NEWS / TRENDS

• Ethanol and rising corn prices…sharp rise in global price of corn bringing broad economic ramifications.

• Microwaveable products that steam in a bag engineered for the microwave oven.

• Demand for all-natural and organic foods are driving double digit sales growth, blurring lines between traditional and specialty retailers. Organic is the biggest and most significant trend for manufacturers to watch.

• Health and Wellness. The issues are huge:  diabetes and obesity, kids’ health, food safety, women’s health, allergies, and immunity. Related to these are “well being” and “energy”.

• Age-awareness…77 million baby boomers are out there on the verge of retirement.

• Portion control. This is more than just a health tool because it constitutes a merging of health with the perennial trend for more convenience.

• Globalization and ethnic influences. Despite immigration controversies, cultural traffic and instant global information via the Internet and mass media mean rapid diffusion of once regional preferences.