Within the past year, the sweeteners and sugar category has undergone expansive innovation efforts. From the introduction of all-natural sugar substitutes to sugar brands launched in unconventional formats for versatility purposes, manufacturers constantly search for ways to separate their sweetening products from those of competitors. McNeil Nutritionals steals the spotlight for making its well-known Splenda No Calorie Sweetener available in a novel liquid spray format. This spray-on design may be the first of its kind and will likely influence other firms to incorporate the concept into their future product introductions. Splenda Mist No Calorie Sweetener can be transported on-the-go, and the handheld tube contains 170 Sweet Sprays.

Information in this column is from the Global New Products Database, the premier source of global product intelligence, published by Mintel International Group; 351 W. Hubbard, 8th Floor; Chicago, IL 60610; call: 312-932-0600; fax: 312-932-0474; or e-mail mhollihan@mintel.com.