So what shape and form has innovation in the food and drink industry taken this month? From flashing lollies to lemon crisps via elderflower Fanta, Mintel provides this months latest round-up of new product development.
Vegemite biscuits The Kraft-owned Vegemite yeast - originally Australia's answer to Marmite - spread brand is attempting to expand its horizons. Recently introduced into Australian were Nabisco branded (alsoKraft-owned) In a Biskit savoury snacks with a Vegemite flavour.
Lighting lollipops In the past, trends for confectionery lollipops have included numerous novelty toy holders from the likes of Chupa Chups, duo fruit & creamy flavours, lollipops with chewing gum centres, and lollipops with dipping powders. The latest - Pop Lights - is a true innovation, claims Mintel. The lollies light up and flash when a button on the base of the stick is pressed. Available in five shades (yellow, orange, red, greenand blue) the lolly is soon to be introduced into Woolworths stores in the UK.
Energy chocolate continues 'Energy' positioned chocolate bars continue to be introduced from the mainstream players. Past examples have included Cadbury's Boost Guarana, Milka Energy from Kraft Jacobs Suchard and Ritter Sport Guarana Crunch from Alfred Ritter. Cadbury has continued the trend with the South African introduction of the Tempo countline. It comprises a 57g shortcake biscuit bar with guarana and caramel, coated in Cadbury dairymilk chocolate.
Health positioning continues with snacking vegetables from French ready-prepared salad giant Bonduelle. The company's new Pleine Forme range in France is comprised of salad vegetables in pots with accompanying forks, available in three health-oriented varieties such as Vitalité (with sliced carrots & citrus fruits) said to be a source of vitamins A & E, Ligne (with celery and salmon), and Equilibre (with a cereal blend).
Müller juice drinks German dairy company Müller continues to make moves outside of its core yoghurt industry. The company already produces some smoothie-style and whey andfruit drinks, and has now extended further into the juices segment with its latest offering in the Netherlands.
Juicer, a new single-serve bottled fruit drink range is formulated with a blend of fruitjuice and milk protein/lactoserum (whey). Further enriched with vitamins A, C & E, the product is available in Tropical, Apple-Guava-Strawberry,and Orange-Mango varieties.
Lay's lemon crisps Some interesting flavours, with a local twist, have been spotted in Asia for the Lay's snack brand from Pepsico, including crispy rice and seaweed. Now, the brand is being given a citrus touch with theChinese introduction of a lemon flavoured variety. Corn chips with lemon (a more traditional combination) have been reported in the past, but rare to see the flavour used in potato snacks. Is this a move towards more delicate tastes?
Fanta starfruit & elderflower flavours Flavours for the Fanta carbonate from Coca-Cola continue to become more exotic. Past additions to the original orange option have included lychee, raspberry, lime, pineapple and passionfruit. More recently, an elderflower & lemon variety has been added to the brand in countries including Hungary, Israel and Denmark, while in Hong Kong Mintel reports on a Dancing Starfruit variety.
Pack lunches for adults Kraft Foods is currently testing Kraft Lunch Specials, a 'psuedo-Lunchables' for adults. An easily portable kit, the box comes with a handle built in, features servings of a variety of Kraft productsalready available - It's Pasta Anytime spaghetti with marinara sauce, SnackWell's-brand cookies, and Crystal Light lemonade. The entire meal packs 510 calories but only 8g of fat and is retailing for $2.99 in select markets in Wisconsin, USA. Can we can soon expect to see hoards of European commuters armed with pack lunches on their way to work?