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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Available nationwide at Whole Foods Market in boxes of six, the gluten-free ice cream bars are made with grass-fed organic dairy, fair trade cocoa, and organic berries. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Prepared Foods talks sustainability with packaging designer Tom Newmaster, owner and partner at FORCEpkg, Lancaster, Pa.

Before LFG, Push served as CEO and chairman of Legacy Foodservice Alliance, which he founded in 2009 to facilitate commerce between independent foodservice distributors and suppliers. 

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.

This bold new mix blends the iconic richness of V8 tomato juice, natural cucumber flavor and a medley of spices with the unmistakable tang of Grillo's signature brine, bringing a vibrant burst of flavor. 

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.

Inspired by the classic Tex-Mex dish, Bob Evans Queso Macaroni & Cheese features a rich queso flavor, hints of spice and fresh green and red peppers to bring bold, authentic flavors to gatherings. 

The smooth, chef-crafted dips are free from dairy, soy, gluten, and oil, and are vegan. Plus, each serving is packed with live probiotics, promoting a healthy microbiome.

According to the IFIC survey, one-third of Americans (33%) reported changing their LNCS consumption habit between April 2023 and April 2024. While 10% said they increased LNCS consumption and 6% said they started consuming LNCS, 11% said they decreased LNCS consumption and 6% said they stopped consuming LNCS altogether.

As CFO, Craig will use his depth of experience and will bring a fresh perspective to drive strategic and operational decisions to lead the next chapter of the KIND business.

Whole Moon is a brand that uses a unique process that blends whole-roasted almonds, oats, pistachios and soybeans, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor and a full-bodied texture.

To help patients successfully complete their treatment and live better lives, it's important for providers to specify an ergonomic, patient-friendly flooring solution that strikes a balance between force reduction and energy restitution.

The Mycelium Collection features SRP TPU flooring technology, which transforms waste plastic bottles into circular flooring. 

The new ECOsurfaces Desert & River commercial flooring line from Ecore, a company that transforms reclaimed materials into high-performance products that make people’s lives better, offers the architect and design community an innovative solution that fuses aesthetics and sustainability with ergonomics, acoustics and safety.

Three sports flooring providers have merged to create the Icon Group, a construction group that specializes in flooring and lockers for athletic facilities and surfaces for equine and other animal applications. 

Ecore International has been upcycling rubber into high-performance surfaces for over 40 years. The firm announces the launch of its TRUcircularity program, which aims to eliminate rubber waste by recycling and reimagining every end-of-life rubber floor. 

Discover the essential elements of electrostatic discharge (ESD) flooring and gain insights into achieving optimal ESD protection and mitigation. In this article, we debunk common misconceptions, explore the significance of resistance levels, and shed light on the latest material advancements that address industry challenges.

Villa will manage Chilewich Contract and design solutions, which includes installed flooring products, rugs, wall textiles, upholstery fabric, and window coverings for applications ranging from healthcare and corporate to hospitality and multifamily.

Choose from two tile, two tread and two wall base selections—each available in eight coordinated colorways.

Through this partnership, Shaw Sports Turf will showcase its innovative, differentiated products throughout the event spaces leading up to the 2024 national championship game, slated for January 8, 2023, at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

Sherwin-Williams High Performance Flooring introduced SofTop Comfort flooring systems, an addition to its seamless resinous flooring collection.

With this sponsorship, Shaw Floors’ Pet Perfect innovations and branding will be featured throughout the “Pet Perfect Puppies at the Playoff” activation within Playoff Fan Central. 

Regupol, a manufacturer of recycled rubber surfaces for sports and fitness and acoustic insulation, introduced Regupol Upscale. It is a collection of recycled rubber tiles and planks for commercial installations.

Gerflor, a global leader in designing and manufacturing specialized resilient flooring for sport, commercial, transport, and residential environments, is unveiling two new lines of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) manufactured in the USA for healthcare and the education segments.

In addition to typical rubber sports flooring, wood-look rubber flooring fulfills a variety of fitness facility needs such as basketball courts, group fitness spaces and functional training areas.