Cocoa—the antioxidant-rich raw ingredient used to make chocolate—is poised to become a major force in the market for functional and healthier food products, according to Julian Mellentin, director of consultancy for New Nutrition Business.
Rising interest in naturalness and a growing awareness of the potential health benefits of botanical ingredients have combined with the desire for something more unusual to develop the demand for floral ingredients and flavorings.
Companies making products that deliver against consumers’ biggest health interests are able to create new brands and grow sales, while still charging premium prices—even in this economy.
Julian Mellentin, Editor, New Nutrition Business11.01.11
According to Innova Market Insights, based in the Netherlands, the confectionery market was the leading food and drinks sector in terms of global launch activity in the first half of 2011.
Frutarom Industries Ltd. has acquired 100% of Aromco Ltd. for $25 million in cash, completing its fourth acquisition of flavors companies since the beginning of 2011.
Growing consumer awareness regarding the health benefits associated with the high antioxidant content of superfrutis has helped to drive activity, bringing many little known fruits into the mainstream market. Activity has been reflected in their growing use as ingredients and flavorings in a wide range of food and drinks products.
While agave is probably best known as the plant from which tequila is made, interest continues to rise for its use as a sweetener in the form of agave nectar, or agave syrup, according to Innova Market Insights.
A spike in investment activity is expected in the European organic food industry as market growth rates rise and capital becomes more accessible, according to Organic Monitor.
According to a new report from Global Industry Analysts ("Functional Foods and Drinks: A Global Strategic Business Report), despite the growing popularity of functional foods and drinks over conventional products, the market has not been entirely immune to the vagaries of the worldwide economic hardships.
The U.S. whey proteins market is expected to reach 472.3 million pounds by 2015, driven largely by functional advantages of whey proteins and surging demand from the nutrition industry, according to a new report.
At the end of April, confectionery giant Mars, Incorporated, McLean, VA, signed an agreement to purchase Chicago, IL-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company for $23 billion.