2006 "Build a Better Mousetrap" New Product Innovations of the Year

Non-alcoholic beer for dogs, hot dogs made with salmon, cappuccino-flavored cider and light beer fortified with vitamins were some of the more unusual new product innovations reported in 2006 by Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products.

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2007 "Build a Better Mousetrap" New Product Innovations of the Year

Wasabi flavored sorbet, powdered peanut butter, beer with nicotine and hot dogs coated with yogurt were among the most unusual new product innovations reported worldwide in 2007 by Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products.

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7-Eleven: banking 24-7

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7-Eleven: expanding at a cost

7-Eleven has announced a Q4 net loss of $11.5 million compared to a gain of $17.1 million for Q4 2001. Despite this, the outlook for the company remains strong for 2003. As it continues to improve efficiency and expand, 7-Eleven must take care not to stretch resources too thinly.

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7-Eleven: fueling fitness and fatness

Convenience store 7-Eleven's introduction of the new Formula 7 range of energy drinks and bars highlights the increasingly mainstream nature of the functional food market in the US. But while there is evidence that such products can improve athletes' performance, they may be more damaging to the health of inactive consumers than regular confectionery and carbonated drinks.

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7-Eleven: shaping the convenience industry

Dallas-based 7-Eleven [SE] has grown to become a giant in the convenience store business, in terms of both sales and the immense influence it exercises over the product mix in the industry. Its commitment to product innovation has proved profitable but manufacturer support is required to sustain the flow of new products into the future.

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7UP: green with envy

Attempting to turn things upside down in carbonated soft drinks is a noble goal for Cadbury Schweppes. However, whether it succeeds with its new product - green and caffienated dnL - remains to be seen. The company will need to be more innovative if it is to steal brand loyalty in an already over-crowded flavored soft drink marketplace.

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A Mars a day to keep the doctor away?

Mars has unveiled a new product range that claims to satisfy chocolate lovers' cravings while also being good for the heart. With obesity on the rise, and following clampdowns on junk food in US and European schools, entering the health foods market could be a good move. However, Mars is not the only one to realize this, meaning it could face stiff competition.

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A&P: vintage grocer loses its frills

Following A&P's Q2 loss of $144.7 million, the company is turning to budget-conscious shoppers to boost flagging sales. Its new Food Basics 'mini-supermarkets' take their concept from the increasingly popular dollar stores. However, Food Basics will only pose competition for the likes of Wal-Mart if A&P can maintain low prices and consistent product availability.

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ACSI: consumer satisfaction takes a hit

The latest results of the American Customer Satisfaction Index reveal that consumers have grown less satisfied with food companies over the last year. This is the first time a decline has occurred since 2007. It has been attributed to rising food prices, as well as a "slippage" in quality. Manufacturers should take heed that consumers are clearly becoming more demanding following the recession.

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