Economic times might be helping to entice consumers to opt for in-home coffee consumption; however, consumers are finding ways to ensure that their cups of coffee at home are just as enjoyable. 

 More than 18,000 attendees flocked to Las Vegas to attend the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2012 Annual Meeting & Food Expo, June 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  

 According to a presentation by Chicago-based Mintel at this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo, 89 percent of U.S. parents say they are likely to purchase breakfast foods that their children ask for, and about 40 percent say they will buy a treat for their kids if they ask for it. 

 Efficiency is an important part of any business model.  

 Heart disease continues to be a major health concern in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  

 With beverage-makers constantly innovating their product lines to offer consumers healthier options, consumers are at no loss for choices.  

Beverage manufacturers have more options to choose from these days when developing flavor profiles for new products, but many are sticking to an ingredient with a long-established history — vanilla. 

 The innovative, entrepreneurial spirit that helped Honest Tea, Bethesda, Md., establish its roots in 1998 can still be found within the company 14 years later.  

Whether it’s low-calorie varieties, energy-boosting ingredients or popular flavor trends, the drink mix category has seen a wave of innovations that help it remain competitive in the beverage marketplace. 

Whether it’s reported in the news media, discussed by the office water cooler or written about in blogs, consumers are at no loss for information about the obesity crisis that is affecting the United States.