brands.




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How ANSI Tile Standards Help to Raise the Bar on Quality Installations

Scott Carothers, academic director for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, highlights how shoddy tile work around a bathroom drain in a restaurant could have been avoided if the tile installers had referenced ANSI Standards, industry best practices—and a little common sense. 




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WIFI Scholarship Program Empowers Women in the Flooring Industry

Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) is accepting applications for its second round of scholarships until July 10, 2024.




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Out-of-Flat Ceramic Tile Floors Cause Many Problems

Floor flatness is imperative to the success of a tile installation. Scott Carothers, academic director, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, gives an example of a tile installation that does not adhere to the industry standard required for flatness and how that can impact the installer and the customer. 




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How to Define Large-Format Tile and Its Subfloor Requirements

Scott Carothers, academic director for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, solves the mystery of large-format tile terminology and explains how the established definition helped determine its subfloor requirements. 




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We Are CFI: How Certification and Camaraderie Make a Difference in the Flooring Industry

In a new column, International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI) Advisory Board Chair Rod Von Busch shares the journey that CFI is on to embrace change and diversity, the challenges it faces, what potential members can expect and how its current members are setting it apart. 




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Don’t Skip These Steps: How to Successfully Install Cementitious Backer Units Under Tile

Scott Carothers, academic director, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, walks us through the industry standards that are in place to help you achieve a successful cementitious backer unit installation under tile. 




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Flooring & Interiors Market Fall 2024 Outlook

What's happening in the residential and commercial flooring markets? While the flooring and interiors market remained challenged in the first half of 2024, there are modest signs of an impending recovery. 




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Flooring Sector Invests in Future: Training, Partnerships, and Installation Innovation Take Center Stage

The industry is preparing for 2025 with a focus on improving installation processes and attracting new talent. Initiatives include Mohawk's CFI certification for product development teams, IFC's partnership with FCEF for workforce development, and various educational programs. 




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Talent Wars in the Flooring Industry: How to Recruit and Retain Gen Z Talent

Learn about the roadmap required to activate the imaginations of Gen Z recruits, which requires visions of stability, long-term career growth, and the potential to work on meaningful projects.




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Flooring Industry Resilience: From Fed Rates to Legacy Leadership

As the Federal Reserve's rate cut impacts the flooring sector, industry veterans demonstrate adaptability. Dan Frierson's 60-year journey at The Dixie Group showcases innovative leadership, while Starnet's long-standing members highlight stability. Our October issue also explores retail innovations, installation techniques, and pricing strategies, reflecting the industry's multifaceted nature and ability to navigate economic shifts.




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Traina Foods Acquires Martin Farms

As the dust settles on this deal, the company is also ushering in the next generation of Trainas to the helm. This expansion and succession demonstrates Traina Foods' commitment to keeping the fires of traditional Italian sun-drying burning bright.




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ÖRLÖ Nutrition's Icelandic Ultra Spirulina Line

Harnessing the power of Iceland's natural environment, ÖRLÖ uses patented Energy to Food (E2F) technology to produce carbon-negative algae-based supplements. These supplements offer nutrition with a minimal environmental footprint.




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Simplot Food Group Translates Trends to Tastes With Waffle-Flavored Potatoes

Simplot Maple City Waffle line transforms popular menu entrée into a versatile, on-the-go option for operators, consumers.




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7 Mile Brands Invests in Refrigerated Donut Brand, Drumroll

Known for its indulgent, low-sugar, high-protein refrigerated donut offerings, Drumroll® has gained a dedicated following among health-conscious consumers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition.




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Club Crackers Sweet Hawaiian Cracker

In addition, the Club brand is doubling down on sweet flavor ahead of the holidays with new Cinnamon Sugar Club Minis, a limited-edition offering. Each bite-sized cracker is dusted with cinnamon and sugar, reportedly delivering a blend of sweetness that complements the buttery taste of Club.




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Product Development— with a Purpose: The Story Behind Magic Cactus

Magic Cactus’ formulation features 2mg of THC, 4mg of CBG, and 6mg of CBD; a “2-4-6” ratio for what Locarni describes as an “approachable, session-able ‘buzz’” where consumers control the consumption experience.




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Predicting Top Five Food Trends of 2025

The trend predictions are developed by Kroger's industry-leading team of food experts including Our Brands' product developers, chefs, buyers, culinary specialists and Kroger's retail data science arm, 84.51º, for a well-rounded projection of what customers will be buzzing about for the upcoming year.




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amaí’s Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water

Packed with antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and thereby enhance immune function, amaí’s Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water offers a guilt-free way to stay hydrated, according to the company.




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How Chunk Foods Is Redefining Plant-Based Meats

Chunk Foods leverages fermentation for a new wave of cleaner, whole-muscle plant-based meats.




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PepsiCo Partners with Einride to Electrify US Frito-Lay Food Routes

By leveraging Einride's offering of connected electric trucks, charging infrastructure and digital freight platform that optimizes operations with data-driven insights, PepsiCo aims to reduce its Scope 3 emissions.




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Rich’s On Top Oat Milk Soft Whip Sets New Standard for Non-Dairy Toppings

Pour it On! New products help Rich Products build on 79-year legacy of non-dairy, plant-based innovation.




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IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

After the pandemic years, it became clear that the foodservice supply chain and ecosystem are interconnected, with manufacturers, operators, and distribution partners needing each other to address critical challenges. 




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Feel Good Foods Gluten-Free Chicken Soup Dumplings

The dumplings are filled with a mix of tender chicken, savory broth, scallions, and ginger, delivering a comforting, bold flavor. Crafted with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, they provide a wholesome, allergen-friendly option.




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GNT: Clean Label Orange

EXBERRY® Shade Vivid Orange is a water-dispersible color made from non-GMO paprika. It has a high color intensity that allows for cost-effective low usage levels and can deliver bright shades in food products including confectionery, dairy, bakery, and plant-based meat.




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Submissions Open for Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge

The challenge is hosted by IFT and funded and initiated by the Seeding The Future Foundation. In its first three years, it has attracted over 2,400 submissions from teams of scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and multidisciplinary teams across non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, social enterprises, universities, research institutions as well as small and emerging for-profit enterprises.




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Hispanic Consumers Drive 16% of Total US CPG Growth

These reports highlight that Hispanics now make up 20% of the US population and account for 71% of national population growth between 2022 and 2023. More than 25% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha identify as Hispanic, demonstrating the long-term potential of this powerful consumer group.




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Martinelli’s 1868 Hard Cider

1868 Hard Cider is made from 100% US grown, fresh-pressed apples in a classic blend of Newtown Pippin and West Coast varieties that give it its signature, just-picked, apple flavor.




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Host Defense BrainPower Stack Powder

The formula was developed by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. Known for his advanced research on mushroom mycelium and psilocybin, Stamets's contributions in the world of mycology have led to new ways of harnessing the power of fungi to support the health of both people and planet.




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Celsius Essentials Watermelon Ice and Grape Slush Flavors

The CELSIUS ESSENTIALS line features boldly flavored performance energy drinks that are made up of the METAPLUS® blend and added aminos, helping support physical and cognitive performance. 




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Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Panel Names Top 2025 Trends

Comprising 20 experts from diverse segments of the culinary world, the SFA Trendspotters track emerging specialty food and beverage products in their own work and at the bi-annual SFA Fancy Food Shows, thereby getting an early look at the flavors, formats, and ideas that will hit mainstream retailers and restaurants sooner than later.




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1440 Foods Acquires Fitcrunch

FITCRUNCH was founded in 2012 by Bakery Barn, a high-quality active nutrition manufacturer, and Robert Irvine. FITCRUNCH’s growing assortment of high-protein snacks, including bars, wafers and powders caters to fitness enthusiasts and everyday consumers looking to enhance their diets.