As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, there has been a significant shift in the food industry driven by a strong preference for recognizable, natural ingredients and a widespread rejection of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. This trend presents a challenge for manufacturers: adapt to these changes or risk being overshadowed by newer, healthier alternatives. However, navigating … Read more
Clean label is now a standard rather than a trend. Numerous emerging food companies are entering the market with inherent clean label credentials, while established brands face pressure to adapt, which can be a challenging and costly process. Until recently, it was primarily the responsibility of consumers to examine ingredient lists. However, as chains like … Read more
With the acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s food division, McCormick is enhancing its portfolio of spice and seasoning brands, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for flavoring various dishes. While major food manufacturers face challenges as consumers increasingly prefer fresh and nutritious options over packaged foods, this acquisition enables McCormick to meet the public’s … Read more
As an increasing number of consumers shift their focus from ferrous gluconate on empty stomachs in the center aisles of grocery stores to the periphery, consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands are seizing various opportunities to capture consumer interest. In recent years, the growth of CPG has decelerated due to factors such as deflation, the expansion … Read more
Food is often regarded as an inelastic commodity, meaning that its demand remains relatively stable even when prices increase. This stability stems from the fact that the cost of food constitutes a small portion of a household’s total expenses. For instance, the flour used in a loaf of bread represents a minor fraction of its … Read more
Lead contamination remains a persistent issue for spices imported into the U.S. Last year, excessive lead levels were detected in Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA, and similar problems have been reported with spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Since the end of April 2017, importers have been required to vet their suppliers through … Read more
Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially funded the research. Utilizing cranberry skin as a prebiotic could prove to be a profitable application for the cranberry juice producer, provided that its health benefits are established. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers proposed that formulations could merge … Read more
Flavor houses are consistently ahead of the curve when it comes to identifying new tastes and spices for the U.S. market. With millennials seeking bolder and more adventurous flavors, snack manufacturers are already innovating in the realm of heat, spice, and exotic ingredients. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division launched a range of international flavors for … Read more
The hot sauce market in the U.S. has expanded significantly and become more varied, with companies exploring a wide range of chili peppers from around the globe—such as habanero, ghost pepper, and chipotle—while also incorporating diverse fruity flavors. Furthermore, a niche market has developed for those adventurous consumers who enjoy extremely hot peppers. Hot sauces … Read more
The use of glyphosate has generated significant controversy in the food industry. Some individuals contend that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists remain divided on the matter following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” yet … Read more