US government regulations don't necessarily make consumers feel more secure about food safety or other clean label issues.

This trend is most evident in PLMA’s 2018 Salute to Excellence Awards program, where more than 500 new store brands food and nonfood products were evaluated by panels of industry professionals and consumers. Judges selected 53 products, 38 food and 15 nonfood items, for Salute to Excellence Awards.

Innovation in the RTD coffee segment has contributed to its strong growth. In fact, while roasted coffee is the largest segment of the coffee category (39.2% market share), RTD coffee continues to drive the category as the fastest growing segment, growing 31% in the last two years.

Come hear Schwan Food Company executives Giselle Restrepo Senior Manager, Strategic Insights & Trends; and Michael Gunn, Culinary Director, Product Innovation & Development.

Hear from three leading Minnesota food entrepreneurs in a conversation led by Grow North, Minnesota's connection hub for the food and agriculture entrepreneur and innovation ecosystem. 

Results show industry leaders in each segment share three common traits: they differentiate offerings, target consumers with greater precision and complement organic growth with inorganic growth.

According to the FDA, most Americans exceed the recommended limits for added sugars, consuming more than 13% of total calories (~270 calories)/day from added sugars.

Survey results published in Walmart US Strategies and Shoppers underscore the growing success these relatively recent omnichannel initiatives have achieved.

Consumers now have access to almost anything through grocery delivery, meal prep kits, grocerants (supermarkets that offer restaurant quality foods), online ordering, and mobile apps.

Artisan products have a new position in the US market as more consumers express interest about what's in their foods and drinks—as well as where and how those items are produced.