Mintel Announces IFT 09 Taste Test Winners

Products representing sweeteners, purity and functional food trends, served-up
in Anaheim
CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) gathered in Anaheim, CA from June 6-9
to learn about innovative new food and beverage products launched around the
globe. Leading market research company, Mintel, had close to 100 products on
display that represented three trend categories of sweeteners, purity and
functional foods. Following daily presentations, the products were used in a
taste test, where attendees tasted the products and voted on their favorites.

"It`s always exciting to see the outcome of the taste tests, but with so many
unique products this year, we didn`t know how they would fare," comments Mintel
new product expert, Lynn Dornblaser. "The winners are all great examples for
manufacturers to look to as they develop innovative new products."

Sweeteners

High-intensity sweeteners took a clean sweep in this category as the taste test
winners all came from non-sugar products. IFT attendees chose Lotte Zero
non-sugar chocolate from Japan as their favorite. Coming in second and third
were products from the US: Sprite Green, sweetened with Truvia, followed by
Breyers Double Churn No Sugar Added butter pecan ice cream, sweetened with
Splenda.

While high-intensity sweeteners fared well, Lynn Dornblaser expects a battle of
the sweeteners in the future. Consumer concerns regarding weight and diet will
ensure continued growth of high-intensity sweeteners; however, there is a new
trend emerging towards the desire to be "all-natural," which will lead people to
products featuring good old-fashioned sugar.

Purity

It was a tight race in the purity group. Pepsi Natural Premium, made with
all-natural ingredients and part of the company`s "Refresh Everything" campaign,
took first place. In second place was Nestle Milkybar White Moments, white
chocolate in a crispy sugar shell, and there was a tie for third between True
North Peanut Clusters and Bissinger`s Naturals Pomegranate White Tea Gummy
Pandas.

According to Mintel, people have growing concerns about additives, preservatives
and artificial colors in their food and therefore have a renewed interest in
all-natural and organic options. For success in the future, manufacturers need
to put a strong emphasis on the association that simplicity has with goodness
and health, as well as provide as much information on package descriptions as
possible to show consumers the many health benefits.

Functional

Kellogg`s FiberPlus Antioxidants chewy bars took first place in the functional
category as tasters found the bars delicious and full of flavor while being
impressed by their antioxidants, added fiber and vitamins. Cubio Gummies
containing collagen and Leclerc Praeventia Almond and Apple bars with prebiotic
fiber and antioxidants came in second and third place, respectively.

"Consumers are skeptical about the benefits and efficacy of many functional
foods," notes Lynn Dornblaser. "Messages are often confusing and complicated,
making it hard for consumers to know what products to choose. Ultimately, if
something tastes good and has added benefits, it will do well in the
marketplace."

More than 14,500 attendees from over 80 different countries made the trek to
Orange County for the IFT Expo, as well as more than 800 exhibitors. Mintel
hosted three presentations daily by Lynn Dornblaser.

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence.
For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends,
offering unique data that directly impacts client success. With offices in
Chicago, London, Belfast, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique
reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel,
please visit www.mintel.com.

Christine Coombes
Mintel International
312-628-7946
ccoombes@mintel.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009