"What's Old is New Again" - Reintroduction of products with new packaging.  Reintroduce with a face lift to the same old product gives a marketing boost in an increasingly crowded market place.  "Me too" products or new versions like Ben & Jerry's ice cream came out with pint slices, which sells met $1.4 million in the first 8 weeks of introduction.
If you offer a premium product, not everyone will want it, but those who do will likely understand the "value" that it provides.
New trends? or Old? 
Stock vs. Bone Broth!  They are the same, both made from bone and collagen.  U.S. trend of Bone Broth as a drink!? Is it a beverage  or like a cup of tea?  Nutritional benefits?  Protein bases are a growing.
Sauerkraut?
Fermented foods a growing category.  (Kombuch, Sauerkraut, Kimchi)
"Winners & Losers"- The most successful new products are not necessarily pace setters.  For example, Oikos Triple Zero did 108 million in 2016.
Really innovative products, not necessarily best sellers ie:  "Meat Substitutes" (pulled oats)?, "Spray bottle- Tea Bags"?
The real picture:  "Innovation vs. Renovation"
"Smart Made" packaging story tells what the ingredients are, descriptions are important.  ie: "Roasted Turkey & Vegetables"
"Healthy Snacking"-   New renovation of existing products like Sargento Balance Breaks (Cheese, Nuts, Dried Fruits) vs. the Hillshire Farms (Meat, Cheese, Crackers).  Consumers still not sure of this product with meats.  Value Growth still in cheese, yogurt and water...

"Clean Label" -  Consumers are focused on overall health and natural...
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It was extremely hot in Las Vegas for the IFT Convention this year.  But as usual, we all froze in the well air conditioned convention center.  People flew in from all over the country to visit with ingredient suppliers and equipment vendors as well as attend the educational presentations and seminars.  There were too many presentations to be able to attend them all so here are a few highlights from the ones that I was able to attend.  Thank you all for the inspiration.

"Discriminating New Food Labels"  -  Food scientist need to research ingredients performance and source.  Know where they are derived from or if they are naturally occurring in fruits, veggies or cheeses.  Weigh the overall benefits.   "Be prepared to defend your ingredients or remove them."

"Processed Foods:  The Good, The Bad & The Science" -  An overview of the industry, what's good? what's really bad?  What about the science?  Fermentation process includes Beer, Wine, Yogurt and some natural preservatives....   Formulated foods equals pop tarts, cereals, peanut butter, catsup... 

"Clean Labels" -  Clean labels don't improve human Health & Safety.   Do not compromise safety!!   Clean label is marketed to lead consumers to believe they are better.  Marketing influences consumer behavior.  

"Mintel" - Several engaging topics throughout the day....  This deserves it's own entry.  (stay tuned for updates"