Lu Ann Williams is director of innovation at Innova Market Insights, provider of market research services including the Innova Database. With 20 years’ experience in the food industry, Lu Ann is a trend expert and frequent public speaker at events worldwide. She leads a team of analysts and works with global clients. Contact her at luann.williams@innovami.com

Sweet Nothings: Sugar Reduction Continues to be a Primary Topic

Formulators eye new ingredients, strategies to reduce or eliminate sugar in new foods and beverages.

Lu Ann Williams

February 17, 2020

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Sugar reduction continues to be a primary topic in the wake of sugar's association with health conditions including obesity, diabetes and even oral health.

Plant-based Ingredients: When Green = Clean

Plant-based innovation in foods, beverages and ingredients continues to flourish with consumer interest in health, sustainability and ethics.

Lu Ann Williams

January 8, 2020

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Plant-based nutrition is a major trend and shows no signs of slowing down. Innova Market Insights identified "Plant-Based Revolution" as one its Top Ten Trends for 2020 and that follows last year’s designation of "The Plant Kingdom" as a top 2019 trend.

The Plant-Based Food and Beverage Kingdom Grows Across Categories

Companies and brands are greening up portfolios to attract consumers who want to add more plant-based options to diets

Lu Ann Williams

November 8, 2019

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Interest in plant-based nutrition shows no signs of slowing down and this certainly confirms Innova Market Insights' earlier choice of "The Plant Kingdom" as one of its Top Trends for 2019.

Hand-Held Entrees, Portable Snacks are Taking Over Consumption Trends—Bite by Bite

Consumers focus on snacks and "grazing," while merging traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner choices for new-style products and eating occasions.

Lu Ann Williams

October 11, 2019

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Everything about today's eating pattern—including when, where and how often—has become more informal. And what used to be three scheduled mealtimes a day now translates to five, six or even seven and a half meals and snacks at absolutely all hours.

Clean Label—Plus

Clean label claims rise with increased product competition, more mindful consumers

Lu Ann Williams

September 4, 2019

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The term “clear labeling” (which Innova Market Insights coined for its 2015 Top Ten Trends listing) has now fully entered industry parlance. It’s used in several marketing campaigns and each day, manufacturers continuing voicing their commitment to clean label platforms.

Sustainability Issues Impact Ingredient, Packaging Decisions

The circular economy is driving corporate goals as manufacturers commit their brands to sustainable product and packaging development

Lu Ann Williams

June 4, 2019

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"Green Appeal" is one of Innova Market Insights' top trends for 2019. It reflects a food industry increasingly committed to answering a more mindful consumer’s expectations around sustainability.

Meal Maneuvers: Food Marketers, Operators Compete for Share of Stomach

Manufacturers, retailers and direct-to-consumer meal companies all vie for consumer attention

Lu Ann Williams

May 2, 2019

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The past few years have seen strong innovation and development across the wider spectrum of meal solutions. Of course, that’s been driven by online meal and meal prep subscription services such as Blue Apron, Home Chef, Sun Basket, Hello Fresh, Freshly, and others.

Consumer Curiosity to Discover New Food and Beverages

"Discovery: The Adventurous Consumer" leads the list of Innova Market Insights' Top 10 Trends for 2019

Lu Ann Williams

April 5, 2019

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Don't have a travel passport on hand? That's okay. There’s an ever-growing selection of foods and beverages—both at restaurants and on retail supermarket shelves—to offer bolder ethnic flavors and multi-sensory food experiences.

The Missing Link Pet Kelp Formula Probiotic

The Growing Pet Food Market Reflects Human Food Preferences

Pet food brands increasingly formulate products focused on clean label, premium, functional and/or traceable ingredients

Lu Ann Williams

March 19, 2019

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With rising disposable incomes and an increasing tendency to regard pets as part of the family, it is not surprising that the trends apparent in the market for human prepared foods—led by interests in health, snacking and indulgence—also should be increasingly apparent in pet foods sector.

When it Comes to Sugar, Less is More— And Natural Sweeteners Also Carry More Appeal

Lu Ann Williams

January 21, 2019

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Sugar reduction efforts from food and beverage processors include product reformulations, as well as new offerings with reduced sugar or zero sugar content.

his webinar will go over the basics of what you need to know when using an extruder to develop a final puffed product. It will also cover things to watch out for and mistakes to avoid when developing your puffed snack or cereal so it can be successful sooner with fewer trials.

With over 60% of US and Canadian consumers monitoring their sugar intake, it’s clear that sugar reduction initiatives are here to stay. As manufacturers are now required to use the ‘added sugar’ labeling designation, consumers are becoming even more savvy about their sugar intake.

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Prepared Foods

2020 March

Check out the March 2020 issue of Prepared Foods, featuring our Retail New Products Annual, which looks at food and beverage trends and innovations taking place in the retail market.

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