Is Sustainable Attainable? We think so....

Public interests are now more environmentally conscious than ever before. Consumers are aware of the long-term consequences of widespread pollution and waste, and are demanding sustainable goods and services. In essence, sustainability is protecting our environment so that future generations can continue to benefit from its rich natural resources. Smart businesses are now “going green” for several reasons.

Green business practices are not difficult to implement and exist in a number of forms. Some choose to produce sustainable products, such as solar power equipment, that allow others to conserve resources. Others choose to implement environmentally-friendly methods of production, like organic farmers and manufacturers. On an even simpler level, businesses can reduce waste and utilize renewable energy.

In addition to benefiting the planet, “going green” may have hidden benefits for companies. According to a recent study, there is a correlation between sustainable business practices and better bottom lines. Despite the recent economic recession, the sales of green products and services increased drastically in recent years, especially in the realm of organic products. Over the last ten years, the market for organic products increased 238%, while the market for conventional products only increased 33%. Sustainable business practices are appealing to consumers! On another note, many green policies create efficiency and lower spending on energy and materials in the long run. 

RIBUS produces an entire line of sustainable, environmentally-friendly ingredients for your production needs. Our unique products are made from rice hulls and rice bran, which are oftentimes unused and wasted by the rice industry. Utilizing the entire rice grain reduces waste and promotes conservation.

RIBUS products are a natural replacement for common synthetic processing aids, and are listed as “Rice Extract” or “Rice Concentrate” on a food label. RIBUS ingredients can reduce costs and increase outputs in countless applications from extrusion to anti-caking!

Give consumers what they want – sustainable ingredients!

Source:

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Trends/Sustainability/Organic-foods-and-beverages-help-drive-the-growth-of-green-report-says

Restaurant Nutrition Information Demands on the Rise

For health-conscious consumers, eating out can be a challenge. While nutrition information is becoming more readily available in restaurants, most consumers are still unaware of the specifics. This lack of knowledge is unnerving, and restaurant patrons are left to wonder – what is in my food? With obesity rates on the rise, many consumers are seeking healthier alternatives to eating out.

That said, many restaurants (especially quick-service) want to reel consumers back in by providing more nutrition information and improving recipes. Will this plan be successful? A survey conducted by the NPD group of 3,000 consumers provides insight into common attitudes regarding nutrition and specific ingredients at restaurants.

·         Over 50% of consumers would like to improve their eating habits and have tried to reduce their intake of a food or beverage in the last six months.

·         Around 40% of consumers claim to be limiting consumption of fats, cholesterol, sodium, or sugar.

·         Over 10% of consumers are reducing consumption of soda or sugar specifically.

·         Less than 1% of consumers are making an effort to avoid high fructose corn syrup.

·         Calorie content is most important to consumers. About 20% pay attention when it is provided.

·         Only 10% of consumers regularly examine nutrition information at restaurants.

The question remains – should restaurants expend time and energy in reformulating recipes and revamping menus? It seems that consumers oftentimes do not follow through with their intentions to avoid or reduce particular ingredients, and continue to order the same foods while dining out without looking into nutrition information.

Source:

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Trends/HFCS/What-nutrition-information-are-restaurant-goers-looking-for

Functional Beverages Take Center Stage

A new trend has emerged from the ruins of unhealthy drinks – functional beverages. These innovative blends serve purposes greater than merely quenching thirst. Functional beverages are designed with a specific demographic in mind. Furthermore, some are designed to promote relaxation, and others to provide energy or essential nutrients.

This trend is on the rise, as busy consumers are demanding more benefits from beverages, and health-conscious consumers have been examining labels. The Healthy Beverage Expo had a successful debut this past spring and will return next year to showcase the latest market trends. These trends include:

·         Exotic fruit flavors

·         Sugar replacement with Stevia

·         Unique tea products

·         All-natural or organic products

·         Natural colors

·         Environmentally-friendly packaging

·         Added vitamins and minerals

·         Cleaner energy drinks with reduced sweetener

·         Added protein and fiber

Consumers are scrutinizing beverage labels and looking out for calories and sugar. Shoppers appreciate transparency in product labeling and scientific support behind marketing claims. Consumers realize that there are countless alternatives to traditional beverage offerings and can be particular.

Manufacturers have responded by using water as a base for most functional beverages. This avoids the problem of working around calories, flavors, and colors. From here, producers add flavors and nutrients to accomplish the goal of the product. It seems simple enough, but there is an 80% failure rate for new functional products due to high competition.

Differentiate your product from other beverage offerings. Use RIBUS products to carry flavor, replace chemical additives, and make your product more marketable to consumers.

Sources:

http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/news_home/Consumer_Trends/2013/07/On_the_cusp_of_a_healthy_bever.aspx?ID=%7bDED3B302-3A58-4800-96B1-10EED116B8F4%7d

http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2013/product-development-beverage-trends.html