PepsiCo patent would boost beverage aromas PepsiCo is seeking a patent protecting a technique that would create an "aroma delivery system" for beverages. "Research has shown that aromas in some instances can have substantial impact on consumer perception of the taste of a beverage or other food, trigger a favorable emotional response, elicit a favorable memory, and/or otherwise improve overall product performance," said Peter Given, one of the inventors of the process. BeverageDaily.com (France) (9/10)  | It's time to give your technology a performance review
These 12 questions can help you determine if technology is helping your business or holding it back. Did you know the right technology can help even the smallest businesses compete in a crowded marketplace? Download the Microsoft Assess Your Tech Guide to learn how to maximize your technology investment. |
 | Convenience and value still key to U.S. snack consumers U.S. consumers are now eating three snacks a day, up from 2.1 from 2009. However, consumers are still spending less, so value and convenience remain key factors for food- and beverage-makers, said Larry Levin, executive general manager for Information Resources. "This year's most powerful beverage launches of 2012 met the bar for convenience while also addressing other key trends. The increased prevalence of on-the-go eating has strengthened consumers' desire for convenient and portable satiation," said IRI Times & Trends Editor Susan Viamari. BevIndustry.com (9/10) Mintel: U.K. market for after-school snacks largely untapped U.K. snack-makers should take advantage of an untapped market for after-school snacks, says Amy Price, a senior food and drink analyst at Mintel. Research by the company shows that 86% of 7- to 15-year-olds snack at least once a day, with more than half snacking several times a day. Popular snacks include fresh fruit, salty items and chocolate. "You're not allowed to target kids, but you have to meet their needs; use of colorful, fun and easy packaging appeals," Price said. BakeryAndSnacks.com (France) (9/10)  | World's Largest Online-Only Grocer Innovates with Google
Find out how Ocado, the world's largest online-only grocer, innovated its way to happier customers with Google Apps, Google Cloud Platform and Google Maps. Join us for a live Hangout On Air on Thursday, September 12, at 8 a.m. PST. RSVP for the event now. |
 | Trident turns to Vine to promote products Trident Gum is the latest brand to turn to the Twitter-owned six-second video platform Vine to air its commercial. The commercial features 24-year-old Brooklyn musicians Nicholas Megalis and Rudy Mancuso singing about the gum's "layers of flavor." Other brands, including Dunkin' Donuts, Nissan and Virgin Mobile, have used Vine in the past to promote products. Adweek/AdFreak blog (9/10) Brands can boost mobile marketing by connecting with customers Two-thirds of marketers say they don't understand how to leverage mobile marketing for their brands, even though more than half of customers go online for coupons and product comparison. Marketing expert Kevin Quartz said marketers must know what motivates customers and customize their online and mobile brand to meet their needs. "When it comes to social media and mobile promotions, it's all about content marketing. Give consumers information they want, when they want it, and how they want to receive it," he said. Progressive Grocer (9/10)  | New white paper: Overcoming challenges of asset management amid declining federal budgets
Modern asset management solutions are often no longer included in large program budgets and logistics professionals and engineers at federal agencies are being tasked to do more with less and extend the service life of existing assets. Agencies must find other ways to modernize their asset management solutions - learn how in the free white paper. |
 | Patent sought by WhiteWave for 'light milk' WhiteWave Services has filed a patent application for "light milk." The milk is a low-calorie alternative to skim milk that retains the flavor and consistency of regular milk. Invented last year by Stephen McCready and Emily Marie Darchuk, light milk can be made up of "any suitable combination of ingredients," including skim milk, whole milk powder, flavors and stabilizers, according to WhiteWave's patent application. BeverageDaily.com (France) (9/10) |  | The best educated human being is the one who understands most about the life in which he is placed." -- Helen Keller, American writer and political activist | | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions. | | Publisher, Food & Beverage: Chris Warne P: 646.462.4647 | | | | |
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