“Navigating Consumer Trends: CPG Brands Shift Focus Towards Health and Experience in Retail”

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

“Addressing Lead Contamination in Imported Spices: The Need for Enhanced Food Safety Measures and Consumer Awareness”

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

“Unlocking Gut Health: The Promising Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Wellness”

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

“Spice Innovation: Flavor Houses Lead the Charge for Bold Tastes in the U.S. Snack Market”

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

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

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

“Glyphosate Controversy in the Food Industry: Legal Battles, Consumer Safety, and Corporate Responses”

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

“Trends Transforming the Sauce and Condiment Market: Health, Exotic Flavors, and Consumer Demands”

The sauce and condiment market has undergone significant diversification and is now reaping the benefits. This industry has had to rethink its offerings as many consumers, particularly health-conscious individuals, are seeking alternative options. Millennials, who make up 23.4% of the U.S. population according to Census Bureau data, consistently look for healthier yet flavorful sauces and … Read more

“Enhancing Vanilla Sustainability: A Collaborative Initiative for Quality Supply and Competitive Advantage”

The project presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for the companies involved, all of which have committed to purchasing the high-quality vanilla produced. Gaining preferential access to a reliable supply is expected to provide Mars, Dannon, and Firmenich with a significant competitive edge in what has become an increasingly difficult market for this ingredient in recent … Read more

“Coconut Products: The Rise of Health-Conscious Alternatives in Food and Wellness”

Coconut products gained widespread attention a few years ago with the rise of coconut water as a popular natural sports drink. Since then, they have surged in popularity due to their claimed health benefits, appealing taste, versatility, and unique texture. Coconut enjoys a strong health reputation, being used as an alternative ingredient across a wide … Read more