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As consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers get ready to transition into the 2016 calendar year, Chicago-based Mintel released its “2016 Food & Drink Trends” report. The 12 trends cover a range of topics including eCommerce and natural formulations.

The movement to become closer to one’s food source and consumers craving more healthful food and beverage options have buoyed the growth of the $53.5 billion natural and organic business, according to Rockville, Md.-based Packaged Fact’s July 2014 report titled “Natural and Organic Foods and Beverages in the U.S., 4th Edition.”

SKU proliferation has left its mark on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market. But innovative new products aren’t just for the retail shelves. Foodservice operations also are developing new beverages to entice consumers.

The start of the 2015-2016 school year is just around the corner, and students between the ages of five and 18 will continue to find healthier beverages and snacks in vending machines, a la carte lines and school stores due to the Smart Snacks in School regulation enacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in July 2014.

Jamba Juice Co., Emeryville, Calif., is teaming up with ClassPass, the premier fitness membership, for a special event collaboration to unveil three new flavor additions to its Freshly Squeezed Juice line: Veggie Vitality, Cucumber Orange Cooler and Orange Supreme.

Dunkin' Donuts, Canton, Mass.,announced that fruit smoothies and other new frozen beverages will be added to its lineup.

Smart technology, government mandates and consumer expectations are changing the face of the vending channel.

VideoMining Corp., State College, Pa., announced the results of two national studies that found shoppers are spending less time in supermarkets and more time in convenience stores.

Manufacturers and retailers continually are searching for ways to optimize shopper satisfaction through category management. But while the overall idea remains the same, the ways manufacturers and retailers go about this process changes as trends evolve.