FEEL-GOOD FOOD!

I'm working on a new Food Trend with the working name 'Feel-Good Food'. It's all about instant gratification foods that give you a lift, a mood-boost or an overall healthy outlook . . . instantaneously. We all know about long-term healthy foods, but these are 'of-the-moment' healthy tidbits. 

Maybe it's South American guarana for a caffeine-like boost or watermelon to increase your dopamine or even crystallized ginger to remedy a hangover. 

Do you have one?

TASTE THE TRENDS!

We live in a multi-sensory world; we experience it everyday.  To that end, we are offering an Edible Trends Presentation and food-forward experience.  

We present the food trends -- then taste them!  

Based on your brand's needs, we then brainstorm innovative solutions, new product ideas, line extensions and branding messages, based on these trends, consumer insights and your own brand pillars.

www.40CarrotsInnovate.com

WHY LITTLE IS BIG

The consumer packaged foods world is split in two, with a tug of war between mainstream, established brands and small indie-crafted brands.

There was a time when consumers trusted the big brands, as they were bastions of corporate efficiency, economy and representative of family tastes and preferences; who didn't grow up on Oreos?  But now we know better.  From artisan flatbreads to healthy cookies (www.4oclockcookie.com) to hand-made jams and crafted brews . . . consumers demand, look forward to, support and delight in creative new products.  Innovation is Queen!

I want to introduce you all to my new venture:

The 4:00 Cookie -- just what you want and need to satisfy those afternoon cravings!  A healthy, delicious cookie that never gives you more cravings . . . because we use low glycemic sweeteners and lots of healthy goodies.  Under 200 calories.  No white sugar or white flour.  Healthy-good!
Order them now: www.4oclockcookie.com

Debra Holstein Innovate new website

Hi everyone:

Today my new website goes live -- it's still www.debraholstein.com, but it is a new and updated site for the evolution of my company.  We are now Debra Holstein Innovate, offering such services as:

ACTIVATE: TREND reports and brainstorming that help activate your brand's potential (cultural, food and beauty)

CREATE: NEW PRODUCTS, NEW BRANDS, LINE EXTENSIONS, PROTOTYPES

RENOVATE: BRANDING AND POSITIONING by bringing your brand into the future with its own blueprint

MODERATE: RESEARCH with a TWIST, including:
  . Qual-Ovation: adds a creatively innovative overlay to your research projects
  . Ethno-Insights: all-new ethnographies and anthropological studies
  . Concept Construct: qualitative ConJoint analyses for branding and positioning
  . Quali-Quant: on-line studies and creative analyses

Let's build your brand into the future . . .

Debbie

BOND GIRLS

Girls/women love to bond.  Women state that they get an 'emotional high' from talking and bonding with girlfriends.  Hence, all the Girls' Night Outs, Manicure Dates, Let's Do Lunches and Chick-Flick Nights.  Research even shows that bonding with girlfriends keeps us physically healthy.

So how can companies capitalize on this trend? 

. Food companies can sponsor Tasting Parties when bringing out new products. 
. Clothing companies can send samples to bloggers and have them share posts with their followers. 
. Fragrance companies can conduct Naming contests among Friendship Teams.
. Beverage companies can offer Drink Sipping Nights at local bars or restaurants (even non-alcoholic).

Anytime women get together, there is more fun, companionship, warmth and spontaneity -- and all of this rubs off to provide a positive halo to the brands at hand.

BOND GIRLS RULE . . . or GIRLS WHO BOND RULE.



 

Technological Schizophrenia

Consumers exhibit a bit of Technological Schizophrenia.  They love the productivity, efficiency and fun of technology and gadgets, but still seek natural and comforting elements as well.  And look where we find our combinations of High Tech /Low Tech, the best of both worlds:

- Computerized Picture Frames: high tech rotating pictures with the comfort of family and good times

- Wii Fit: exercise the 'new-fashioned' way; you vs. the high-tech simulation of your favorite sport

- Smart Refrigerators: they know when you're running low on your family favorites, from milk to ketchup to yogurt

- Natural Skin Care: combining organic, earthy ingredients with scientific know-how

- Keurig Coffeemakers: high-tech instant way to make homey coffees and hot chocolate

We want it all: high-tech science (for results) plus low-tech formulas (for comfort).

The best of both worlds.