Herbs and botanicals find niche in functional beverage formulations.

Convenience stores saw a sales growth of 2.6 percent in 2010, according to data from Euromonitor International, Chicago, which was a more robust increase than the grocery market overall during the same time period.

Low-calorie, natural, organic and low-sugar are most popular claims made by beverage manufacturers targeting the younger demographic.

New formulations expand the appeal of protein category.

Ingredient solutions provide options for new beverage formulas.

Addressing obesity through formulation, innovation. In early 2010, 28.7 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and older were obese, according to a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta. This is a slight increase from the 2009 estimate of 28 percent, states the September 2010 early release of estimates based on data from the January to March 2010 National Health Interview Survey report.

Demand for more flavor offerings drives juice category.

Laboratory and testing equipment adapt to standard and unique applications.