MIRACLE FRUIT SAID TO
TURN SOUR THINGS SWEET

“Miracle fruit” or Synsepalum dulcificum releases a sweetening potency that alters the taste buds, reported CNN.

The small fruit has the color of a cranberry, the shape of an almond and tastes like a flavorless gummy. But after chewing the fruit and rubbing the pulp against the tongue, everything sour tastes sweet for about 15 to 30 minutes. Lemons taste like candy and oranges become sickeningly sweet. Hot sauce that usually burns the tongue tastes like honey barbecue sauce that scorches as it trickles down the throat.

Through word of mouth, these miracle fruits have inspired "taste tripping" parties, where foodies and curious eaters pay $10 to $35 to try the berries that are native to West Africa.

And about five months ago, a Miami, Florida hospital began studying whether the fruit's sweetening effects can restore the appetite of cancer patients whose chemotherapy treatments have left them with dulled taste buds. Research has also begun to see if the berries could help people with diabetes and obesity because they sweeten the taste of food.

The complete story is available here.

HISPANICS’ BUYING POWER
CONTINUES TO GROW

The 46 million Hispanics living in the U.S. have powerful influence on the American consumer economy, with buying power that totaled more than $980 billion in 2008, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts.

In its report, "The Hispanic (Latino) Market in the U.S.: A Generational View, 7th Edition," Packaged Facts predicts the buying power of Hispanics will continue to grow at a relatively rapid pace undeterred by the present dreary outlook for consumers as a whole. Latino buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2013, with a cumulative growth rate of 31 percent.

Gen-Y Latinos (ages 18-29) and Gen-X Latinos (ages 30-44) are particularly influential, because they control more than 60 percent of all Hispanic buying power. These young Hispanic adults generate significant consumer spending both for themselves and their families.

The full report, which highlights trends and opportunities shaping the Hispanic market, is available at www.packagedfacts.com.

STUDY SHOWS KIDS
PREFER HEALTHY SNACKS

A recent survey by Mintel International found that kids and teens are receptive to healthy eating messages and are choosing foods with healthful ingredients.

When asked why they eat what they eat, two-in-five kids responding to the survey said they reach for foods that give them more energy. Over a third said they purposely eat foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients, 25 percent said they sought out foods low in fat and 22 percent look for foods low in sugar.

The research reveals that whether it’s parents purchasing the snacks or kids consuming them, consumers said they are seeking out healthier snacking options.

NUTRACEUTICAL SOFT DRINK
MARKET TO MAINTAIN GROWTH

The findings, in a report released by market analyst Zenith International, suggest that segment demand rose by nine percent in 2008, with the momentum expected to remain stable despite concerns consumers may be looking to spend down on certain luxurious goods.

Consumption of nutraceutical beverages is expected to reach 5,600 million litres by 2013 from 3,700 million litres in 2008.

The findings also predict future growth across all global regions, though the Middle East and Latin America were selected as markets showing early potential from a small growth base, according to Zenith.

The U.S. and Japanese markets, which dominated global sales of nutraceutical drinks, accounted for 47 percent and 37 percent market shares respectively during the previous year.

Major suppliers such as Pepsi-Co, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Danone, were all singled out by the analyst as actively pursuing opportunities for the products on the current European market.

Zenith suggested in the report that tightened legislation on the types of health claims attributable to food and drink products had reassured many consumers over the efficacy of nutraceutical drinks.

As a result of this reported consumer confidence, a number of health functions were found to be particularly popular amongst consumers such as beauty, weight management, heart health, stress relief and cognitive function.

FDA AMENDS FOOD
ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

FDA also issued a final rule amending the food additive regulations to provide for the safe use of an aqueous solution of silver nitrate and hydrogen peroxide as an antimicrobial agent in bottled water effective March 18. Written comments are being accepted until April 17.

STUDY REVEALS SENIOR CONSUMERS’
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BEHAVIORS

The alcohol industry has traditionally relied on young consumers but the value of seniors is potentially huge, reported Business Wire. This necessitates a rethink to position players ahead of the curve by understanding their attitudes and behaviors.

Tastes and attitudes are subject to a significant degree of change as consumers grow older. The rising average ages of major markets' populations and large potential spending power makes seniors an important demographic for the alcoholic drinks industry. However, the industry has been largely unsuccessful in targeting products at them.

Although there are many similarities between seniors and other consumers in their purchase motivations, there are some subtle differences. “Taste and flavor” remains the most important choice driver for seniors, with 67 percent of early seniors and 65 percent of late seniors citing taste as having a “high” or “very high” influence on their choices.

Trends identified included: wine is a popular drink among seniors, wine is often seen as an ideal accompaniment to food, seniors’ financial status heavily influences their purchasing behavior, and seniors have different needs from younger consumers in the field of alcoholic drinks. The market research report, which evaluates the changing alcoholic drinks needs and behaviors of senior consumers, is available at http://www.reportlinker.com.

NAFFS CALENDAR

Be sure to save these dates!

May 28 – NAFFS Technical Meeting, Doubletree Hotel, Somerset, NJ

October 1-4 - The 92nd Annual NAFFS Convention, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key, Fla.