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National Restaurant Association Show Opens Submissions for 2025 FABI Awards

Receiving a FABI Award places recipients in the spotlight at the industry’s premier event—the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, May 17-20, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees will experience these standout products firsthand, positioning awardees in front of thousands of industry leaders and decision-makers eager to discover the next big trend.




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What is the go-to cheap Android these days?

A couple of my family members were shutout of their online banking last week when their bank dropped support Android 11 and earlier, their Moto One Action devices are stranded at Android 11. Neither are particularly demanding users and use little...




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Food processors can get big benefits from automating batch processing

Automation of batch processing isn’t new, but as more companies move beyond the basics of automation, they are finding that new technology brings big rewards—as well as big challenges.




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Filling machines offer improved speed, sanitation and efficiency

Every step of the production process and the supply chain is under scrutiny. Filling equipment is not exempt.




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How to evaluate and specify food-grade lubricants

In every food plant, there are gears and bearings that need grease, machines that need oil changes and components that need regular lubrication to continue performing at their best.




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Using data to make the most of automation, IIoT and AI on the manufacturing line

Motors and drives run the food and packaging production lines that processors rely on, and they are a major consideration of any automation strategy.




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Technologies help processors find best temperature for quality, efficiency

Three companies are using interesting methods to keep refrigerated and frozen foods at just the right temperature.




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Detecting foreign matter to avoid contamination

A wide variety of machines can help ensure that foreign matter doesn't slip into your product.




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Controlling temperature from farm to fork protects product quality, brand name

Temperature is that one measurement that’s dictated by governmental regulations to prove that you have a kill step in your process. Beyond that, there are rules for keeping fresh food under a certain temperature to keep it safe both in transit and storage, and—just as important—maintain its quality so you don’t have to throw it out prematurely.




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How robots help processors navigate the COVID-19 pandemic

Robots and cobots can help when your food or beverage has workers out sick with COVID-19 or needs to implement social distancing.




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Tech Update: Automated storage and retrieval systems offer challenges, benefits and new technology

With a market that is expected to reach $10.3 billion by 2027, food and beverage companies need to know the benefits and challenges of implementing AS/RS.




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Using data intelligence to reduce unit costs in food manufacturing

Data is valuable because it helps manufacturers make better decisions. But there’s a big difference between collecting data and being able to actually use it. If you don’t have a system in place to be able to understand what the data is telling you, then you’re going to be overwhelmed by it.




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Plant-Based Innovations: Califia, Milkadamia, and More Expand Beverage and Creamer Offerings

“Given the success of our Matcha Almond Latte, we’ve expanded our line of tea beverages with Chai Almond Latte based on the growing popularity of chai tea lattes and consumer demand for easy solutions for café favorites at home,” said Suzanne Ginestro, Califia’s chief marketing officer.




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f'real Limited Edition Oat Shake

The Choco Choco Chip Oat Shake, provides a new way for consumers to choose their chill based on their lifestyle and taste preferences, while still enjoying the indulgent chocolate flavors they crave. 




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Flavor and Function: Navigating 2024 Trends in Condiments, Snacks and Beverages

Discover the latest trends reshaping the food and beverage landscape in 2024 and into 2025, where health-conscious choices meet adventurous flavors. We delve into how consumer behaviors are driving innovative snack and beverage options, while sauces and dressings bring excitement to mealtimes. Uncover the key insights and product opportunities that can inspire your next creation in the ever-evolving market.




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GT's Living Foods Earns TRUE Gold Certification for Zero Waste Excellence

The prestigious recognition stands as a testament to GTLF's commitment to zero waste practices and sustainable operations, a commitment that resulted in the company securing a TRUE award-winning waste diversion rate. 




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MILKish Watermelon Seedmilk

Watermelon seeds not only are rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and contain healthy fats, but due to the seeds’ low water footprint, choosing MILKISH as an alternative is a way to have a positive environmental impact.




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New Beverages Prioritize Hydration for On-the-Go Consumers

From electrolyte-packed drinks to sustainable hydration solutions, brands introduce innovative products designed to keep consumers refreshed and replenished.




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Stash Tea Double Spice Chai, Earl’s Delight & Apple Blossom Tea Latte Concentrates

Stash Tea’s new Tea Latte Concentrates offer teaheads a bold and unique way to enjoy café-quality lattes at home, catering to the growing consumer trend of at-home tea consumption which amounted to $2.92 billion in sales in 2024. 




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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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How Do American Consumers Perceive Alternative Sweeteners?

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.





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HMTX Mycelium Collection Wins Sustainability Award at NeoCon

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






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Three Athletic Flooring Firms Merge as Icon Group

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. 





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Shaw Floors to Sponsor 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship

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. 




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The Case for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Flooring in Healthcare Facilities

When the static electricity in a medical office, examination room or lab is under control, it helps reduce the risks of shocks to personnel, disruption of data, malfunction of sensitive equipment, igniting flammables, and reducing contamination due to electrostatic attraction.




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PPG and Shaw Industries Sign Strategic Agreement for Resinous Flooring Products

PPG has signed a strategic agreement with flooring leader Shaw Industries Group, Inc. to offer the PPG Flooring line of resinous flooring products. The products will be available to Shaw’s customers in the commercial property market via its Patcraft brand. 




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In Dire Conditions, Emerson Donated its E3 Controller System to the Food Bank of Alaska

When COVID-19 began spreading across America, the Food Bank of Alaska in Anchorage quickly became overwhelmed. The organization had been making the best of outdated equipment in a remote location for many years, often dealing with breakdowns that led to significant losses of perishable food items. But, as the pandemic brought many longstanding issues to a head, it became clear that a permanent solution needed to be found.




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Completing an Employee-focused Design-Build Renovation for Crown Bakeries

The company successfully completed a build-out with employee-centered construction for Crown Bakeries.




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New Grinding Equipment and Automation Continue Optimization for FPL Food

Buying online is growing, and FPL Food LLC in Augusta, Ga., has been leaning into this trend while also selling large volumes of beef to retail stores, foodservice and food manufacturing partners.




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Niagara Bottling’s Latest DC, a Showpiece for Integrated Robotic Pallet Handling

Niagara Bottling’s new 600,000-sq.-ft. production and distribution facility in Rialto, Calif., manufactures and distributes 120,000 bottles of water per hour. Supporting this throughput are 56 laser-guided vehicles, integrated with a 33,000-position robotic pallet shuttle storage system. Designed and built by E80 Group, the distribution automation operates 24/7/365.