The Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2011 Annual Meeting & Food Expo took place June 11-14 in New Orleans. The event attracted food professionals from around the world as well as 900 exhibiting companies. At the keynote panel, journalist Michael Specter and panelists representing the food industry tackled the question about how to go about changing the image of food science in the marketplace. Specter, who is a staff writer for The New Yorker, stated that U.S. consumers tend to mistrust science, which includes a wide-ranging — although unsubstantiated — mistrust of genetically modified foods.

YouTonics reformulated, repackaged and expanded its line of collagen protein drinks.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR) introduced Wellness Brewed beverages, a collection of K-Cup packs created to enhance consumers’ wellness lifestyles.

 In the “Schoolhouse Rock!” episode “The Energy Blues,” an animated globe sang “Sometimes I think I’m runnin’ out of energy.”  

Popeye Energy commissioned McLean Design to design the packaging for its supplement blend, which contains 70 percent fruit juice, vitamins and a proprietary energy blend that includes natural caffeine, according to the design firm.