Consumers may realize the importance of breakfast in their dietary habits, but that does not necessarily mean the cereal category is benefiting from that realization.

Organic products have moved from the margins to the mainstream in a big way.

Sugar-free foods are poised to grow, as health-conscious consumers seek alternatives to sugared snacks, desserts and drinks.

The organic beverages market is experiencing significant growth, especially in the dairy segment. Consumer concerns about food integrity, government organic standards and the availability of organics in mainstream channels will help fuel organic product expansion.

This analysis of the market for soy-based products finds lagging sales and a lack of FDA approval for health claims. Nevertheless, the soy industry appears to have some hope, as recent innovations hold the potential to revitalize and reinvigorate consumer interest in the products.

Americans love candy, purchasing more than $27 billion of it in 2005. Additionally, the outlook for 2006 is very sweet indeed: the National Confectioners Association (NCA) predicts confectionery sales in the U.S. were close to $29 billion by the end of 2006. The sales encompass all types of candy: chocolate, gum, mints and the wide range of non-chocolate confectionery products that includes gummies, licorice and other sweets.