--- title: "The 2024 year in review: 12 months in food" description: We look back at 2024 and track the moments that shaped the food industry this year.  image: https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png --- [CAREERS](https://www-dev.foodsconnected.com/careers/) [REGISTER](https://app.foodsconnected.com/Register.aspx) [YOUR ACCOUNT](https://app.foodsconnected.com/idsrv/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fidsrv%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%3Fredirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fapp.foodsconnected.com%252FLoginRedirect.aspx%26client_id%3Dcore%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Dcore%2520connected_api%2520offline_access%2520analytics_manager%26code_challenge_method%3DS256%26code_challenge%3Dy6zXsYnI20T4Zzc_s7HmDAt7OlhL2zujgcEkoUtd7sA%26state%3Dwomypx52%26prompt%3D) [![fc-logo](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Support%20site/fc-logo.svg "fc-logo")](http://foodsconnected.com) - [Our Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/compliance-management-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-and-quality-management-software/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/procurement-supply-chain/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/specifications-and-npd-software/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-management-software/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-software-reporting-tool/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solution](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software/) - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/?_gl=1*8p51p6*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY3NC41MS4wLjA.) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home?_gl=1*hrp5ae*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY4OC4zNy4wLjA.) [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo) ![The 2024 year in review: 12 months in food](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png) [Traceability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/traceability) [Regulations](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/regulations) [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) [Food Safety & Quality](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/food-safety-quality) # The 2024 year in review: 12 months in food By [Greer McNally](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/greer-mcnally) 11/12/2024 [Back](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) The 2024 year in review: 12 months in food Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png) [Back to main blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Year%20in%20Review_2024.png) We look back at 2024 and track the moments that shaped the industry this year.  2024 has been a bit of a rollercoaster - from shifting government policies to controversial regulations, the food industry has been kept on its toes. Let’s have a look at the major developments as they happened month by month.   ## **January** 2024 The UK food sector kicks off the year with a [new food law](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/food-labelling-giving-food-information-to-consumers#:~:text=From%201%20January%202024%2C%20pre,can%20be%20contacted%20by%20mail.) stipulating that pre-packaged food or caseins sold there must include a UK address for the Food Business Operator (FBO). If the FBO is not in the UK, the address of the UK importer has to be included. This is to ensure that products comply with safety, labelling, traceability and market access standards. A [study linking a healthy plant-based diet](https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/01/31/healthy-plant-based-diet-could-reduce-type-two-diabetes-risk/) with a reduced risk of type two diabetes is published in Vienna.   At Foods Connected, we [track the implementation of the 2022 HFSS regulations](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/uk-hfss-regulations) and how they are affecting NPD and product in-store placement across the UK grocery sector.   We see other innovations in NPD, as One Good Thing launches the [world’s first wrapper-free snack bar](https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/new-product-development/one-good-thing-launches-worlds-first-wrapper-free-snack-bars/684316.article).   And the conversation around allergen labelling hots up, following the [death of Órla Baxendale](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68102202), a British dancer in New York, who had an allergic reaction to peanuts, after eating a mislabelled cookie.    ## February 2024 Supply chains come under pressure this month, as cocoa prices surge to a [record high](https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2024/02/16/cocoa-inflation-set-to-continue-for-whole-of-2024/) in February and impact chocolate prices.   Conflicts in the Middle East impact transport routes around the Red Sea. So, we [assess the resulting disruptions](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/red-sea-supply-chain-disruptions-affecting-food-supply-chain) and explore how businesses can protect their supply chains.   The UK continues to feel the effects of Brexit. With that in mind, [Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Chief Executive writes](https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2024/02/22/Not-for-EU-labels-hurt-investment-and-food-exports-warns-FDF-boss/)to the Minister of State, Steve Baker, to express her concerns about the upcoming introduction Not for EU labels due to implemented in October 2024. She predicts it will impact investments in the sector as well as food exports.   And we team up with [US](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/captain-ds-partners-with-foods-connected)[premier quick service restaurant ](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/captain-ds-partners-with-foods-connected)[Captain D’s](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/captain-ds-partners-with-foods-connected) to overhaul their supply chain management and help them gain complete visibility of their suppliers’ compliancy journey towards FSMA 204.  ## **March** 2024 In the seasonal chocolate space in the run up to Easter, several UK brands directly respond to the issue of [consumers feeling “unloved”](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/q1-2024-npd-releases) by producing larger eggs with added extras as part of their offering.   We take on the polarising [EU Deforestation Regulation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/preparing-for-the-eu-deforestation-regulation), explaining what it means to the industry and running down the changes food businesses need to make to comply ahead of the deadline.   And the Foods Connected football team takes to the soccer pitch for the Football Tournament in Derry to raise funds for [Foyle Down Syndrome Trust.](https://foyledownsyndrometrust.org/)  ![Business Fives 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Charity%20Events%20Images/Business%20Fives%202024.jpg?width=900&height=675&name=Business%20Fives%202024.jpg)  ## **April** 2024 This month the retail sector braces for the release of the new [BBFAW 2023 benchmark](https://www.bbfaw.com/media/2176/bbfaw-2023-report-final.pdf), and our Head of Animal Welfare, Compliance & Environment, Dr Fiona Roberts, is there to [report from the launch](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/bbfaw-2023-animal-welfare-benchmark).   We head to [GFSI in Singapore](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/foods-connected-ltd_gfsi-foodsafety-ai-activity-7183776285054115840-k1sF?). With so many aspects of food safety covered on the agenda – from artificial intelligence, safe water usage to building food safety capabilities – it proves to be a fascinating couple of days.  And as the US experiences its first [real Avian Flu outbreak](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/us-avian-flu-outbreak-the-facts), we evaluate the impact on producers, manufacturers and processors.   ## **May** 2024 May is a busy month for the Foods Connected team. We speak to 500 industry professionals across the US and the UK about traceability and evaluate the findings in our [Traceability report.](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/traceability-a-global-snapshot?)  Our experts feature in the press. We speak with [The Grocer](https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/analysis-and-features/the-deforestation-regulation-clock-is-ticking-for-food-and-drink/690952.article) to offer their insight into EUDR and make the front page, while our Head of Supply Chain & Procurement, Michael McCarthy, shares his expert insight on how to optimise your procurement costs for meat and livestock with [Food Industry Executive.](https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2024/05/how-to-optimize-your-procurement-costs-for-meat-and-livestock/) Industry stalwart John Hood comes to our offices to chat about his career in the meat sector for our new [Industry Voices interview series](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/industry-voices-with-john-hood).   And four of our amazing team take on the [Samworth Charity Challenge](https://www.samworthbrothers.co.uk/charity-challenge-2019-looks-to-break-through-the-2million-mark/) - trekking, cycling and kayaking round the UK'S Lake District to raise an impressive amount for the Alzheimer's Society.   ![samworth challenge 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Charity%20Events%20Images/samworth%20challenge%202024.jpg?width=900&height=675&name=samworth%20challenge%202024.jpg) ## **June** 2024 As we reach the year’s halfway point, we are recognised for our contribution to tech innovation in Northern Ireland at the [North West Business Awards](https://syncni.com/article/12124/foods-connected-recognised-for-contribution-to-tech-innovation-at-north-west-business-awards).   We continue our focus on traceability in the food industry with our [Story of a Hamper](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/story-of-a-hamper-the-traceability-journey) infographic.   And our Operations and Customer-Success Director, Duncan Spencer-Brown, attends an event to commemorate the first anniversary of the BRC Mondra Coalition.   ## **July ** 2024 As July rolls round the Foods Connected volunteers join a food drive in aid of Foyle Food Bank at Tesco Derry/Londonderry, while out in Sydney our team volunteer at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi.   ![OBK Sydney team 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OBK%20Sydney%20team%202024.jpeg?width=1536&height=1536&name=OBK%20Sydney%20team%202024.jpeg) We launch the second in our Industry Voices interview series, sitting down with Malachy O’Connor to discuss his fascinating career in food retail.   And a new [Progressive Grocer report](https://progressivegrocer.com/special-report-2024-grocery-tech-trends) on grocery trends in 2024 looks at attitudes about tech in the grocery space.  When retailers are asked about their spend on tech in the next 12-18 months, 66% say they are planning to increase it.   ## **August** 2024 Allergen management becomes a big talking point in 2024. So this month, we sit down with [Julianne Ponan MBE,](https://julianneponan.com/) the CEO of allergen-free brand Creative Nature, to [talk airline snacks, Natasha’s Law](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/food-allergen-awareness-with-julianne-ponan)and being consigned to the “allergy table”**.**  Three members of our amazing team are shortlisted in the [Women in Meat Awards](https://womeninmeatawards.com/shortlist/), with Dr Fiona Roberts, Joanne Tosh and Sharon Scott all singled out for their stellar work in the food sector.  The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK [announces a change in the labelling laws](https://foodmanagement.today/defra-announces-egg-labelling-proposal-to-remove-derogation-period/) around free-range and barn eggs, which will mean that free-range eggs can be continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures. And we raise funds for a cause close to all of our hearts at Foods Connected, the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, by indulging in our annual doughnut day.  ## **September** 2024 As we head into autumn, our Head of Innovation, Dr Stephanie Brooks, [announces that Foods Connected are teaming up](https://syncni.com/article/12396/foods-connected-gets-green-light-to-develop-bespoke-generative-ai-chatbot-project-with-leading-food-industry-manufacturer-and-retailer) with Bia Analytical, Queens Belfast and leading food producer Finnebrogue to develop a bespoke generative AI chatbot project.  The [Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-to-save-our-antibiotics/) (ASOA) releases its [fourth assessment](https://www.saveourantibiotics.org/our-campaign/supermarkets-and-antibiotics/) of the antibiotics policies of the UK’s major supermarkets.  We are announced as [Digital Revolution Business of the Year](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/ni-chamber-news/chamber-award-winners-2024/) at the NI Business Awards and Highly Commended in the Global Business category.   And news breaks of our [partnership with McDonalds](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/foods-connected-ltd_mcdonald-btdt-supplychain-activity-7236975019266834433-4mPQ/?) in North America.   ## **October** 2024 October brings with it World Animal Welfare Day and Temple Grandin.  The world-renowned animal behaviour specialist joins us in factory and on-farm for a two-day visit of Northern Ireland, before sharing her ideas on the industry in our [Industry Voices interview](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/industry-voices-with-temple-grandin). ![temple grandin visit 2024 02](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20and%20Social%20graphics/temple%20grandin%20visit%202024%2002.jpg?width=1352&height=938&name=temple%20grandin%20visit%202024%2002.jpg)  The [European Commission](https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/) proposes a delay of 12 months to the full implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in response to “calls by global partners”.  We sit down with [Helen Clarke-Ferridge,](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/industry-voices-with-helen-clarke-ferridge) Assurance and Governance Manager at Sofina Foods, to talk petting zoos, pigs and the future of the British pork industry.  And federal officials in the US  announce the [first H5N1 avian flu detection in pigs](https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/usda-announces-first-h5n1-avian-flu-detection-us-pigs ) on a farm in Oregon where an outbreak had recently been reported in poultry.  ## **November** 2024 With the year almost over, the much-discussed [EU Deforestation Regulation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/eudr-spotlight-expert-analysis) has its deadline extended to 30 December 2025.   This allows another legislation to step into the spotlight, The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ([CSRD](https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en)). With the first deadline fast approaching – and some 50,000 companies set to be impacted – [we analyse](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/csrd-regulation-what-it-is-and-how-it-affects-your-business) what the legislation requires and how best to prepare for it.   Our Head of Innovation, Dr Stephanie Brooks, flies to Amsterdam to deliver a talk on [AI in Agri-food](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/ai-in-agrifood-navigating-implementation-with-stephanie-brooks)at the Proactive Food Safety Conference.  And we look ahead to 2025, with our article on [next year’s emerging trends](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-food-trends-for-2025).   ## **December** 2024 And as we finally reach the final month of the year, we celebrate the hard work of our fundraising teams, who have kayaked, jogged, baked and quizzed their way through 2024 to raise an incredible £14,910.50 for charities including Foyle Food Bank, Fareshare NI, NI & Children’s Hospice and more.  ![Total fundraised for the year (Graphic) (1)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Total%20fundraised%20for%20the%20year%20(Graphic)%20(1).png?width=1000&height=1000&name=Total%20fundraised%20for%20the%20year%20(Graphic)%20(1).png)   *Interested in how our software can help your business? R*[*equest a demo*](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo/)*today.*  [![supply-chain-resilience-blog-demo-cta](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4895550/interactive-187160044143.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLeEU5wPeCxfng%2B08PwGcB8fo%2B4Nme4eanU1E0l6BnDsRlx94iCE1%2FE3KdcI7%2FWtp18WQhHlRuZgl%2Bnlg5mIqEoSWbHmV7VoRzI6txl9MLm9Kopt08tt%2BxcrtDS2wfoG928XoCR%2FtsFi%2FZsD%2BkGyBGNsFUH1xEuTLTfJjeQa%2BoncSnkbybqfbJkpKuGf00XrH0%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187160044143&portalId=4895550) ![Greer McNally](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Headshots/Greer%20(NEW%20Headshot).jpg) ###### Greer McNally Greer has over 15 years’ experience writing about trends in the food and retail sectors. She lives in a little village by the sea in Northern Ireland and loves creating content that informs how people think about the food industry. A recent career highlight was interviewing the legend that is Dr Temple Grandin. [![Free AI report download](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Free%20AI%20report%20download.png "Free AI report download")](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/ai-agri-food-attitudes-adoption-ambitions-foods-connected) ##### Stay up to date ### Stay up to date ##### Browse Posts Popular Recent Archive [![NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1927957907%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [![The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2474442759.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [![Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1845178195%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [![A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2133827717%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [![The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2247276303.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [![Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics-blog-hero.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [![The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Why%20Protein%20Procurement%20Needs%20Real-Time%20Data%20Visibility%20blog%20hero%20image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [![AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/brcgs%20audit%20overlap%20shutterstock_2742316531.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [![Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide-hero-image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [![Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/FOODS%20CONNECTED%20AQUISTION%20-%20DESIGN%20ASSETS%20-%20AUGUST%202026.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) [Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) - 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All rights reserved. - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Key food industry moments and Foods Connected highlights from 2024", "articleSection" : [ "Company News", "Food Industry Trends", "Regulations" ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Greer McNally" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-11T00:00:00+00:00", "datePublished" : "2024-12-11T00:00:00+00:00", "description" : "We look back at 2024 and track the moments that shaped the food industry month by month, from shifting government policies and controversial regulations to innovation in NPD, sustainability and supply chain technology.", "headline" : "The 2024 year in review: 12 months in food", "image" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/The%202024%20year%20in%20review%2012%20months%20in%20food.png", "keywords" : [ "2024 food industry review", "food industry trends 2024", "food regulations 2024", "HFSS", "EUDR", "FSMA 204", "sustainability in food", "NPD highlights", "food supply chain", "Foods Connected 2024" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/footer-logo-1.svg" }, "name" : "Foods Connected" }, "url" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/2024-foods-connected-year-in-review" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The 2024 Foods Connected year in review looks back at the major events, trends and regulatory developments that shaped the food industry month by month. It brings together key news on topics like HFSS, EUDR, FSMA 204 and wider policy changes, alongside examples of innovation in NPD, sustainability and technology, and highlights where Foods Connected has been supporting customers through these shifts." }, "name" : "What is covered in the 2024 Foods Connected year in review?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "2024 was a significant year because food businesses were dealing with overlapping challenges: shifting government policies, evolving HFSS rules, progress towards EUDR and FSMA 204 implementation, ongoing cost pressures and supply chain disruption, and growing expectations around sustainability and transparency. The year in review shows how these factors played out across different markets and categories over the course of the year." }, "name" : "Why was 2024 such a significant year for the food industry?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The review highlights several major regulatory themes, including HFSS restrictions in the UK, the build-up to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), preparations for FSMA 204 in the US, and wider sustainability and labelling requirements. It shows how these rules influenced NPD pipelines, merchandising decisions, sourcing strategies and the level of traceability and data that retailers and manufacturers need from their supply chains." }, "name" : "Which regulations and policy changes feature most prominently in the 2024 review?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Across the months, the article picks out launches and trends such as affordable indulgence in grocery, novel packaging concepts, shifts in beverage and coffee innovation, and changing approaches to plant-based and better-for-you products. These examples illustrate how brands responded to consumer demand while working within tighter regulatory, price and sustainability constraints." }, "name" : "What types of innovation and NPD trends are spotlighted from 2024?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Sustainability is a thread running through the year in review. The article references developments related to deforestation risk, climate targets, packaging and waste reduction, and the drive for better data around environmental impacts. It shows how retailers, manufacturers and regulators increasingly expect robust evidence and reporting, which in turn is pushing more businesses to adopt digital tools for traceability and ESG data management." }, "name" : "How did sustainability feature in the 2024 year in review?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "One of the key takeaways is that regulatory, consumer and sustainability pressures are not easing, so businesses need clear roadmaps and reliable data to stay ahead. The review underlines the value of scenario planning, close collaboration with supply chain partners and investment in digital platforms that make it easier to track regulations, manage specifications and trace products end to end as we move into 2025 and beyond." }, "name" : "What can food businesses take away from the 2024 year in review as they plan for 2025?" } ] } ```