Soy Enhances Quality Of Microwave Dough Products May 4, 2011: 06:04 AM EST A study found that replacing wheat with soy in microwave-baked dough products improves the food's texture and cut the adverse effects of microwave cooking, such as tough and rubbery quality. Researchers focused on changes in the physicochemical properties of dough products caused by the addition of soy, at 10%, 20%, and 26% mix rates, and compared the results with conventional baked products. Results suggest that lowering of water mobility caused by soy proteins and polar lipids "plasticized the starch-gluten network" of microwave-baked soy doughs. Luca Serventi, Joseph Sachleben,Yael Vodovotz, "Effect of Soy Addition on Microwavable Pocket-Type Flat Doughs", Journal of Food Science, May 04, 2011, © Institute of Food Technologists

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Nature’s Pride Bread Ranked Among Fastest Growing New Products May 2, 2011: 12:12 PM EST Retail market researcher SymphonyIRI Group has rated natural bread brand Nature’s Pride the highest of all “Top 10 New Product Pacesetters” among both food and beverage and non-food brands in terms of household product trial. The recently-launched brand was purchased by 11.7 percent of all U.S. households during the 52 week sales period analyzed by the group, and ranked at No. 5 alongside other new products from the Coca Cola, Pepsi and Budweiser companies in SymphonyIRI's "Top 10 Food and Beverage Brands of 2010." The report provides a benchmark analysis of exceptional first-year success for newly launched consumer products. Nature's Pride is the first new brand of bread products introduced by parent company Hostess Brands in several years.  "First Brand of 100% All Natural Breads Ranks #5 Among Top 10 Food and Beverage Brands of 2010 As Part of Symphony IRI Group's New Product Pacesetters Report", News release, Hostess Brands, May 02, 2011, © Hostess Brands

Domains Innovation Sectors Trends Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

"Open Innovation" Drives P&G's Product Development Success April 26, 2011: 12:31 PM EST "Open innovation" has been the key to Procter & Gamble's growth over 175 years from a candle- and soap-making operation to a $24 billion, 300-brand multinational business. Open innovation involves extensive use of partnering to complement internal technology development. The concept was formalized a decade ago into a cultural component known as "Connect+Develop" (C+D). CEO A. G. Lafley urged P&G to source half of its innovation from non-P&G firms with a view toward mutual interest and benefit. The partnerships that evolved developed many successful P&G products, including Swiffer, Tide and Mr. Clean eraser. Writing in Blogging Innovation, Deborah Mills-Scofield lists eight key lessons P&G has learned about innovation in its long history. At the top of the list? "Drive from the top:" commitment from top management is essential. Deborah Mills-Scofield , "P&G’s Lessons from a Century of Open Innovation", Blogging Innovation, April 26, 2011, © Blogging Innovation

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Process & Organization Sectors Strategy Household Care Personal Care Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Color-Coded Eco-Rating System For Household Cleaners Debuts At Whole Foods April 21, 2011: 10:38 PM EST Whole Foods Market has introduced a tiered, color-coded rating system for household cleaning products to help shoppers make eco-friendly choices. The Eco-Scale System rates household cleaners as red (unacceptable), orange, yellow or green according to specific environmental and sourcing standards applied to each product. The company said it will work  with vendors to evaluate every product in its cleaning category. Products will have to meet a new baseline orange standard by Earth Day 2012 to be sold in Whole Foods stores. Products rated red will not be sold, the company said. Though the federal government does not require ingredients to be disclosed on household cleaner labels, the new rating system does. "Whole Foods Market pledges a clean sweep by 2012", News release, Whole Foods Market, April 21, 2011, © Whole Foods Market IP, L.P.

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Process & Organization Sectors Household Care Retail Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Beiersdorf”s Consumer Products Unit To Continue Streamlining Portfolio This Year April 21, 2011: 09:36 PM EST At the Beiersdorf AG annual general meeting, Executive Board Chairman Thomas-B. Quaas told shareholders that 2011 – a “very special year” – marks the 100th anniversary of the Nivea brand as well as the launch of a new consumer business strategy, driven mainly by a recent slowdown in growth. 2011 will be another transition year, he said, with further streamlining of the product line and heavy investment in stronger brands. “We expect sales to be on a par with 2010, and that growth in our core areas will offset the effects produced by the streamlining of our product range,” Quaas said. Meanwhile, the tesa business segment, which markets self-adhesive products and systems such as tesafilm, performed well and expects above-average growth. "Report to the Annual General Meeting 2011", Press release, Beiersdorf AG, April 21, 2011, © Beiersdorf AG

Domains Innovation Investment & ROI Process & Organization Sectors Beauty Household Care Personal Care Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

Schedulicity To Provide Online Appointment Solution To L’Oréal Professionnel Clients April 20, 2011: 11:29 PM EST L’Oréal Professionnel, which provides haircare and hairstyling products for salons, has partnered with Schedulicity, an online appointment booking service for small businesses, to provide salons a streamlined scheduling solution through L’Oréal Professionnel’s Social Expert Facebook program. The new program will allow salon clients to book appointments directly on the individual salon’s Web site, Facebook page or Schedulicity’s directory. According to Schedulicity, most of the millions of hairstyle appointments each day are still booked by phone, paper and pencil and are often “a daunting ordeal” because of scheduling complexities. The new system eliminates wasted time due to phone tag, over-booked appointments and late night phone calls, the company said. "L’Oréal Professionnel Partners with Schedulicity to Help Salons Increase Revenue and Efficiency ", Press release, Schedulicity, April 20, 2011, © Schedulicity

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Process & Organization Sectors Beauty Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America Canada

Pterostilbene Reportedly More Potent Than Resveratrol As A Healthy Ingredient April 18, 2011: 07:23 AM EST Recent research has provided evidence of the potential health benefits of a berry-derived compound known as pterostilbene, whose virtues compare favorably to those of resveratrol, found in red grapes and red wine. Produced by blueberries, cranberries, etc., pterostilbene protects the plants from damage by bacteria and fungi. Researchers are finding that the compound offers benefits in the areas of anti-aging, heart health, oxidative stress and memory support. A key advantage over resveratrol is its bioavailability, which is four times greater. Another advantage is its ability to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which suggests a potential use in Alzheimer’s therapy. And pterostilbene was found to be a significantly more potent inhibitor of colon tumors than resveratrol. A commercial pterostilbene ingredient – ChromaDex’s pTeroPure – will likely achieve GRAS status soon. Joanna Cosgrove, "What is Pterostilbene?", Nutraceutical World, April 18, 2011, © Rodman Publishing

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Enforcement Is Key Concern About Forthcoming FDA "New Ingredient" Guidelines April 8, 2011: 04:49 AM EST Food industry experts are saying there’s little to fear about the forthcoming “new dietary ingredients” guidelines from the FDA -- which are focused on whether ingredients are safe rather than effective -- except the possibility of aggressive enforcement. Some companies may have to worry about whether they can prove their ingredients qualify as “old dietary ingredients,” which are exempt from the 1994 federal dietary supplements law. The FDA may look more closely at whether an “old” ingredient has been chemically altered enough – to increase potency, for example – to make it a “new” ingredient under the law. Another key concern about the revised NDI rules is whether the FDA will look differently at new ingredients that have already achieved GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. Hank Schultz, "What FDA's New Dietary Ingredients regulation means for industry", Functional Ingredients, April 08, 2011, © Penton Media Inc

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

P&G Launches Digital Magazine Offering A Showcase For Its Beauty Brands April 6, 2011: 12:39 AM EST Beauty Recommended is the title of a free monthly digital magazine being launched by Procter & Gamble to arouse interest in its portfolio of beauty products and provide a forum for women to offer opinions on beauty products. Magazine content will feature P&G’s beauty brands Olay, Max Factor, Pantène and prestige brands, as well as partner brands like Chanel. The content mix will also include editorial features, interactive videos and click-to-buy opportunities from partner retailers. The new magazine is the result of P&G research that found that 92 percent of women feel the beauty industry has turned a deaf ear toward them. Rosie Baker, "P&G readies beauty magazine launch", Marketing Week, April 06, 2011, © Centaur Media plc

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Beauty Personal Care Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle Beverage Packages Available Nationwide April 4, 2011: 07:17 PM EST Coca-Cola’s 100 percent recyclable plant-derived packages for Dasani and Odwalla are now available in the U.S.  The new PlantBottle packaging for single servings of Odwalla is made from up to 100 percent plant-based materials with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. HDPE plastic is created using only ethylene, which is derived from 100 percent renewable sugarcane-based ethanol.  Bottles for Dasani are made with up to 30 percent plant-based materials. According to Coca-Cola, in 2010 more than 2.5 billion PlantBottle packages were available across nine countries, a number that is expected to double to more than five billion PlantBottle packages in more than 15 countries. "The Coca-Cola Company's New PlantBottle® Packaging On Store Shelves Nationwide Today!", Press Release, Coca-Cola, North America, April 04, 2011, © Coca-Cola

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Henkel’s Search For New Product Ideas Extends Beyond N. America April 4, 2011: 01:45 AM EST German home care and cosmetics firm Henkel says it is expanding its Innovation Partnership Program beyond North America and will accept new product ideas that have been patented (or patent applied for) from independent inventors and small businesses and suppliers worldwide. Ideas can be for any of the company’s global business sectors, including laundry and home care, cosmetics/toiletries or adhesive technologies. Technology acquisition director Debra Park says “innovation plays a key role in our success” and “partnerships with independent inventors … fuels our advancement.” Henkel’s brand include Dial soaps, Purex laundry detergents, Right Guard antiperspirants, got2b hair gels, and Loctite adhesives. "Henkel Transforms Ideas into Reality", Press release, Henkel , April 04, 2011, © Henkel Corporation

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Sectors Beauty Household Care Personal Care Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA Europe Germany

“Better For You” Becomes The Watchword Of PepsiCo’s New Product R&D April 4, 2011: 06:57 AM EST After reorganizing its R&D organization two years ago, PepsiCo has focused on development of products with “better for you” natural and healthy ingredients that nevertheless take into account aroma, flavor, mouthfeel and consumer preference. In addition to its goal of reducing added sugar in products by 2020, the company hopes to create innovative breakthrough products in areas like fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and functional nutrition. The R&D team is taking more of an internal development approach to new products – though still accepting ideas from vendors – and is exploring  human health, sensory science, packaging and material science, and processing technology in its quest to create high-quality, good tasting products with nutritional benefits. Jennifer Zegler , "Science for a healthier future ", Beverage Industry, April 04, 2011, © BNP Media

Domains Innovation Process & Organization Sectors Trends Beverages Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Company’s Functional Beverages Target Health Needs From Morning To Night April 4, 2011: 06:46 AM EST Neuro Drinks describes its family of functional beverages as “a full lifestyle” brand that satisfies specific health-related needs throughout the day. Those needs include energy, mental focus, sleep, vitamin D deficiency and others. According to the company, the formulations of each of the eight products are grounded in science overseen by “a scientific group of professionals” who make sure the beverages are both safe and effective. A few of the products make structure function claims, which is legal as long as the container is clearly labeled as a dietary or nutritional supplement. “We follow the regulations,” President Paul Nadel tells Beverage Industry magazine. Each product is “a dietary supplement or nutritional supplement and so we label it accordingly.” Jessica Jacobsen , "Up Close With… Neuro Drinks ", Beverage Industry, April 04, 2011, © BNP Media

Domains Innovation Process & Organization Sectors Beverages Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Vitamin K-2 Is Catching On In Functional Food Applications April 1, 2011: 08:41 PM EST Both natural and synthetic forms of Vitamin K-2 are the rising stars in functional food ingredients, according to Innova Market Insights, which ties the rising popularity of the vitamin to increasing evidence of a beneficial impact on bone and cardiovascular health. New vitamin K-based product launches rose 40 percent in 2010, with much of the activity in dietary supplements. The trend is picking up strength due to vitamin K’s recent U.S. award of GRAS status for dairy foods and EU Novel Foods approval in 2009. Among the most active promoters of vitamin K-2 products are Nattopharma of Norway and Danisco. An Innova researcher predicts that vitamin K-2–fortified food and drink product launches will begin to show up soon in the U.S. "Functional foods potential boosts interest in vitamin K-2", Press release, IFT, April 01, 2011, © IFT

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe Denmark

Protein-Based Testing Can Verify Natural Flavor Claims Of High-Priced Cola Beverages April 1, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Italian scientists report that they have developed a way to tell if premium-priced cola drinks that claim to be made with natural ingredients really do contain natural flavorings. The new method involves testing for the presence of proteins derived from plant extracts and, according to the researchers, is very accurate. For their study, they detected plant proteins in a drink claiming to have "organic agave syrup and cola nut extracts." Coca Cola products, which do not claim to include cola extract, had no protein. The scientists say the method they developed "gives a certificate of authenticity" to beverage claims and their findings suggest “the possibility of certifying whether soft drinks … are indeed made with vegetable extracts or only with artificial chemical flavoring.” Alfonsina D’Amato, et al., "Going Nuts for Nuts? The Trace Proteome of a Cola Drink, as Detected via Combinatorial Peptide Ligand Libraries", Journal of Proteome Research, April 01, 2011, © American Chemical Society

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Italy

USDA Adds Purell Green Hand Sanitizer To List Of Approved Biobased Products March 31, 2011: 03:02 AM EST The USDA announced at a biobased product meeting that Purell Green Certified Instant Hand Sanitizer Foam will be featured in the formal launch of the agency’s new BioPreferred Label Program. The Purell Green brand, produced by GOJO Industries Inc., is made with 100 percent naturally renewable plant-derived ethanol in a biodegradable formula, according to the company. The  foam is sold in 1200 mL TFX (touch free) refills under the SKILCRAFT brand through Travis Association for the Blind, a nonprofit agency associated with National Industries for the Blind. The new USDA label is assigned to products independently certified to meet USDA BioPreferred program standards for biobased content. "Purell Green Certified Instant Hand Sanitizer Among First to Earn USDA BioPreferred Product Label", News release, GOJO Industries, March 31, 2011, © GOJO Industries

Domains Innovation Sectors Personal Care Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

“Bitterness Blocker” May Open Up A World Of New Foods For Some Consumers March 29, 2011: 11:37 AM EST Scientists at Givaudan Flavors Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio) have developed a substance that can be used as a “bitterness blocker” in foods, medicines and calorie-free sweeteners (like saccharin and sucralose) that are often avoided because of a bitter flavor or aftertaste. According to the researchers, blocking the unpleasant “off-notes” in some foods could help consumers eat healthier and more varied diets or switch to sugar-free sodas. There are 27 receptors on the human tongue for different shades of bitterness. The newly-developed substance – known as GIV3616 – blocks some of those receptors, is more potent than an earlier version and can dissolve more quickly in foods and beverages. "Updating the Mary Poppins solution with a better bitter blocker", Presentation, American Chemical Society (ACS) American Chemical Society meeting, March 29, 2011, © ACS

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Company To Market Nutritional Supplement That Offers “Stem Cell Nutrition” March 29, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. biotech firm Emergent Health Corp. has formed a division (J.D.I. International) to market a daily nutritional supplement that contains vitamins and minerals and makes a new kind of health claim: promotion of “stem cell nutrition.” According to the company, Vita-Stim Powered MultiVite/MultiMineral is a patented and patent-pending product that also provides 1000 IU of vitamin D. The company said its product “with the Vita-Stim Powered adjunct for stem cell nutrition support” may “open new markets” for a multivitamin/multimineral daily supplement. The company is seeking distributors for the product. The company did not mention how its supplement promotes “stem cell nutrition.” "Emergent Health Corp Announces Release of New Health Product to be Offered Through a Recently Formed Marketing Division", Press release, Emergent Health Corp. , March 29, 2011, © EHC

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

New Eco-Friendly Packaging Film Extends Food Products' Shelf Life March 27, 2011: 09:39 PM EST Scientists presented ‘nano-bricks’, an eco-friendly packaging film that combines montmorillonite clay particles with an array of polymer materials, at the American Chemical Society's 241st National Meeting and Exposition. Made with about 70 percent clay and less than 100 nanometers thick, the transparent film can help food and beverage companies extend the shelf life of a wide range of products, such as keeping sodas sparkling longer, prolonging the shelf life of ready-to-eat meals, and keeping fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Unlike some advanced packaging materials, nano-bricks do not easily crack, and do not contain metal — which means they can be microwaved. Nano-bricks also have potential uses in electronics, automobiles, and sporting goods. Press Release, American Chemical Society, "“Nano-bricks” may help build better packaging to keep foods fresher longer", American Chemical Society, March 27, 2011, © American Chemical Society

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

“Mompreneurs” Successfully Blend Motherhood With Entrepreneurship March 28, 2011: 04:25 AM EST Highly-educated and high-achieving women who take time out from their careers to raise their children often use their time at home to launch businesses. These so-called “mompreneurs” in their twenties and thirties are becoming something of a force in the business world, thanks to their business and organizational skills, drive and passion, social media savvy and ability to network among themselves, sharing tips and ideas with colleagues. An example of the phenomenon is a Canadian mother of two, Jennifer Broe, whose organic baby foods can be found on the shelves of Walmart. Keys to her success? “Riveted entrepreneurial focus, detailed business growth planning, intelligent marketing and financial acumen,” according to Tony Wanless, writing for Financial Post & FP Investing. Tony Wanless, "Baby food firm grows through word of mouth", National Post's Financial Post & FP Investing (Canada), March 28, 2011, © National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Sectors Trends Food Geographies Worldwide North America Canada

Newly Discovered Herbal Ingredients Could Provide Safer, More Effective Skin Whitening Cream March 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Scientists in Taiwan report that two active compounds derived from an evergreen herb used as a “cure all” in traditional Chinese medicine will make a safer and more effective skin-whitening agent. They will be testing the ingredients in clinical trials, and have applied for patents in the U.S. and other countries. The ingredients, from the evergreen bush Cinnamomum subavenium, can block tyrosinase, an enzyme that controls the synthesis of melanin, the dark pigment responsible for coloring skin, hair and eyes. Inhibiting tyrosinase is one of the major strategies for skin-whitening, the researchers said. Skin lightening products are especially popular among Asian men and women, but often cause unwanted side effects, such as itching, redness and inflammation. The researchers hope to market a cream based on the herbal ingredients within a year. Hui-Min Wang, Ph.D., et al., "Safer, More Effective Skin-Whitening Creams from Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine", Presentation,National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, March 28, 2011, © American Chemical Society

Domains Innovation Sectors Beauty Personal Care Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific Taiwan

Oxygen-Replacement Packaging Found To Preserve Healthy Compounds In Fresh Carrots March 23, 2011: 07:04 PM EST The healthy bioactive compounds in vegetables, including the polyacetylenes found in carrots, can be negatively affected as they move through the food chain, resulting in less nutritious food. Polyacetylenes have been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer benefits. Preserving those compounds from farm to consumer is a challenge, however. Researchers in Ireland found that the use of an oxygen-replacement technology called “modified atmosphere packaging” (MAP), commonly used in the food industry to improve shelf life, is effective in preserving the freshness of carrots. The scientists tested different combinations of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide and found that they all helped the carrots retain polyactylenes when stored at 4°C for six days in breathable packaging films. Juan Valverde, "Bioactives in minimally processed carrots", TeaGASC, March 23, 2011, © TeaGASC

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Ireland

Europe's Nutricosmetics Market Languishes March 22, 2011: 07:26 PM EST Functional food, beverage and supplement experts say the European market for “beauty from within” nutricosmetics – once thought to have huge potential – continues to stagnate, probably because consumers just don’t believe beautiful skin comes from something edible. Perhaps the biggest sign of that disappointment was Danone’s failed skin-health yogurt product, Essensis, introduced four years ago but now vanished from store shelves thanks to poor sales. New nutricosmetics products continue to emerge, but Sweden’s Biovelop, which has a new line of functional beauty ingredients made from oats, says consumers want to apply, not ingest, their personal care products. Julian Mellentin, director of consultancy New Nutrition Business, agrees: "Consumers are a long way from being ready to believe that yogurt or juice can make their skin look better.” Richard Clarke, "European nutricosmetic market treads water", Functional Ingredients, March 22, 2011, © Penton Media

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom France Germany Italy Sweden

Sustainability Is A Key Issue, And Major Challenge, For Cleaning Products Industry March 23, 2011: 03:09 AM EST At IntertechPira’s recent two-day conference, Cleaning Products Europe, speakers focused on sustainability as the driver of future growth, followed closely by innovation and collaboration, according to the conference producer. Both Unilever and Procter & Gamble emphasized that sustainability is a key factor in all aspects of the cleaning products business and one of the biggest internal challenges. All parts of the supply chain have a role to play in implementing sustainable practices, including regulatory authorities and industry bodies. Keith Rutherford of Unilever said that at the top of the supply chain “there is a need for a mix of safe and sustainable materials” as consumers become more demanding on the sustainability issue. "Cleaning Products Europe - a great success! What are the key learnings?", Press release, IntertechPira, March 23, 2011, © IntertechPira

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Process & Organization Sectors Strategy Trends Household Care Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Spain

Joint Venture Will Market “Steviasucrose” Sweeteners In Northern, Eastern Europe March 21, 2011: 07:44 PM EST European sugar producer Nordzucker AG and stevia sweetener supplier PureCircle Limited have formed a sales and marketing joint venture, NP Sweet A/S, to market reduced calorie products known as “steviasucrose” that combine sugar and stevia. The market for the stevia and steviasucrose portfolio is food and beverage companies in northern and eastern Europe. According to NP Sweet General Manager Lars Bo Jørgensen, the joint venture takes advantage of integrated supply chains that offer customers “sustainability and traceability from field to final application.” EU regulatory clearance for stevia products is expected before the end of 2011. "Nordzucker and Pure Circle Limited announce the creation of NP Sweet A/S, the leading Northern European steviasucrose company", Press Release, Pure Circle, March 21, 2011, © Pure Circle

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Investment & ROI Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide EMEA Asia-Pacific Europe Malaysia Germany

Target Virtualizes Its Business-Critical Retail Store Applications Using Microsoft Technology March 21, 2011: 03:44 AM EST Discount retailer Target has virtualized business-critical workloads such as inventory, point-of-sale, supply-chain management, asset protection, in-store digital media and other functions using virtualization and management technologies from Microsoft. Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center are being implemented on 15,000 virtual machines at 1,755 stores and 37 national distribution centers in 49 states. Applications supported include Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP1, SharePoint 2007 and Exchange 2007, as well as third-party, line-of-business software. By using the new technologies, Target eliminated 8,650 physical servers along with their maintenance and power costs, according to Microsoft.. "Customer Spotlight: Target Virtualizes With Microsoft", Press release, Microsoft, March 21, 2011, © Microsoft

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Investment & ROI Process & Organization Sectors Strategy Retail Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Wide Array Of Energy-Boosting Ingredients Available To Food, Beverage Formulators March 18, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A Food Technology article reports on the broad range of current and upcoming energy-boosting ingredients available to food and beverage formulators looking for options beyond caffeine. is not the only ingredient that provides that extra boost. The ingredient categories include slow-digesting sucrose-derived carbohydrates, botanicals, green tea, beetroot juice, B vitamins, L-carnitine, ribose, taurine and coenzyme Q. Botanicals that provide “natural” energy include ginkgo biloba, ginseng, yerba maté, and milk thistle, while B vitamins help break down carbohydrates into glucose, which provides energy. L-carnitine helps supply energy to the heart, muscles, liver, and immune cells, and is essential in the production of energy from fat. Linda Milo Ohr, "The Buzz About Energy Products", Food Technology, March 18, 2011, © Institute of Food Technologists

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Will Beverage Labeling Initiative Convince Americans To Cut Back On Sugar Consumption? March 17, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A new U.S. beverage labeling initiative could provide the necessary incentive for Americans to cut back on consumption of sugar and extra calories, according to medical weight-loss specialist Jessica Bartfield, M.D. As of last month, the front labels of packaged beverages now show the total number of calories in bottles and cans containing 20 ounces or less of a soda or other non-alcoholic beverage. According to Dr. Bartfield, sugary beverages loaded with calories “can be quite a significant contribution to weight gain,” and the hope is that the labeling initiative will have a big educational impact on the public. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported in 2004 that the average American consumes 22.5 teaspoons of added sugar daily –  half from regular soda and fruit drinks. "Americans Are "Sickeningly Sweet" ", News release, Loyola University Health System , March 17, 2011, © Loyola University Health System

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Spain Launches Collaborative Effort To Create Healthier Diets For Elderly Population March 15, 2011: 07:47 PM EST As part of the SENIFOOD project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, research organizations and companies are collaborating to develop nutritionally balanced diets and foods targeting a growing aging population. The plan is to create ingredients and diets that will help reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to diabetes; improve bone, muscle, gastrointestinal, visual and cognitive health; and to reduce neurodegenerative disorders. The issue of elder health is a pressing one in Spain, where older people comprise 17 percent of the population. Involved in the collaboration are functional ingredients companies, food manufacturers, a manager of nursing homes, and 25 technological centers and universities. "Spanish Consortium Develops Ingredients and Diets for an Elderly Population", Nutrition Horizon, March 15, 2011, © CNS Media BV

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Spain

PepsiCo Is Researching Ways To Convert Cellulose Fiber Waste To Packaging March 14, 2011: 07:55 PM EST PepsiCo Inc. Chief Scientific Officer Mehmood Khan told an audience at the recent Reuters Food and Agriculture Summit that the company hopes to find a way to economize by converting cellulose fiber from food production waste, including oat husks and orange peels, to packaging materials. The research effort is ongoing in the Frito-Lay snacks, Quaker oatmeal and Tropicana orange juice units, he said. Competitor Coca-Cola Co. is already using plant-derived materials to make plastic bottles. "If you could take cellulose today and convert that cellulose to packaging, think of the impact that you would have on the costs of other commodities," Khan said. Martinne Geller, "PepsiCo looks to reuse plant waste", Reuters, March 14, 2011, © Thomson Reuters

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Gene For Seedlessness Could Lead To Seedless Varieties Of The Tasty Cherimoya Fruit March 14, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Plant scientists in the U.S. and Spain have discovered a gene that could lead to creation of  seedless varieties of the tasty cherimoya, also known as the custard apple, a South American fruit that has many large seeds. The advance could make the fruit as popular as bananas, the researchers suggest. Spanish researchers studying the seedless variety of sugar apple consulted with an American scientist studying a mutant variety of the plant Arabidopsis that does not make seeds or fruit. Working together they found that the same gene was responsible for uncoated ovules in both the Arabidopsis and sugar apple mutants. This gene for seedlessness could lead to development of seedless varieties of sugar apple, cherimoya and perhaps other fruits. Jorge Lora, et al., "Seedless fruits and the disruption of a conserved genetic pathway in angiosperm ovule development", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 14, 2011, © National Academy of Sciences

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA Latin America United States of America Europe Spain

Researcher IGD Forecasts Solid Growth In Online Food And Grocery Shopping March 11, 2011: 10:20 PM EST U.K. food industry and grocery researcher IGD, in a report on the online channel, says that 27 percent of food and grocery manufacturers surveyed would consider building their own e-stores to engage directly with shoppers online. The value of online grocery shopping is likely to increase 100 percent by 2015, with sales reaching £9.9 billion. According to IGD, online sales are growing faster than any other sector in the grocery market: 21.4 percent in 2010. The online grocery market in 2010 accounted for 3.2 percent of total grocery spending in the U.K. and is projected to increase to 5.4 percent by 2015. About 43 percent of food manufacturers see online  revenues comprising as much as 10 percent of total revenue by 2015, about double the current performance. "Online grocery sales to double by 2015", Press release, IGD, March 11, 2011, © IGD

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Strategy Food Retail Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Kraft, HSN Partner To Cross-Promote Their Products March 10, 2011: 08:15 AM EST Interactive multichannel retailer HSN and Kraft Foods have partnered to cross-promote their products through a program of innovative content and commerce across multiple platforms. Consumers will be able to purchase HSN cooking products on Kraftfoods.com's recipe pages and find Kraft Foods products on HSN.com and other HSN distribution channels. According to the companies, the program is designed to offer consumers “compelling food ideas, quality cookware products and a richer experience in the kitchen.” The partnership will initially showcase the Kraft Foods portfolio by creating multiplatform marketing programs with HSN for Philadelphia Cooking Crème and  Maxwell House International coffee. "HSN and Kraft Foods Form Strategic Alliance to Create Integrated Experience in the Kitchen", Press release, HSN, March 10, 2011, © HSN

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Walmart Adds New Multichannel Program: “Pick Up Today” March 10, 2011: 12:41 AM EST Walmart is expanding its U.S. multichannel programs platform by launching a national rollout of a service that enables customers to buy items online and receive free same-day pickup at local Walmart stores. Launching nationwide later in March, the “Pick Up Today” program will be available in nearly 3,600 Walmart stores across the U.S. by June. Up to 40,000 items will be included in the program, including products from the baby, toys, home décor, hardware, outdoor living, electronics, household appliances and video games categories. According to Walmart, items ordered online are ready for pickup in four hours. Walmart’s other multichannel programs include Site to Store, FedEx Site-to-Store and Walmart Mobile. "Walmart Expands its Multichannel Offering with National Rollout of "Pick Up Today"", News release, Walmart, March 10, 2011, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Retail Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Mambo Sprouts Expands Digital Coupon Marketing Program March 8, 2011: 11:19 AM EST Acting on the findings of a consumer survey, natural and organic product marketer Mambo Sprouts Marketing is launching new digital coupon initiatives. The survey found that more than half (56 percent) of natural and organic consumers plan to use more online printable coupons in 2011. With that finding in mind, the company is offering a five-times-a-year digital savings newsletter and direct links to health, natural and organic offers, including click-and-print coupons for natural and organic products. The company says future trends include fully customized promotions with 24/7 instant access, giving marketers more cost-effective targeting of audiences. Customers will print more than 1.5 million natural and organic coupons from the Mambo Sprouts Web site in 2011, the company says. "Digital Coupon Newsletter Enhances Service, Reduces Waste", News release, Mambo Sprouts Marketing, March 08, 2011, © Mambo Sprouts Marketing

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Strategy Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Production-Line Imaging System For Bakeries Assures Perfect Sandwich Buns March 8, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a production-line imaging system for bakeries that assesses the quality of sandwich buns exiting the oven and automatically adjusts oven temperatures if buns are unacceptable. The researchers worked with Georgia baking company Flowers Foods and Baking Systems Technology to develop the prototype system, which is made of stainless steel, is dust and water resistant and mounts to conveyor belts as wide as 50 inches. The automated inspection-adjustment system would replace cumbersome manual procedures currently in place. The researchers say the system could be adapted to control the quality of other bakery products, such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, bread and pies. "Imaging System Controls Baking Process on Production Line to Improve Sandwich Bun Quality", News release, Georgia Tech Research Institute, March 08, 2011, © GTRI

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Pine-Sol Brand Adds New Scents, New Flip-Top Cap March 7, 2011: 03:01 AM EST The Clorox Company’s Pine-Sol brand cleaner is adding two scents: Garden Fresh and Outdoor Fresh. The brand has also improved the traditional scents Lavender Clean and Lemon Fresh, and introduced an easy-pour flip-top cap for its all-purpose dilutable cleaner and disinfectant bottles, including 28-, 48- and 60-ounce sizes. According to the company, the new cap delivers a more controlled pour and prevents lost and misplaced caps while cleaning. Pine-Sol can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces including floors, sinks, counters, stoves, bathtubs, shower stalls, tiles, toilets and more. "Pine-Sol Introduces Garden FreshTM and Outdoor Fresh Scents", News release, Pine-Sol, March 07, 2011, © The CLorox Company

Domains Innovation Examples & Case Studies Sectors Household Care Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

University College Cork's Online Calculator Predicts Food Allergies In Children March 3, 2011: 07:05 AM EST Researchers at the University College Cork, Ireland (UCC) have developed an online calculator that can in seconds predict with 96 percent precision whether a child has any of the three main food allergies: dairy, peanuts and eggs. The mathematical model is based on algorithms specific to the allergen, and the combination of known and suspected predictors delivers better prediction accuracy than the 61-81% typical in current methods. The Cork-Southampton calculator could be marketed this year and help reduce the cost of food-allergy testing. "Predicting food allergies", University of Cork, March 03, 2011, © University of Cork

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Ireland

Fluoride Delivered By Oral Care Products Offers Insufficient Cavity Protection March 3, 2011: 04:24 AM EST Oral care products like mouthwash and toothpaste don’t deliver enough fluoride to prevent cavities, according to German research that used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to measure fluoride coverage on tooth enamel. In fact, the protective fluoride shield provided by oral care products is sometimes only six nanometers thick – 100 times thinner than scientists thought. A layer of fluoride that thin does not effectively fight oral disease, the researchers said. Future research will focus on how thick the optimum fluoride layer should be to protect against tooth decay. Simon Pitman, "Study questions effectiveness of fluoride in some oral care products", Cosmetics Design, March 03, 2011, © Decision News Media SAS

Domains Innovation Other Sectors Personal Care Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom Germany

General Mills Connects With New Ideas Via Innovation Portal March 2, 2011: 09:26 AM EST The General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) portal has encouraged more than 1,000 inventors globally to register in the year since it was launched. The online open innovation platform enables General Mills to connect with potential business partners. Registered visitors can submit proposals for innovations to address the company’s technology challenges. It has so far received over 500 innovation proposals for review by General Mills product developers.  Some 40 products incorporate innovations received through G-WIN. The framework is the result of a two-year collaboration by General Mills, Procter & Gamble, the US Air Force Research Laboratory, and software developer inno360. General Mills, "General Mills connects with more than 1,000 innovators", General Mills press release, March 02, 2011, © General Mills Inc.

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Sectors Theory & Ideation Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Oregon State University Releases Two New Potato Varieties March 2, 2011: 06:47 AM EST Oregon State University has released two new potato varieties — red fingerling AmaRosa and the light-brown Sage Russet. AmaRosa retains its color even when baked, fried, or microwaved, is antioxidant-rich, resists both scab and tuber late blight, and is expected to be popular with the specialty market. Sage Russet's flat, long shape makes it ideal for fries, hash browns, and chips. Oregon accounts for almost 25 percent of all exports of French fries from the United States. The AmaRosa breeding process started in 2000; the Sage Russet was started with a cross in 1996. Press Release, Oregon State University, "Something for everyone in two new OSU potato varieties", Oregon State University, March 02, 2011, © Oregon State University

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

TCI Gums Unveils Organic Stabilizers For Yogurt Products March 1, 2011: 09:37 AM EST Food industry texture and stabilization specialist TIC Gums has developed a couple of ingredients that it says make yogurt smooth and stable while meeting USDA organic certification guidelines. YG Cup Set is a 100 percent organic stabilizer made from an extract of red seaweed and designed for cup set organic yogurt products, while YG Vat Set is a specialized blend of certified organic ingredients designed for stirred yogurts. TIC Gums also provides organic agar, the latest addition to its line of certified organic gums. "Building a Better Organic Yogurt", News release, TIC Gums, March 01, 2011, © TIC Gums

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

CPG Manufacturers Try Out Quick Response Codes Mobile Web Marketing March 1, 2011: 12:33 AM EST Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble, are implementing pilot promotions using Quick Response (QR) codes, a smartphone-based mobile Internet marketing platform. QR codes, which are usually placed on packaging and in-store displays and can be scanned with a smartphone camera, connect to mobile Web sites containing product data, price information, discount coupons, and related videos. Industry observers forecast wider acceptance of QR codes technology among CPG companies, driven by consumer smartphone ownership forecast by Nielsen to rise from 28 percent in fall 2010 to over 50 percent by end of 2011. Early adoptions of QR code technology include Durex's campaign for its condoms, Kellogg's Special K brand campaign, and Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn. Dan Alaimo, "CPGs Prep for Growth of QR Code Promotions", CPG Matters, March 01, 2011, © CPG Matters

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Sectors Food Personal Care Retail Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Kraft's High-Tech Kiosk Helps Consumers With Their Grocery Shopping February 28, 2011: 10:17 AM EST Kraft Foods' Meal Planning Solution on-site retail kiosk helps consumers with their grocery shopping and sells Kraft products at the same time. Powered by Intel processors and designed for in-store operations, the automated shopping guide scans shopping lists and captures data stored on mobile phones via Kraft's iFood assistant mobile application. Kraft's machine also scans consumer's faces with a camera, and creates their basic profiles using video analytics technology.  E.J. Schultz , "Kraft Meal-Planning System Tailors Recipes, Grocery Lists to Shoppers", Advertising Age Digital, February 28, 2011, © Crain Communications

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Examples & Case Studies Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Exotic Superfruits Are Making Their Way Into Health Foods February 26, 2011: 07:41 PM EST Food and beverage ingredients experts see a bright future for three exotic botanicals that offer an array of potential health benefits. The purple berry maqui, found in Patagonia, is rich in antioxidants – more than four times the amount in blueberries – and is already being used in superfruit juice blends because of its creamy taste and hints of dried fruit flavor. The green, velvety fruit of the baobab tree has six times the antioxidants of blueberries, more calcium than dairy products and six times the potassium of bananas. The red berry camu camu, harvested from a bush that grows along the Amazon River, has 60 times the vitamin C of an orange and is packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, polyphenols and amino acids. Vicky Uhland, "3 exotic ingredients emerging in the grocery aisle", Natural Foods Merchandiser, February 26, 2011, © Penton Media Inc

Domains Innovation Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Transition To Natural Food Colorants Is Plagued By Problems February 25, 2011: 08:14 PM EST Food and beverage manufacturers are beginning the transition from synthetic to natural dyes, but the switch is complicated and costly, and the results are not altogether esthetically pleasing, experts say. The impetus for major changes comes from Europe, where the European Commission responded to concerns over the safety of synthetic food colorants by imposing new requirements, including warning labels on packages, that have pushed food manufacturers to reformulate their products. The movement has spread to the U.S. Products from companies like Frito-Lay and Pepperidge Farm now contain no artificial ingredients, including synthetic dyes. But besides cost and complexity, reformulation with natural dyes has another downside: in some cases the quality of the product, color-wise, just isn’t the same. Lisa Marshall, "Natural color market seeing green as demand grows", New Hope 360, February 25, 2011, © New Hope 360

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom

Organic Trade Show Spotlights New Flavors And Exotic Ingredients February 24, 2011: 10:55 AM EST A wide array of food products on display at the recent Biofach World Organic trade Fair in Germany were notable for their great flavor rather than innovation. From yogurts to spice mixes, manufacturers exhibited food products enhanced with “outstanding taste” and “new flavors,” according to NewHope 360 blogger Nancy Coulter-Parker. Examples of this trend include Stevia organic yogurt with “orange sallow thorn and passion fruit banana” flavors; sparkling water flavors like pear rose and cassis, elderberry, and ginger orange; and a spice mixture – Grandma’s Flash – for muffins. But new ingredients were also evident in organic personal care products. Aronia Original Naturprodukte, for xample, exhibited a line of facial lotions and products containing aronia berries, also known as “chokeberries.” Nancy Coulter-Parker, "Biofach's new natural and organic products and flavors", NewHope360 Blog, February 24, 2011, © Penton Media, Inc.

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Personal Care Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

Heinz Adopts Coca-Cola's PlantBottle Sustainable Packaging February 23, 2011: 09:30 AM EST Coca-Cola and H.J. Heinz Company entered into a partnership that allows Heinz to use Coca-Cola's PlantBottle environment-friendly packaging. Materials from plants account for up to 30 percent of material used to make PlantBottle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. Heinz plans to launch its PlantBottle ketchup bottles in June with a marketing campaign featuring "talking labels" and on-packaging messages. A life-cycle analysis by Imperial College London revealed that the packaging technology can reduce carbon impact by 12-19 percent. Heinz says that adopting PlantBottle is part of its global sustainability commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, solid waste, water consumption and energy usage at least 20 percent by 2015. Heinz Co., "Coca-Cola and Heinz Announce Landmark Partnership to Expand Use of Innovative PlantBottle™ Packaging ", H.J. Heinz press release, February 23, 2011, © H. J. Heinz Company

Domains Innovation Collaboration & Networks Sectors Beverages Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

MiGenetics Produces New Line Of Ethnically-Inspired Nutritional Supplements February 17, 2011: 10:40 AM EST MiGenetics has developed a new line of dietary supplements specifically tailored to the genetic differences among ethnic populations that influence health conditions, including diseases to which they are predisposed. The product comes in four formulations - for people of African, Asian, European, and Hispanic descent - and is the first of its kind to recognize ethnic difference as a factor in health conditions and the absorption of nutrients, according to Dr. Roger Roff, CEO of the Washington, D. C.-based VibraGene, maker of MiGenetics. The supplements, which are available for purchase online or through physicians, are described as aiding the digestive and immune systems and helping to slow the aging process. MiGenetics also claims they contain enzymes that reduce the toxicity of processed foods. Joanna Cosgrove, "One Size (Doesn’t) Fit All", Nutraceutical World, February 17, 2011, © Rodman Publishing

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA Europe Middle East- Africa

Ethnic Foods Post Strong Growth In The U.S. Market February 16, 2011: 11:23 AM EST Ethnic food products have seen strong growth in the United States in recent years, according to Mintel's Global New Products Database, but consumers and manufacturers are looking beyond the traditionally popular Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisines. The GNPD shows a 150 percent growth in new products described as Caribbean in 2010, and 230 percent growth in launches of Japanese products. New products launches of products with Thai flavors grew 68%. Various factors are driving the trends, such as the variety of outlets, media, overseas travels and neighborhood diversity. Oxygen Report, Mintel, "Ethnic food-lovers developing a taste for exotic flavors", Mintel, February 16, 2011, © Mintel

Domains Innovation Sectors Food Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America