Food and Drink’s bread and butter is covering food industry companies that engage us with stories of turning-points, in-house innovations, hard lessons learned and unyielding passion for food. It makes sense, then, that for our last issue of 2007, we celebrate those companies and leaders who we deem the year’s best. In our Top Executives section, our editors picked six of the year’s most memorable profiles – some are of underdogs who have overcome great obstacles, while others stand out for their fresh approach to business.  

Speaking of fresh, the green movement is on everyone’s mind (and TVs) these days. Though the editors of Food and Drink have been speaking with business leaders and industry experts about “going green” for many years, it seems to have finally broken into pop culture. Its mainstream momentum hit home when I caught a TV spot for NBC Universal's "Green is Universal" campaign. In this issue, our Top Green Products section spotlights this year’s best green food and technology launches.

Food safety was another huge headline topic this year as we faced yet more product recalls. What we might not realize is that there are many companies and organizations doing things right. This month, food safety columnist Lee Biars spreads some good news about pacesetters in safety training.

In other good news, guest columnist Dr. John S. White, a sweetener researcher, shatters some myths about high-fructose corn syrup, an ingredient that’s had its share of bad press lately for an alleged link to obesity.

As we look back on 2007’s successes and weak spots – and anticipate another exciting year – we must keep in mind that the journey to being the best is better when savored – enjoy the ride!

–Erica Burke, Senior Food Editor, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it