4/12/2022 By Jeannie SwedbergWhile I couldn’t attend Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim this year, I did follow reporting on the event with interest. Over the years, I’ve come to think of this trade show as an indication of what’s to come in the mainstream food industry, particularly among health-forward food and beverage products...READ MORE
3/7/2022 By Jeannie SwedbergNot that many years ago, plant-based products were considered a fringe category, appealing mostly to vegetarians, a few vegans and curious mainstream consumers interested in their healthfulness, or simply, their novelty. This was before ‘flexitarians’ were added as a consumer behavior. So, what’s on the horizon...READ MORE
2/15/2022 By Jeannie SwedbergAnyone who reads this space regularly knows I have a love for new product innovation. I spend a fair amount of time looking at where people see whitespace and what’s going on in other markets. It’s inspiring, sometimes head scratching – immunity-enhancing tuna fish, for instance, but always enlightening. READ MORE
1/31/2022 By Jeannie SwedbergProblem or opportunity? It’s all a matter of perspective. One thing is for sure; our national snacking habits gained significant attention over the past couple of pandemic years – and not solely in trade and business publications...READ MORE
1/28/2022 By Jeannie SwedbergSifting through my inbox at the beginning of each year is always a bit daunting, so it’s not surprising I just unearthed a Mintel report from the first week of the new year. It’s on the state of sustainable packaging for pet food. The author, Kate Vlietstra, global food & drink analyst, wrote “brands must reassure pet owners of sustainable packaging credentials and guide them through the complex world of sustainability jargon.” ...READ MORE