This year's Ingredient Marketplace, held June 2-3 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, was focused on trends in the health and nutrition industry. (Click here to read an overview of the event: http://in-sight.symrise.com/events/article/ingredient-marketplace-2014-wrap-up/). Companies showcased products from across the globe—from pea proteins to new super foods—but one thing is clear…Consumers are demanding more innovative products.
Convenience is key. With the fast-paced working environment we've cornered ourselves into, the focus is always about on-the-go. Creating products that travel well from home to office, as well as save time, are high in demand.
While they don't want to give up any of their time, what consumers won't sacrifice is flavor. "There's a growing trend towards hybrid products and blends," said David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts, during the expo. "Sweetener products are becoming flavor products."
You can check out our report on sweetners from Ingredient Marketplace HERE.
"Water enhancers are a big example of this trend," said Sprinkle. "Thirty-three percent of U.S adults regularly buy bottled water. Thirty-five percent of those adults have bought water enhancers."
Mio water enhancers add flavor to water with just a few drops, offering consumers a break from the blandness of their traditional water bottle. With consumers also looking for those natural ingredients, these water flavor enhancers play the perfect backdrop for adding items from the botanical world.
Symrise, for example, unveiled their new "tranquility water flavors" at the event. The flavors—passionfruit lemongrass, vanilla lavender lotus blossom, and white peach honeysuckle—not only showcased the trend toward flavor blends, but also the trend towards more calming products.
"These blends are different than the average," said Senior Director of Consumer Health Business Donna Rosa. "A company could add other elements like melatonin that would encourage relaxation. The flavor and the function work together."
