Using 2012 Food & Beverage Trends in your New Product Launch

Publicis sees these trends as opportunities for new product development. "Publicis helps our clients develop better products and create more successful new product launch programs. We have invested in a full culinary center to develop innovative recipes based on the trends we see, most recent trends being perpetual snacking and mini bites. We have also installed an urban garden to understand the early urban gardening trends." According to Joy.

I asked Steve and Joy to leave us with takeaways that food entrepreneurs can see as examples of using their Top 12 Food & Nutrition Trends for 2012 Report in a New Product Launch strategy.

If you are in wine business, the trend of Wine Cred means you should consider sharing a deeper story about your winery so your customers can become your brand evangelists and share these stories with other customers.

If your brand sells comfort foods, you need to look at some innovation and variety. The trends point to comfort foods being played out. Look to restaurants and chefs for inspiration… many chefs tweet their new ideas and signature dishes .

At Trader Joes, check out how comfort food is repurposed. If you don't have a Trader Joe in your area, follow blogs such as What's Good at Trader Joes for inspiration. Check out their Turkey Meatloaf Muffins… yes you heard this correctly. Trader Joes creates a mini meatloaf cake in the shape if a muffin and tops it off with mashed potatoes that give the appearance of cupcake icing.

Finally for Portionable Products (mini bites, small bites) if you are a baker, think of a more portionable baked products like mini cupcakes or pop cakes or even mini pies, a recipe created by the California Milk Advisory Board .