Lu Ann Williams

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

Active Consumers Seek Food as Fuel

Demand continues to grow for snacks that feature energizing properties

Lu Ann Williams

September 8, 2021

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Snacks represent a huge and diverse market as eating patterns have become less formal. Consumer demand for physical and mental energy boosts through the day continues to increase. In combination, these trends leads to growing demands for snacks with energizing properties.

Consumers Weigh Product “Storytelling” Attributes with Each Purchase

According to Innova Market Insights research, three in five global consumers say that brand stories influence purchasing decisions

Lu Ann Williams

August 17, 2021

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Transparency has become increasingly important to consumers and this has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, consumer packaged goods manufacturers are working harder to convey trust and communicate more stories behind their products and brands. This messaging—found everywhere from product packaging to social media and websites—involves topics of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and “clean” healthy ingredients.

Botanical Ingredients Flourish, Add Function and Appeal to New Foods and Drinks

Botanical ingredients are linked to immune support in addition to other potential positive physical, mental and emotional attribute

Lu Ann Williams

July 23, 2021

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Scouting the next ingredient trend to sprout up in new foods and drinks? The supplement market shows health-conscious consumers are learning more about botanical ingredients—and leaning toward them in new supplement purchases.

Clean Label Concerns Expand Beyond Health to Incorporate More ‘Social’ Ingredients

The pandemic has accelerated focus on healthy diets and ingredients perceived to be natural and good for immunity

Lu Ann Williams

April 15, 2021

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Consumers’ growing interest in cleaner living is broadening and this is raising expectations around what constitutes a “clean label.” In fact, this evolving demand necessitates use of more meaningful storytelling.

Top Trends in Food: Eat Pretty

Consumers are increasingly selecting food and drinks that support their physical appearance and reduce the effects of aging

Lu Ann Williams

April 12, 2021

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“Eat Pretty” was one of Innova Market Insights Top Trends for 2020, but interest continues to grow for 2021 and beyond. That’s because the “Beauty from Within” concept is taking on a whole new meaning and the food and beverage market continues to see a growing number of launches bordering on the cosmeceutical.

The Fast-Paced, Growth Market for Legal Cannabis-Infused Foods and Beverages

Studies show that CBD possesses an array of potential therapeutic benefits, including antioxidant and neuroprotective properties

Lu Ann Williams

January 20, 2021

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Interest in the role of the cannabis derivative cannabidiol (CBD) in the wellness market has continued to rise, despite some concerns over safety and ongoing regulatory issues over its use. Its current growth spurt in new product activity started in 2018 and continued through 2019 and 2020 amid rising consumer awareness.

Processors Get Creative to Add More Fiber

Fiber benefits are associated with gastrointestinal health as well as reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers

Lu Ann Williams

November 18, 2020

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Consumers increasingly understand and recognize the benefits of fiber and it’s influencing their “better-for-you” food and beverage selections.

Consumers Still Seek Protein, Welcome New Ingredient Sources

The greatest numbers of protein-related claims are found in specialist areas such as pet foods

Lu Ann Williams

October 5, 2020

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Interest in dietary protein intake and the protein content in a range of foods and drinks continues to develop. Consider too that more consumers are aware of different protein sources and their potential benefits.

More Consumers Value "Personalized Nutrition" in Selecting Foods, Drinks with Added Benefits, Dietary Appeal

When Food Gets Personal: Innova Market Insights finds personalized nutrition is on the rise and moving beyond tailored diets

Lu Ann Williams

September 8, 2020

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Thanks to technological advances and ever-expanding choice in foodservice and retail venues, each of today’s consumers can adopt a more individual approach to eating.

Conscious Consumers Shift from Clean Label to Clean Packaging

Sustainability has emerged as a key consumer driver, particularly with regard to packaging and plastics

Lu Ann Williams

August 6, 2020

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With the clean label trend now established, consumer interest increasingly is shifting to other aspects of clean food and drinks. Sustainability has emerged as a key driver, particularly with regard to packaging and plastics.

The nation’s COVID pandemic dramatically slowed new food and beverage product development across all channels. Yet the past 12 to 16 months also have brought dramatic and disruptive new technology advances (alternative proteins, cell-based meat, fermentation, algae).

As an original member and “Activator” within the US Plastics Pact, Nestlé USA is committed to make 100% of its packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025 and reduce its GHG emissions footprint. Leading its charge to make food and beverage packaging “fit for purpose” is Nestlé US Director of Packaging Chastity McLeod.

Lu Ann Williams

ARTICLES

Active Consumers Seek Food as Fuel

Consumers Weigh Product “Storytelling” Attributes with Each Purchase

Botanical Ingredients Flourish, Add Function and Appeal to New Foods and Drinks

Clean Label Concerns Expand Beyond Health to Incorporate More ‘Social’ Ingredients

Top Trends in Food: Eat Pretty

The Fast-Paced, Growth Market for Legal Cannabis-Infused Foods and Beverages

Processors Get Creative to Add More Fiber

Consumers Still Seek Protein, Welcome New Ingredient Sources

More Consumers Value "Personalized Nutrition" in Selecting Foods, Drinks with Added Benefits, Dietary Appeal

Conscious Consumers Shift from Clean Label to Clean Packaging

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