Nutrition industry experts predict 6 trends for 2012

4 innovations to watch in natural beverages

Although 2011 may have been a lackluster year for natural beverage innovation, aside from coconut water's explosion onto the scene, 2012 has potential to be a very innovative year.

Industry expert: Jim Tonkin, principal, HealthyBrandBuilders

More players may be entering the dosing cap technology space, innovative mixes using aloe vera will emerge, and perhaps we may even see soft drinks beginning to add functional ingredients.

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Consumers stop suing supplement companies

Industry expert: Joel Rothman, partner and co-chair, Arnstein & Lehr

Because the basis for class action lawsuits involving supplements are too individualized, that is, plaintiffs' individual experiences with the product could never form the basis for standing to sue, it’s likely that these types of cases will be terminated more and more often.

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Shoppers will wisen up about "natural" and other labels

Industry expert: Mary Mulry, consultant, FoodWise, Inc.

Terms like “natural,” “artisan,” and “local” have been misused and under attack in the past, but consumers are getting wise to what these claims really mean, and expecting a more honest approach from labels that carry them.

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Supplement regulation could increase in 2012

Industry expert: Hank Schultz, managing editor, Functional Ingredients magazine

Long time opponents of the dietary supplement industry have asked the government to call out which supplements are reported on most, and to assess whether companies are complying with current requirements and laws.

We can also expect to see more vigorous enforcement of standards and health claims as well, however FDA budget cuts loom over the whole affair.

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It's time to do business in Asia

Industry expert: Steve Hanson, owner, GRIP IDEAS

Recently the Wall Street Journal published data showing that by 2030 the Asia-Pacific region will account for nearly 60 percent of global middle-class spending. In contrast, North America is projected to only account for approximately 10 percent.

That’s why New Hope Natural Media's Engredea has focused on building an information pipeline between the two regions with eNewsletters, hosting seminars in China and India, and forming alliances with many leading trade associations.

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Rough times ahead for Canada's natural products industry

Industry expert: Peter Wojewnik, vice president-business development, Dicentra, Inc.

After the announcement from the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) that proposed regulations for 2011 would be delayed until further notice, the industry breathed a sigh of relief.

However, after two major announcements in September, 2011 concerning enzymes and probiotics, and the possible reclassification of energy drinks, 2012 will prove to be another bumpy ride

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