Articles by Robert Garrison

What happens when culinary creativity and food science collide? For Cuisine Solutions, it meant transforming one of breakfast’s messiest favorites into a handheld, protein-packed success story now heating up Costco shelves.

By blending consumer insight with culinary creativity, Ajinomoto transforms an emerging menu trend into an award-winning product. The result: a craveable, on-the-go snack that delivers comfort, texture, and cross-cultural flavor appeal.

Prepared Foods’ 2025 Spirit of Innovation Awards recognize excellence in new product development across retail, foodservice, and alternative channels. From authentic flavors to functional benefits, this year’s winners exemplify how trend insight, creativity, and collaboration drive industry innovation.

PF Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks beverage flavoring trends and technologies with Emily Cruz, R&D Manager, at Talking Rain Beverage Co. This Preston, Wash., business offers a wide variety of better-for-you beverages under the brands Talking Rain, Sparkling Ice and now, new Popwell.

Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks protein beverage formulation trends with Jason Dompeling, senior manager, product development, at Imbibe, a Chicago-based flavor supplier and product development company.

Prepared Foods talks tariffs, food color bans, GLP-1 and more with Rob Dongoski, Kearney’s global lead for Agriculture and Food. 

Development Chef Andrew Hunter tells Prepared Foods about translating on-trend tastes and textures into finished products.

While breakfast, lunch, and dinner remain the primary meal occasions, their composition, timing, and sources are evolving to fit consumers’ daily routines.

According to custom SPINS data developed for the Good Food Institute (GFI) and Plant Based Foods Association, annual combined retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood fell 12% to $1.2 billion in 2023.

Although convenience is key—taste-tempting flavor is the way to draw attention. Last year saw innovation ideas trickle down to the basics including hot dogs, lunch meat and yes—even SPAM.