FLAVOR SECRETS: Bringing Out the Best in Beef: The spices and seasonings for beef have certainly played a part in the growth of beef consumption in the U.S., but beef manufacturers should also be commended for their part in making their products consumer-friendly.

The year is 2025. Mass marketing is all but dead. Micro marketing still exists but is continually losing ground to "cellular" marketing.

Krave energy bar; Coke's KMX energy drink; Imported snack cup; Flavored beets; Hot cereal for diabetics.

FORMULATION CHALLENGE: SOUP - Beans, peas, lentils and other legumes add exotic flavor, color, texture, fiber and nutrition to soup.

Shrink label for beer can; PET bottle with 'icy' look; Microwavable veggie bag; Tuna salad kit.

FORMULATION CHALLENGE: NEW AGE BEVERAGES - Through a variety of carbohydrates, amino acids, botanicals, vitamins and minerals, beverage formulators create new breeds of energy drinks.

Every weekday, our PreparedFoods.com Daily Food News column reports on the endless stream of mergers & acquisitions in the food industry. Now, it's time for me to give you an update on our new family and parent--Business News Publishing Company, or BNP for short.

See the latest in supplier products, ingredients and solutions.

Improved flavor and nutritious soy protein and isoflavones contribute to the growingpopularity of soyfoods inthe mainstream market.

Consolidation reshuffles the deck, lowfat makes a comeback, and better-for-you products gain ground.