Articles by Lu Ann Williams

Food Texture Plays Vital Role in Consumer Satisfaction

Consumers know that texture heightens sensory experience and often contributes a greater feeling of indulgence

November 22, 2021

Texture’s impact also is not limited to mouthfeel. It is relevant to a product’s flavor, appearance and even a related auditory sound. For these reasons, it plays a strong role in the entire eating experience.

Processors Embrace New Packaging, Ingredient Practices to Boost Sustainability Appeal

Today, the challenge is all about making the entire product lifecycle sustainable—from agricultural practices to resource-efficient factories to food waste and packaging waste reduction

Lu Ann Williams

October 28, 2021

Innova Market Insights identified “The Sustain Domain” among Innova’s Top Ten Trends for 2020. Innova also included it among this year’s top trends and themed it as “Transparency Triumphs.” This recognizes the need for efficient communication of “ethical” and “green” credentials.

Active Consumers Seek Food as Fuel

Demand continues to grow for snacks that feature energizing properties

Lu Ann Williams

September 8, 2021

Snacks represent a huge and diverse market as eating patterns have become less formal. Consumer demand for physical and mental energy boosts through the day continues to increase. In combination, these trends leads to growing demands for snacks with energizing properties.

Consumers Weigh Product “Storytelling” Attributes with Each Purchase

According to Innova Market Insights research, three in five global consumers say that brand stories influence purchasing decisions

Lu Ann Williams

August 17, 2021

Transparency has become increasingly important to consumers and this has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, consumer packaged goods manufacturers are working harder to convey trust and communicate more stories behind their products and brands. This messaging—found everywhere from product packaging to social media and websites—involves topics of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and “clean” healthy ingredients.

Botanical Ingredients Flourish, Add Function and Appeal to New Foods and Drinks

Botanical ingredients are linked to immune support in addition to other potential positive physical, mental and emotional attribute

Lu Ann Williams

July 23, 2021

Scouting the next ingredient trend to sprout up in new foods and drinks? The supplement market shows health-conscious consumers are learning more about botanical ingredients—and leaning toward them in new supplement purchases.

Consumer Moods Turn to a New Generation of Functional Foods & Drinks

Nutritional options that support both physical and emotional wellbeing are thriving

Lu Ann Williams

June 8, 2021

There’s a growing emphasis on mental and emotional wellbeing as consumers take a more holistic approach to health. That’s why Innova Market Insights identified “Mood: The Next Occasion,” as one of its Top Trends for 2021.

Clean Label Concerns Expand Beyond Health to Incorporate More ‘Social’ Ingredients

The pandemic has accelerated focus on healthy diets and ingredients perceived to be natural and good for immunity

Lu Ann Williams

April 15, 2021

Consumers’ growing interest in cleaner living is broadening and this is raising expectations around what constitutes a “clean label.” In fact, this evolving demand necessitates use of more meaningful storytelling.

Top Trends in Food: Eat Pretty

Consumers are increasingly selecting food and drinks that support their physical appearance and reduce the effects of aging

Lu Ann Williams

April 12, 2021

“Eat Pretty” was one of Innova Market Insights Top Trends for 2020, but interest continues to grow for 2021 and beyond. That’s because the “Beauty from Within” concept is taking on a whole new meaning and the food and beverage market continues to see a growing number of launches bordering on the cosmeceutical.

Processors Get Creative to Add More Fiber

Fiber benefits are associated with gastrointestinal health as well as reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers

Lu Ann Williams

November 18, 2020

Consumers increasingly understand and recognize the benefits of fiber and it’s influencing their “better-for-you” food and beverage selections.

Consumers Still Seek Protein, Welcome New Ingredient Sources

The greatest numbers of protein-related claims are found in specialist areas such as pet foods

Lu Ann Williams

October 5, 2020

Interest in dietary protein intake and the protein content in a range of foods and drinks continues to develop. Consider too that more consumers are aware of different protein sources and their potential benefits.

Switching from plastic to paper-based packaging often comes with new challenges. This webinar will explore how an ovenable, fiber-based packaging solution can deliver the benefits of plastic with 90% less plastic usage.

The Winter Fancy Food Show is where specialty food makers go to exhibit their newest and best products and where buyers go to find their next bestsellers.

Articles by Lu Ann Williams

Food Texture Plays Vital Role in Consumer Satisfaction

Processors Embrace New Packaging, Ingredient Practices to Boost Sustainability Appeal

Active Consumers Seek Food as Fuel

Consumers Weigh Product “Storytelling” Attributes with Each Purchase

Botanical Ingredients Flourish, Add Function and Appeal to New Foods and Drinks

Consumer Moods Turn to a New Generation of Functional Foods & Drinks

Clean Label Concerns Expand Beyond Health to Incorporate More ‘Social’ Ingredients

Top Trends in Food: Eat Pretty

Processors Get Creative to Add More Fiber

Consumers Still Seek Protein, Welcome New Ingredient Sources

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