“Navigating the Clean Label Movement: Opportunities and Challenges in the Evolving Food Industry”

As consumers increasingly prioritize health, there is a significant surge in demand for recognizable, natural ingredients, alongside a widespread rejection of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. This shift has reshaped the food industry, presenting manufacturers with a crucial choice: adapt or risk being overshadowed by trendier, healthier alternatives. However, navigating this transition is more challenging … Read more

“Clean Label: The New Standard in Food Manufacturing and Consumer Expectations”

Clean label is no longer just a trend; it has become the standard. Numerous emerging food companies are entering the market with built-in clean label credentials. While established brands feel compelled to adapt, the process can be complex and costly. Until recently, it was primarily the responsibility of consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists. However, as … Read more

“McCormick’s $4.2 Billion Acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s Food Division: A Strategic Move to Enhance Flavor Portfolio and Capitalize on Health Trends”

With the acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s food division, McCormick is expanding its spice and seasoning mix portfolio by adding a variety of brands that enhance its reputation as a leading source of flavor for diverse dishes. As major food manufacturers face challenges due to consumers opting for fresher and more nutritious options over packaged foods, … Read more

“Adapting to Change: How CPG Brands are Capturing Consumer Interest in a Shifting Marketplace”

As consumers increasingly move away from the central aisles of grocery stores to explore the perimeter, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands are seizing various opportunities to capture consumer interest. In recent years, growth in the CPG sector has decelerated due to several factors, including deflation, the rise of e-commerce, and the fragmentation of retail channels. … Read more

“Consumer Demand Inelasticity: The Stability of Food and Essential Goods Amid Price Fluctuations”

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

“Persistent Lead Contamination in Imported Spices: Challenges and Implications for Food Safety in the U.S.”

Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the United States. 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 evaluate suppliers through … Read more

“Exploring the Potential of Cranberry-Derived Prebiotics and Their Role in Gut Health: A Market Perspective on Probiotics and Synbiotics”

Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially financed the research. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for a byproduct of the cranberry juice producer, provided its health benefits can be clarified. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations … Read more

“Flavor Innovation: How Millennials and Health Trends are Shaping the Snack Industry”

Flavor houses are consistently ahead of the curve when it comes to discovering new flavors and spices for the U.S. market. With millennials embracing more adventurous palates, snack manufacturers are beginning to innovate how they approach heat, spice, and exotic flavors. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division introduced a variety of international flavors for its Lay’s … Read more

“Spicing Up Health: The Booming U.S. Hot Sauce Market and the Benefits of Capsaicin”

The U.S. market for hot sauces has expanded significantly and become increasingly varied, with companies exploring a range of chili peppers from across the globe—such as habanero, ghost pepper, and chipotle—alongside an array of fruity flavors. Additionally, a niche market has surfaced for those adventurous enough to enjoy extremely hot peppers. Hot sauces aimed at … Read more

“Glyphosate Controversy in the Food Industry: Legal Battles, Consumer Concerns, and the Shift Towards Transparency”

The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some critics assert that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although opinions among scientists were split following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a … Read more