Specialty food industry stakeholders look to SFA News Daily to stay abreast of the issues and trends affecting the industry. This year, readers were most interested in articles related to tragedies, retailer news, and legislation affecting businesses.
Following are the most read stories of 2023.
1. Death Toll From Chocolate Factory Explosion Climbs
The death toll resulting from an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania shocked the industry in March of this year.
2. California May Ban Five Food Additives
In April, it was reported that California may become the first state to ban the sale, manufacture, and distribution of foods that contain chemicals linked to increased cancer risk, reproductive harm, and behavior issues. In September, California Legislature passed the bill, banning red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben.
3. Whole Foods Plans Layoffs, Restructure
A reorganization strategy at Whole Foods meant that several hundred corporate workers were laid off. The retailer said it made the move to simplify its operations.
4. Virginia Supreme Court Denies Wegmans' Request
The Supreme Court of Virginia denied a request by Wegmans filed in May to reconsider a decision finding that neighbors could challenge local approvals of the grocer’s plans to build a distribution center in Hanover County, Virginia.
5. Kroger, Albertsons May Sell Stores to C&S
Kroger and Albertsons were looking to sell select grocery locations as part of their bid to win regulatory approval for their $25 billion merger. In September, Kroger and Albertsons entered into an agreement with C&S to sell 413 locations.
Related: Dollar General Withdraws Cage-Free Egg Goal; Chobani Acquires La Colombe