2009 Trends

    Around this time every year we see the appearance of numerous projections as to what will be the major trends for the coming year. So here, in no given ranking are my ideas for the Top Trends for 2009. 

   Digestive Health may very well be the leader of the pack as far as 2009 trends are concerned. This will be a continuation of the trend of recent years that saw an increase in consumer interest in all matters of digestion and the impact of  pre- and probiotics and fibers of all types.

   Weight Management will stay near the top of the trends list, with an increased focus on appetite suppression.  The increase of solid research information in the area of satiety and the food products that may "naturally" curb or delay the desire to eat, will be big news in 2009. Look for companies to figure out how to make claims as to their products ability to deliver appetite suppression.

   In this increasingly stressful and time consuming daily environment expect an explosion of new "energy" products. The great majority of these items will appear in liquid form which generally make good ingredients more rapidly bio-available,  but also look for the "energy" message to be delivered in portable, convenience foods.

   Continued interest and activity in "good for you"  nutritionally sound foods across all demograsphics. Infants, kids, women, and the elderly will show the most activity here.

   One negative trend will be a continued decline in organic sales, which will continue until the economy improves or the organic industry discovers a way to address the cost factor.

   Well, that's it for today, my Top Five Trends for 2009. Tommorrow I'll list my second tier of 2009 trends.