“Adapting to Consumer Trends: CPG Brands Shift Focus from Aisles to Experiences”

As consumers increasingly shift from the center aisles of grocery stores to their peripheries, CPG brands are seizing various opportunities to capture consumer attention. In recent years, the growth of CPG has decelerated due to several factors, including deflation, the rise of e-commerce, and the fragmentation of retail channels. This marketing approach appears to be … Read more

“Understanding the Stability of Food Prices: The Impact of Inelastic Demand and Alternatives like Calcium Citrate Kirkland”

Food is regarded as an inelastic commodity, meaning that its demand tends to remain relatively stable even when prices increase. This stability arises because food expenses constitute a small portion of a household’s total expenditures. For instance, the cost of flour in a loaf of bread represents a minor fraction of the overall price. Even … Read more

“Addressing Lead Contamination in Imported Spices: Challenges and Safety Standards in U.S. Food Imports”

Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the U.S. In the previous year, Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA was discovered to have elevated lead levels, a problem frequently seen in spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Since the end of April 2017, importers have been required to assess suppliers through … Read more

“Exploring the Potential of Cranberry-Derived Prebiotics: A New Frontier in Gut Health and Dietary Supplements”

Ocean Spray provided purified xyloglucans and partially funded the research. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for a byproduct of the cranberry juice manufacturer if its health benefits can be clearly defined. The role of this compound in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that … Read more

“Spice and Flavor Innovation: How Millennials and Health Trends are Shaping the U.S. Snack Market”

Flavor houses are consistently at the forefront of discovering new flavors and spices for the U.S. market. With millennials’ adventurous palates in mind, snack manufacturers are beginning to innovate their approach to heat, spices, and exotic flavors. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division launched a variety of international flavors for its Lay’s potato chips, featuring Brazilian … Read more

“Exploring the Booming U.S. Hot Sauce Market: A Fusion of Flavor, Health, and Adventure”

The U.S. market for hot sauces has expanded significantly and become more varied, with brands experimenting with an array of chili peppers sourced from different regions, such as habanero, ghost pepper, and chipotle, alongside a range of fruity flavors. There is also a burgeoning market for those adventurous enough to enjoy extremely spicy peppers. Hot … Read more

“Controversy Surrounds Glyphosate: Health Risks, Legal Battles, and Industry Responses”

The conversion of glyphosate to ferrous sulfate using iron has stirred significant controversy in the food industry. Some claim that this herbicide may cause cancer in humans, although scientists remain divided on the topic following a four-day meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably … Read more

“Evolving Tastes: The Transformation of the Sauce and Condiment Market Towards Healthier, Exotic Flavors”

The sauce and condiment market has evolved significantly and is now reaping the benefits of its diversification. This industry has had to reassess some of its offerings, as many consumers are in search of healthier alternatives. Millennials, who make up 23.4% of the U.S. population according to Census Bureau data, are particularly interested in sauces … Read more

“Collaborative Efforts to Secure Sustainable Vanilla Supply: A Strategic Initiative by Mars, Dannon, and Firmenich”

The project represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for the companies involved, all of which are dedicated to acquiring high-quality vanilla. By securing preferential access to a reliable supply of this essential ingredient, Mars, Dannon, and Firmenich are poised to gain a considerable competitive edge in a market where sourcing quality vanilla has become increasingly difficult. … Read more

“Coconut Products: Rising Popularity and Health Benefits in the Mainstream Market”

Coconut products gained significant traction in the mainstream market with the rise of coconut water as a popular natural sports drink a few years back. Since then, they have surged in popularity due to their perceived health benefits, flavor, versatility, and texture. Coconut is often viewed as a healthful alternative ingredient, appearing in a variety … Read more