US spirits market: fashion victim or trendsetter?

Merrill Lynch has warned that the impressive growth in the US spirits market could be founded upon "cyclical", short term movements in demand. Yet such shifts are intrinsic to this image-orientated sector and could be indicative of a wider trend towards consumer experimentation.

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Vitamin-enriched food and drink: US market growing at 7.5% a year

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Vitaminwater: embracing the connectivity mega-trend

Following an online competition to find a new flavor, Coca-Cola's Glaceau Vitaminwater has revealed that its newest variety, which will be available in the US from March 2010, will be named 'Connect'. The competition sparked a lot of consumer participation and so succeeded in driving website traffic, but it remains to be seen whether the drink's actual flavor will hold long-term appeal.

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Wal-Mart: the state of the union

An outlet in Quebec, Canada has become one of the first Wal-Mart [WMT] stores in North America to obtain union certification. Famous for its low prices and infamous for its lower wages, Wal-Mart has long opposed such a move. In light of recent negative publicity, however, resisting unionization could create more woes for the retail giant.

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Whole Foods Market: organic prices remain a barrier

The comparatively high price of organics has been shown to be a stumbling block to market growth. Given that the higher prices typically reflect the true costs of production, manufacturers and retailers worldwide need to place more emphasis on consumer education and price justification.

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Wine: value of brands a constant amongst the change

The wine industry's journey towards integration continues apace, even while some of its larger constituents face shrinking profits. Parts of the industry have been swept by consolidation, but it will take time to change an industry still composed largely of privately owned family firms. In the meantime, the industry's newly emerged giants must focus on retaining brand equity.

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Yakult: targeting US demand for functional health, convenience

Yakult, the Japanese probiotic yogurt drink, is receiving its first launch in the US. Previously only a niche item, Yakult stands to benefit from the increasing maturity in US consumers' desires for credible, convenient nutraceutical solutions.

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