Intelligent Blends : Robust R&D Lab Performance Shows Potential Growth in New Products
- Intelligent
Blends Research and Development group expands formulation and manufacturing
capabilities in 2021.
- Of the 300+
individual food & beverage formulations finalized by the company, around
70% include a functional ingredient.
- Food and
beverage trends show a strong consumer interest in ingredients that provide
added health and nutritional benefits.
- Experts predict
a 7% compound annual growth rate--from $77.3 billion to $124.1 billion--between
2018 and 2025, and a compound annual growth rate of 8.66% for the global
functional beverage market from 2019-2024.
February 25, 2021
Coffee Geography MagazineIntelligentBlends, a leader in the manufacture of coffee, tea, elixirs, and functional
beverages, has announced the expansion of its robust research and development
lab at their San Diego facility. By expanding its capabilities to address the
growing consumer interest in functional beverages, the company is poised to
offer partners and customers the opportunity to meet consumer needs and
expectations while embracing current food and beverage trends and advancements
in the market.
In addition to these exciting product development
advancements, the lab is also well equipped to support the company's growing
manufacturing and packaging capabilities. From developing the perfect blends
and formulations, to offering a broad selection of packaging options—including
K-Cup®, Compatible with Nespresso® capsules, bagged ground and whole bean
coffee, creamer bags, and stick packs—Intelligent Blends is delivering even
more high-quality, innovative options to customers at every step of their
journey.
The timing for these expanded capabilities could not come
at a better time—both for Intelligent Blends as well as the customers and
partners they serve. Recent data shows that, with consumers being forced to
shelter in place, there has been a 40% surge in non-alcohol sales vs. months
prior to 2020. New York-based Nielsen Data reports that sport drinks sales were
up 7.9% versus the prior year period; water sales have increased 8% over the
same period.
Additionally, people have started looking for in-home
beverage options that provide added health and nutritional benefits. In fact,
for the 52-week data period cited above, weight control, nutritional liquids
and powders netted sales of more than $4 billion—an increase of 5% overall from
previous years. By expanding its formulation capabilities to include the
rapidly growing soluble powder market, Intelligent Blends is able offer their
customers and partners the ability to meet consumers where they are and to
introduce new and innovative options for health-minded coffee and tea lovers.
"They say, 'you are what you eat', but recent trends
indicate it may be time to amend that to include '… and drink'," says Jeff
Mcintosh, Head of Intelligent Blends Research and Development. "Today's
health-conscious consumers are not only looking for tasty beverages to quench
their thirst, they're also seeking products containing beneficial and
functional ingredients. What started as a project dealing with functional
ingredients a few years back, has now turned into a big part of what we
do."
Jeff Mcintoch, Head of R&D
In 2018, the global health ingredients market was valued
at $77.3 billion and is projected to increase—at a compound annual growth rate
of 7%--to reach $124.1 billion by 2025. Similarly, it's estimated that the
global functional beverage market will see a compound annual growth rate of
8.66% from 2019-2024. Experts attribute these numbers to increased health
awareness, specifically in the younger population, which has swayed consumers
from fruit juices and carbonated drinks to functional beverages.
To date,Intelligent Blends Research and Development has
finalized over 300 individual beverage/food formulations and
commercialization--around 70% of which include a functional ingredient. For a
company that opened its doors in 2013 as a co-packer for coffee and tea
K-Cups®, this is a huge leap and a sign of its continued commitment to
high-quality products borne from thoughtful growth and fearless innovation.
Intelligent Blends is a privately held, sustainable
manufacturer of single-serve and bagged beverages, including coffees and teas,
based in Southern California. The company offers co-packing and hospitality
solutions for partners worldwide, while boasting several in-house brands that
are distributed through select e-commerce and retail sites. With a commitment
to creating high-quality, sustainable options for customers and partners,
Intelligent Blends offers unmatchable services and products that are easy and
cost-effective, while never losing sight of the infinite possibilities that
come from flexibility, innovation and a passion for what you do.
