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It's that time of the year for predictions, and looking over what the so-called experts are foretelling for 2010, there doesn't seem to be any real surprises in store for the food industry. For example, private label sales will continue to grow--thanks to the current economic climate--but many believe that consumers will stick with store brands after the recession ends.

Companies will continue to ride the sustainability wave as they develop and implement environmental and sustainable business practices. For many, money-saving benefits are driving this as much as the ecological ones, but it's good PR and adds value to products and services. Food safety is another issue is poised to have a major impact with the government's overhaul of the system next year.

Experts also predict more IT spending next year, as companies look for ways to reduce costs and redundancies in their supply chains. That's good news for this year's FL100--the top technology solution and service providers to the food industry. For the sixth year in a row, we've identified the software and hardware vendors that have developed logistics solutions specifically for food manufacturers, supermarket retailers, grocery wholesalers, convenience store and foodservice distributors and third party logistics providers.

You can learn more about these companies in "Managing Change through Uncertainty". Find out what solutions they're offering to help you succeed in these difficult economic times. We selected the companies based on their submission forms, as well as through research, talking with industry analysts and input from our readers--our most valuable resource. All companies provided a food customer reference list. We hope you find this guide helpful in finding your next solution.

We'd also like to congratulate Ben E. Keith Foods for winning this year's Golden Pallet Award in the foodservice distribution category. For more than a century, Ben E. Keith has been a leader and innovator among foodservice distributors. Find out how it does it in our cover story "Serving Up Excellence". The Golden Pallet awards are the first food industry awards to recognize excellence in warehousing.

Ben E. Keith joins The Hershey Foods Corp. and Exel; Safeway Supermarkets; and McLane New Jersey in receiving this prestigious award. If you'd like to nominate your warehouse for a Golden Pallet next year, please go to our website for an application and deadlines for each category.

I'd like to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their continued support over the year. We'd like to wish all of you a very happy, safe and prosperous 2010.