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

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.

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).

Improper R&D processing thick products virtually guarantee failures at the plant. MicroThermics has extensive experience processing thick products including puddings, cheese sauces, fruit sauces & purées, concentrates, ice creams, cream cheese, and more.

According to the research organization, Statista, the sales of cold-brewed coffee are forecast to reach nearly $1 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24 per cent from the base year of 2015.