The year ended up being a challenging one with a series of devastating foodborne outbreaks to hit retailers and our communities. As the FMI Food Protection Committee (FPC) looked at initiatives for 2019, public health and preventing additional outbreaks was at the top of the list.

The food retail industry is fortunate to have a number of formidable leaders, and during times of uncertainty and transition, there’s nothing more comforting than to have courageous and nurturing leaders at the helm.

Smart retailers realized there is a new and very good reason for shoppers to visit a physical store - the incredible real-time experience that comes with the foods and beverages they enjoy.

On the first day of the Fancy Food Show, I read the Show Daily lead story pointing me to highlights of global flavors, cuisines and functional ingredients that the article said I'd find throughout the show. Within minutes, while staring on the New-to-the-Shelf section, I found exactly what the article highlighted with flavors from Africa, Latin America and South Asia. Here are some of my discoveries and takeaways.