Articles by Lu Ann Williams

Energized Energy Food, Beverage Market

Growing energy drink and food markets attract mainstream sales, specialty competition

July 13, 2015

Rising consumer concerns about health, growing awareness of the benefits of exercise and the perceived need to cope with increasingly busy lifestyles have combined to boost demand for performance-related foods and beverages.

Gluten-Free Foods, Ingredients Continue to Proliferate

US experienced a 17% increase in new gluten-free introductions last year

Lu Ann Williams

June 10, 2015

Interest in “free-from” foods continues to rise globally, led by the growing availability of gluten-free lines.

Gut check, gut health

Tracking data show a healthy US market for products with probiotic, whole grain and high fiber digestive health benefits

Lu Ann Williams

May 12, 2015

New product activity shows there is clear global interest in new foods and drinks with digestive and/or gut health benefits.

Savory Snack Innovation

Snacks showcase innovative, creative new flavor concepts

Lu Ann Williams

April 9, 2015

Looking for fun flavor ideas? The savory snacks category is ripe with innovation and a great breeding ground for flavor ideas.

Next-Gen Dieting

Weight loss food, beverage and supplement sales grow while consumers worldwide put on more pounds

Lu Ann Williams

February 16, 2015

Weight loss food, beverage and supplement sales are soaring in the wake of growing awareness of the extent of overweight and obesity worldwide.

Sports Nutrition Market Growth

Weekend warriors, health-conscious consumers fuel a growing mainstream market for drinks, bars and related foods for sports and/or nutrition performance and recovery

Lu Ann Williams

January 14, 2015

Consumers are increasingly concerned about health.

Finding Flavor in Hispanic Products

Hispanic foods satisfy growing consumer interest in bold flavors, diversity, portability and convenience

Lu Ann Williams

November 10, 2014

Hispanic foods constitute the biggest ethnic cuisine within the United States.

Hot Flavors and Clean Labels

Asian foods are increasingly popular as consumers look for authentic taste adventure

Lu Ann Williams

October 15, 2014

Asian foods are the second largest ethnic category in the United States after Hispanic foods, and are relatively long established, although the market has seen considerable change and development over the years.

Lu Ann Williams

March 13, 2012

Research suggests that overall eating habits—and thus nutritional status—would improve if people snack now and then. And that’s good news. Who doesn’t like an occasional snack? It’s no wonder marketers of snack foods, ranging from sweet confections to whole-grain crackers, continue to roll out innovations in a category that appeared saturated years ago.

General Mills Launches 79 Limited-Edition Summer Products

Circana Highlights 2025 CPG Pacesetters

Bush’s Beans Debuts Summer-Inspired Flavors

Events

June 18, 2025

Master the Art of Plant-Based Dairy

ON DEMAND: Whether you're in R&D, formulation, or innovation, this session will provide enzyme-driven insights to improve your plant-based dairy portfolio.

June 25, 2025

Market in Motion: Active Nutrition

ON DEMAND: Once targeted at athletes, active nutrition products with benefits like energy, focus, hydration, and protein are now winning over everyday consumers seeking support for their busy lifestyles.

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