Datamonitor, the world’s leading provider of online data, analytics and forecasting platforms for key vertical sectors, recently surveyed nearly 1,000 global industry executives from the consumer packaged goods industry. Health was identified as “the most important of the 10 Datamonitor mega-trends shaping new product development and marketing.” The independent marketing group found nearly two-thirds of consumers take more steps to eat more healthily and more than half of European and U.S. shoppers use nutritional information on packaging with greater regularity to make food and drink choices.

Research clearly shows that North Americans are seeking foods and beverages that fill dual needs for both greater health and more convenience and that modern consumers are more open-minded than ever to having those needs met via unusual and innovative ingredient sources. Its research further shows a trend toward “positive nutrition” is emerging as consumers are “actively seeking nutrient-rich fresh, organic and functional food and drinks.”