Articles by Lu Ann Williams

The Rise of Sports Nutrition

An evolving, dynamic market for sports performance and recovery foods, beverages and supplements creates opportunity for marketers

Lu Ann Williams

May 30, 2018

All of these consumers are looking to improve nutritional intake and/or some aspects of health, wellbeing, performance, muscle growth and recovery from exercise. Of course, the sports nutrition market also is growing because of rising product distribution in mainstream outlets in all major markets. Previously, many products were relegated to sales through specialist health outlets (such as GNC) gyms and health clubs.

Made in Nature Organic Dried Fruit & Seeds Snack

Formulators Use Seeds and Grains to Boost Health, Texture and Premium Appeal

Seeds & Grains in Food Formulations: Small but Mighty

Lu Ann Williams

May 3, 2018

Seeds and grains may be small in size—but they drive some large food and beverage trends. That's all because consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional properties of seeds and grains (and, in particular, ancient grains).

Kroger's Private Selection Peruvian Fish Chowder

Global Food Flavors for 2018

What's hot? Consumers warm up to new ethnic foods, flavors and fusion cuisines

Lu Ann Williams

April 9, 2018

Demand for ethnic and international foods continues unabated as American consumers of all backgrounds discover more innovative and exotic flavors and formats.

Moving Toward Lighter Foods

Consumers embrace lighter, sugar-reduced products—across every category

Lu Ann Williams

January 29, 2018

Today’s Millennials are shifting more toward moderation and they’re prioritizing high-quality, tasty foods and beverages in place of excessive alcohol consumption. In the beverage sector, Innova Market Insights has seen big brands adapt their marketing of light drinks toward the more mainstream consumer—with the focus on worry-free enjoyment. This has resulted in an increase in drinks with a low alcohol content.

Siggi's Vanilla Yogurt Topped with Blueberries and Granola

The Power of Protein

Protein is a powerful, multi-purpose ingredient with an equally popular product claim

Lu Ann Williams

January 8, 2018

Interest in protein and high-protein products continues to grow across the food and drink markets—despite the fact that most North American and European consumers already may have more than enough in their diets.

Tart Cherry and Apple Superfood Bites Made with Ancient Grains

Ancient Grains: What's Old—Is New Again

Ancient grains are popular in cereals, bakery foods, ready meals and snacks

Lu Ann Williams

November 7, 2017

So-called "ancient grains" have become featured ingredients in more new products during the past few years.

Allergen-Free Food Trends Expand

Allergen-free new products continue to grow, tap wider interest in healthier options

Lu Ann Williams

October 9, 2017

The market for allergy-free or free-from foods has moved from a relatively specialist status to mainstream in just a short period of time. In particular, those products with gluten-free and lactose-free positions are establishing strong presence.

Premium Drinks

Juice, tea and coffee drinks add upscale appeal with premium ingredients, processing

Lu Ann Williams

September 8, 2017

Premiumization is particularly important in all three. Although juices, in particular, have battled sugar content concerns, both juices and teas are expanding flavors and formats and tapping into an inherent, better-for-you positioning. Convenience and portability also help both iced tea and iced coffee drinks

Clean Label Supreme

Clean and clear label is now targeted—by consumers and manufacturers alike—as the new global standard

Lu Ann Williams

July 18, 2017

Interest in naturalness, minimal processing and clean labeling is no longer new in the food industry. In fact, as long ago as 2008, “Go Natural” led Innova Market Insights’ annual trends listing.

Targeting Millennial Food & Beverage Consumers

When focusing on age-driven appetites, attitudes—emphasize story, snacking, taste and texture

Lu Ann Williams

June 8, 2017

Targeting a new food or drink to Millennial consumers? Join the club. The so-called Millennial generation is well established and widely utilized as a marketing term.

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

The Rise of Sports Nutrition

Formulators Use Seeds and Grains to Boost Health, Texture and Premium Appeal

Global Food Flavors for 2018

Moving Toward Lighter Foods

The Power of Protein

Ancient Grains: What's Old—Is New Again

Allergen-Free Food Trends Expand

Premium Drinks

Clean Label Supreme

Targeting Millennial Food & Beverage Consumers

Unlock the Future of Food and Beverage Innovation

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