Prepared Foods - October 2008 - (Page 11)

new product trends The Alpha of Omegas On September 8, 2004, the FDA gave a “qualified health claim” status to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids, both of which fall under the omega-3 banner, stating that research suggested the consumption of EPA and DHA fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. From that point, the natural occurrence of omega-3 in consumer packaged goods products, and those fortified with omega-3, touted the ingredients’ health benefits. Since 2004, further research has suggested that omega-3 can also help with immune system health and improved brain function—for infants, children and adults. Correlating to this added functionality, an influx of new products over the last two years—across food and beverages—has been tied to the different functionalities that best meet the needs of target consumers. Growth in new products with omega-3 should continue over the next few years in the U.S. Americans are becoming increasingly familiar with functional foods and beverages, and omega-3 is one of the functional ingredients most familiar to them. However, as they look to more natural ways to get their vitamins and nutrients, consumers may shy away from products offering chemically fortified omega-3. The challenge will be to find ways to use ingredients that offer naturally occurring omega-3 in products across categories. GlobalTrends Laboratoires Nutrisanté, a French developer and producer of natural vitamins and supplements, has launched a weight-loss drink concentrate, 7-Day Express Drainer. The new product forms part of the novel IMC (BMI in English) line-up, which comprises an extensive range of weight-control products (meals, drinks, supplements) based on an individual’s body mass index (BMI). Some lines are aimed at those with a BMI of more or less than 25—offering a personal approach to dieting not often seen in the mainstream dieting industry. The novelty of the product lies mainly in its formulation and convenient packaging. The drink concentrate has an exotic fruit flavor and is made with fashionable botanicals such as green tea, pomegranate, papaya and lesser-known kinkeliba—with the main focus on detoxifying the body to help with weight loss. The green tea is said to help with water retention, while kinkeliba stimulates the kidneys for better purification. Interestingly, some of the ingredients offer other health benefits that directly or indirectly have a link to weight loss. For instance, the green tea is said to help prevent any orange peel effect after weight loss; the pomegranate purportedly boosts circulation and relieves heavy legs; the papaya aids with digestion; and kiwi helps fight the fatigue that can result from dieting. The ingredients’ many benefits make this a versatile drink—to add to its versatility, it can be consumed on its own or diluted with water. Recently, products have been positioned to increase vegetable consumption among children. In France, an interesting product is not necessarily for children; instead it presumably targets teenagers or younger adults who do not wish to spend too much time cooking, but want a practical and tasty product to add to their meals. Bearing in mind the target audience, a pasta sauce is the perfect vehicle for this type of claim and positioning. Panzani’s Objectif 5 Légumes range comprises convenient pasta sauces in jars, with no colorants or preservatives, and which can be eaten hot or cold. Providing 50% of the RDA of vegetables per portion, the sauces also benefit from having only 48 calories per portion, appealing to consumers looking to reduce their calorie intake. The range name, “Objective: 5 Vegetables,” is very clear and should appeal, presumably, to consumers looking for quick and easy meal solutions that are also nutritious. Launching a New Product? If so, contact Diana Sheehan at 351 W. Hubbard, 8th Floor Chicago, IL 60610 Call: 312-932-0600, Fax 312-932-0474 or e-mail dsheehan@mintel.com. Information in this column is from the Global New Products Database, the premier source of global product intelligence, published by Mintel International Group. Omega Syndrome U.S. Incidence of Foods and Beverages with Omega-3, by Number of New Products* 2008* Processed fish, meat and egg products Snacks Bakery Dairy Sauces and seasonings Breakfast cereals Baby food Non-alcoholic beverages Spreads Meals/Meal centers 71 64 35 27 18 17 14 13 11 9 2007 39 21 33 44 12 17 38 12 6 0 2006 68 14 51 30 17 6 11 6 1 5 2005 45 8 10 9 1 9 3 6 5 0 Source: Mintel GNPD; * sorted by 2008 launches Need in-depth food & beverage industry research More than 90 Mintel Reports available at www.PreparedFoods.com www.PreparedFoods.com ● October 2008 11 http://www.PreparedFoods.com http://www.PreparedFoods.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Prepared Foods - October 2008

Prepared Foods - October 2008 Contents Hitting the Shelves Winning Way—Spirit of Innovation Award Winners—Foodservice and Retail MarketWatch Novel Ingredients for Sports Nutrition Products NutraNews The Flavors of Cooking On the National Menu A Matter of Balancing Taste Solving Problems with Dairy Ingredients Colorings: Will I Be Blue? Coloring with Confidence: Inclusions R&D Applications Seminar: Answers for Dairy and Confectionery Applications R&D Applications: Naturally Vibrant Colors R&D Applications: Healthy Foods with Flavor Abstracts

Prepared Foods - October 2008

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