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

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.

More Consumers Want Foods and Drinks with Functional, Better-For-You Benefits

Protein continues to be a key area of interest among consumers, with protein content driving food choices across a wide range of food and beverage categories

Lu Ann Williams

July 13, 2020

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Nutrition is becoming a central pillar to a healthy lifestyle for a growing number of consumers. They are seeking products that not only taste good but also offer additional health value.

Consumers Increasingly Expect Companies to Invest in Sustainability

This expectation is pushing food and beverage manufacturers to prioritize eco-efficiency, especially in reducing food and plastic waste

Lu Ann Williams

June 10, 2020

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Consumers increasingly expect companies to invest in sustainability, and it's no longer just about recyclable packaging. It's about making the entire product lifecycle sustainable, from agricultural practices to resource-efficient factories, to food waste and packaging waste reduction.

Cannabidiol Gains Consumer Acceptance, Grows in Product Development

A Star is Born: Studies show that cannabidiol possesses an array of therapeutic benefits, including antioxidant and neuroprotective properties

Lu Ann Williams

May 7, 2020

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One of the most high profile ingredients in the wellness market in recent years has been the cannabis derivative cannabidiol (CBD).

Plant Power, Clean Labels and Personalization Drive Segmentation of Sports Nutrition

Global launches of sports nutrition products more than doubled between 2015 and 2019

Lu Ann Williams

April 29, 2020

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Younger consumers are still the primary audience for sports nutrition products, and with Gen Z and Millennials expressing great interest in products that meet their individual needs or tastes, it is no surprise to see further segmentation of the sports category.

Fun with Food & Beverage Flavors

Flavors continue to lead the way to accentuate a product’s image, mood or even a health profile

Lu Ann Williams

April 8, 2020

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On average, flavor is the single most important factor in consumers' food and drink choices. So it is no wonder that innovators continue to play around with taste profiles in order to deliver novelty and satisfy increasingly discerning taste buds.

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.

This year, Prepared Foods and partner Tastepoint by IFF are creating an entirely new event, a two-hour Spirit of Innovation Awards Program and Integrated Innovation Experience honoring nine food and beverage companies for their excellence in consumer insights, R&D teamwork, cross-functional execution and overall innovation.

During this webinar, we will introduce new patent-pending, acidulant-based technologies that help bakers develop products that deliver on consumer demands while reducing cost-in-use.