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

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.

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.

This webinar will focus on a series of ingredients that can be used – today – in functional beverages that deliver hot benefits like cognitive support, joint health, muscle gain, recovery, weight loss and more.