The word superfood may feel like a relatively recent addition to the common lexicon. But the idea of a magical food that has extremely high nutritional content and/or health benefits has been around for roughly a century.
The first superfood is something we consider ordinary today: the banana.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health blog The Nutrition Source, the United Food Company first launched the idea of the banana as a superfood as part of an “enthusiastic” marketing strategy to promote an import of bananas. Their campaign included publishing pamphlets about the convenience and health benefits of bananas, an idea that was supported by an American Medical Association announcement that the exotic-at-the-time fruit could cure celiac disease.
By all accounts, the marketing campaign worked — even 100 years later, Americans eat 28.5 pounds of bananas per capita every year.
The history is interesting, but, of course, the big question is “what’s next?”
A recent report by Kerry found that when it comes to functional foods, consumers prioritize weight, mood, energy, and sleep. Here’s some recent research that provides insights into what might be the next big thing:
Alongside these emerging superfoods are ones that have been trending for a few years now. A survey of more than 1,300 registered dietitians by Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian found that fermented foods, avocados, and seeds are still the top superfoods for 2019.
Whatever the actual health or nutrition benefits, superfoods have helped some companies achieve supersales. The results of multiple studies have shown that consumers, especially younger ones — are willing to pay more for foods they believe are healthier, and the idea of food as medicine has been steadily gaining popularity.
To capitalize on these trends, companies need what The Nutrition Source calls “the essentials”:
By Krista Garver
Source: Food Industry Executive
The facility is designed to foster innovation and deepen collaboration with customers, by offering a range of new services and solidifying its role as a central hub for customer support. Tereos’ team, supported by a network of 50 scientists, will ensure customers can innovate and meet the rising consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable products.
Glanbia has agreed to acquire Flavor Producers from Aroma Holding for an initial consideration of $300 million. Flavor Producers is a US-based flavour platform, providing flavours and extracts to the F&B industries, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients.
Lesnard, who previously worked at Nike, The North Face and Sephora, has a mission to “grow and sustain GODIVA’s position and expertise in the premium chocolate category, leveraging ongoing support from pladis to take GODIVA and its legendary chocolate to new heights.”
