Food Trendlines | Nerac Food Science Analysts Look To the Coming Year

From innovation based on nanotechnology to the increasing attention being paid to food safety, Nerac’s food science team looks at the events of 2007 to see what is likely to unfold in 2008.

Nanotechnology Is the New Frontier for the Food Industry

Nanotechnology, the science of building things on a molecular or atomic scale, is invading the food industry, creating a buzz that thus far has been confined for the most part to the electronics industry. Nerac Food Science Analyst Brenda Van Goethem talks about how nanotechnology is being applied in innovative ways in what seems like all facets of the food industry from ingredients to packaging.

Nerac Q&A | Dietary Supplements: Current Good Manufacturing Practices and the Impact on Nutraceutical Quality and Business

For years critics and proponents of the dietary supplement industry felt that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was slow in proposing rules for quality and manufacturing requirements to legitimize the industry. Finally, in June 2008, current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) for the dietary supplement industry took effect. To find out how the new rules will affect the dietary supplement industry, Nerac Food Science Analyst Brenda Van Goethem spoke with Mandy Kraynik, the Marketing Director of Enzymatic Therapy Inc., North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of dietary supplements and natural medicines.

The Bell Tolls | Why Companies Should Not Wait for Government Food-Safety Regulations

We take it for granted that our food supply is safe, but recent E. coli outbreaks at two restaurant chains bring the larger question of ensuring food safety to the forefront.

For The Benefit of Risky Lives

The current trend is to look at food not only as a source of nutrition and energy, but also for its health benefits.

Slimmer Pickings

Food packaging is on a diet. Many U.S. companies are responding to consumer concerns about obesity and weight control by offering single-serve or "convenience" packaging.

Brenda Van Goethem presents at Wellness 09 | March 25, 2009

Nerac Analyst Brenda Van Goethem will present a session titled, "Acceptance and Connection of Food as Medicine," at the Wellness '09 Conference in Chicago, March 25-26, 2009.

The presentation discusses the link between food, health, and performance. Market data suggests considerable growth opportunities for foods and beverages that are linked to performance, especially for blended protein systems within the nutrition beverage category. This discussion outlines the global functional beverage market trends and drivers, the scientific validation of functional ingredients, consumer demand for functional ingredients in beverages, and legal and labeling considerations. The presentation is targeted to R&D, sales and brand management, nutrition, new business development, and regulatory compliance professionals.

Drink Up: How Beverages Are Becoming the Hottest Segment in the Functional Foods Industry

An Emerging Strategy in Functional Foods

Responding to the growing number of consumers who see functional foods and beverages as important to good health, food companies are developing strategies to highlight functional ingredients already in products that they have been making for years. In doing so, they avoid the costs associated with reformulations or new product introductions.

To examine this emerging business strategy, we posed some questions to Susan Spiggle, an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut who heads the school’s Marketing Department; Nerac Food Science Analyst Brenda Van Goethem, and Nerac Business Analyst Keith Lucas.