The most-read SFA News Daily articles in October included trend predictions for 2024, a long-awaited store opening, and a controversial report that found heavy metals in various chocolate products.
In case you missed it, the following were the most popular stories last month.
1. Whole Foods Forecasts 2024 Trends
Caffeine with added benefits, plant-based basics, complex heat from global peppers, and water conservation are among the top 10 food trends for 2024 unveiled by Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council.
2. Fresh Thyme Market Predicts 2024 Trends
Fresh Thyme Market revealed in October its inaugural trends report with a focus on Midwest shopping behaviors and brands. The report offers a glimpse into the emerging trends that shoppers can expect to see in each aisle of the store next year.
3. SFA's Trendspotters Prognosticate 2024 Trends
Cell-based meat and seafood, Calabrian chili peppers, and a bevy of beverages are among the 2024 trend predictions set forward by Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel which is made up of professionals from diverse segments of the specialty food world.
4. Wegmans Debuts Manhattan Store
Wegmans officially opened its two-floor, 87,600-square-foot Astor Place location in the historic district of lower Manhattan on October 18. It is Wegmans' second New York City location after entering the market with a Brooklyn store in 2019.
5. Report: Excessive Lead, Cadmium Found in Chocolate
Consumer Reports found high levels of lead and cadmium in roughly a third of recently tested chocolate products. Hershey was called on to reduce the heavy metal quantities in its chocolate.
Related: ICYMI: Top Stories From September; FreshDirect Launches Producer Program