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

Articles

ARTICLES

ReGrained Supergrain Puffs

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.
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Frito-Lay Flavors

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.
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Garden of Life Sport Protein Drinks

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.
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Tofurky Plant-Based Pockets

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.
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SquareBaby_900

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.
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