Expert Panelist Phil Lempert of Supermarket Guru

With thousands of new food and beverage launches each year, new consumer packaged goods enter an extremely competitive market where it’s difficult to create a memorable impact on passive consumers. One of the recurring trends that we are finding in the CPG industry is using to catch consumer’s attention is the promise of simplification and convenience.

Food marketing expert Phil Lempert, the force behind SupermarketGuru.com, is a pioneer in news information media, specializing in consumer behavior. Here, he offers up his top five nominations for the 2011 MMNPL survey.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast

With five new microwavable breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, entrées, sandwiches and French toast), Aunt Jemima is providing consumers with simple solutions for busy weekday mornings from a brand they already know and associate with a tasty breakfast. Calling on the slogan “Just Add Warmth,” these homemade tasting items can be prepared in just minutes using a toaster or microwave.

David’s Jumbo Sunflower Seeds

America’s favorite in-shell sunflower seeds are delicious and fun to eat anytime, anywhere, but the launch of their Jumbo Seeds is accompanied by a variety of new flavors, including Bar-B-Q, Ranch, and Chili Lime. It also exhibits new, portable packaging for convenient on-the-go enjoyment!

Dole Mixed Fruit Bowls

While most other fruit bowls contain fruit in syrup or other artificial sweeteners, Dole’s Mixed Fruit Bowls offer a healthier option, with all-natural fruit in 100% fruit juice. Awarded the 2011 Chefs Best Award for Best Taste, Dole’s Fruit Bowls are the perfect choice for a quick, healthy snack at home, in the office, or on-the-go.

Orville Redenbacher Pop up Bowl

The unique design of Orville Redenbacher’s Pop up Bowl demonstrates innovation at its finest: a microwave popcorn bag that opens on the side and morphs into a perfect popcorn bowl. By cutting out a buttery bag that only causes a greasy mess, this product has addressed the strong consumer need for convenience and simplification, ultimately revolutionizing your typical popcorn-eating experience.

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets

To address hectic family schedules during the back-to-school season, Kraft launched a new line of just-add-meat dinner kits that grant parents convenience and ease in the kitchen, allowing them to whip up a non-microwavable meal in no time. It solves the problem of wanting a home cooked meal, but not having a lot of time to prepare it. A pouch of Velveeta to mix in the meal is easier than mixing in powder, milk and butter, making this a quicker and easier option over other boxed meal kits.

MMNPL Expert Panelist Elissa Elan of Nation’s Restaurant News Nominates This Year’s Top Fast Food Innovations

With intense competition in the category, fast food restaurants are going beyond just the “burger and fries” menu to offer more diverse and healthy options. Quick-service restaurants expert, Elissa Elan of Nation’s Restaurant News, has been following these new food trends and offers her nominations* for the most memorable fast food innovations of the year (product choices by Elissa, summaries compiled by the MMNPL staff).

McDonald’s Smoothies

This summer, McDonald’s vowed to “change the way you look at fruit” with its new Real Fruit Smoothies. Offered in Wild Berry and Strawberry Banana flavors, these new McCafe blends are creamy and cool, creating an entirely new fruit experience. The introduction of the sweet new smoothies and their partner, the Frappe, resulted in a jump in sales for the fast food giant, while solidifying the smoothie’s place in the restaurant world.

Subway’s Western Egg & Cheese Melt

In April, Subway joined the fast food breakfast trend with a new line of breakfast sandwiches. Served on a wheat English muffin, with black forest ham, green peppers, onions and melted cheese, the Western Egg & Cheese is a breakfast delight for less than 200 calories. Customers can mix it up with bread choices such as flatbread or French bread, and can customize their breakfasts with all the fixings Subway’s sandwich bar has to offer. With Subway restaurants now opening at 7am on weekday mornings, this sandwich king has quickly become a major player in the breakfast game.

Burger King Steakhouse XT Burger

Burger King stayed true to its name this year, with the introduction of the huge seven-ounce Steakhouse XT burger. Launched in February, the Steakhouse XT is a thick burger topped with lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo, with options such as cheese, bacon and crispy onions. The unique attraction of the Steakhouse XT is not, however, it’s massive size and delicious taste, but the way the burger is grilled. Burger King’s new Flex Broiler has serious grilling skills, while saving energy and reducing gas emissions, making this tasty burger environmentally friendly.

Wendy’s Garden Sensations Salads

This summer, Wendy’s revived their salad line with the return of the Garden Sensations Salads, first introduced in 2002. The salad line includes: Apple Pecan Chicken, Baja, Spicy Chicken Caesar and BLT Cobb salads. All are hand-made daily by Wendy’s, with fresh ingredients not often found in fast-food restaurants. Seasonal fruit, fresh greens, hand-made pico de gallo and crispy bacon make these salads a delicious alternative to the fast-food burger. All four salads weigh in at less than 800 calories, offering customers a healthy, high-quality and delicious menu option.

Popeyes Wicked Chicken

Introduced in May 2010, Popeyes’ new Wicked Chicken is a fun and flavorful way of offering boneless chicken. Marinated with authentic Louisiana seasonings, hand-battered and breaded in the restaurants, Wicked Chicken is wickedly good. Served crispy, twisty and curly, these thin chicken strips are delicious, affordable and perfect for dipping.

*Not all products chosen by the MMNPL expert panelists are guaranteed to be included in the MMNPL survey due to our rigorous criteria for selecting new products.

For more information on Elissa Elan, please visit out expert panel page.
For more information on upcoming MMNPL products, see our Twitter handle, @MMNPL.

MMNPL Expert Panelist Piera Jolly, of JollyMom.com, Nominates Memorable Products for Moms

When reviewing memorable products from the past year, it only makes sense to tap into the group responsible for more than 80% of home purchasing decisions – moms. Piera Jolly, a mother, and the founder and editor-in-chief of JollyMoms.com, is dedicated to providing useful parenting information, products and trends. Here are Piera’s nominations* for the most memorable mommy-friendly products of the year.

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Ninja Kitchen Master Prep

The Ninja Kitchen Master is an all-in-one blender, food processor, smoothie/drink maker and mini food chopper. Launched in September 2009, the large 48oz pitcher has extreme cutting power, an interchangeable motor head and is dishwasher/microwave safe.

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Why Piera chose the Ninja Master Prep: The Master Prep is one and of the most useful small kitchen appliances I have come across in a long time. It can literally replace a blender, food processor, smoothie/drink maker and mini food chopper. It can even make ice cream, snow cones and sorbets. Because it does so much, the Ninja frees up a lot of counter and cabinet space for those of us who live in small spaces. My two favorite features are the power of the dual blade and convenience of the interchangeable motor head. The Ninja Master Prep’s dual blade can take entire ice cubes and turn them into snow within seconds. The interchangeable motor head also allows you to go from job to job without cleaning anything. The Ninja Master Prep is perfect when cooking for large parties, as you can go from one meal prep job to the next within minutes. This gadget is definitely a space, time and sanity saver in the kitchen!

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Barnes and Noble’s Nook

Launched October 2009, the Nook is a wireless eBook Reader with E Ink display. It is the first eBook reader with a color touch screen and Android operating system, and allows the user full access to Barnes and Noble’s eBook, newspaper, and magazine collection. The Nook also connects consumers to 3G wireless and Wi-Fi. Nook owners can also “lend” eBooks to friends through LendMe technology for fourteen days.

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Why Piera chose the Nook: What makes the Nook better than other eBook readers is the LendMe technology, which allows readers to lend their eBooks to friends and family! Just choose the eBook you want to share and send it to your friend’s Nook, computer or hand-held device enabled with Nook software. This means that you can share books with people who don’t have a Nook–they only have to have a Nook enabled device. FREE Nook software is available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android devices and PC. Couple the awesome features with a phenomenal price tag and the NOOK is definitely one of the best products of 2010!

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Bumbleride Flite Stroller

The Flite is a new addition to the Bumbleride Stroller line. Launched February 2010, it is a lightweight and compact stroller, weighing only 13lbs with an aluminum frame. The stroller has four-wheel suspension, wider profile tires, and an ultra slim fold allowing the carriage to be stored in tight spots. It functions and feels like a larger stroller without the extra size and weight.

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Why Piera chose the Bumbleride Flite: Any mom or dad that has owned a Bumbleride stroller knows they are always top notch quality. What I love about the Flite in particular is that it offers parents the most versatility and value for their money. Unlike most umbrella strollers, the Flite’s four wheel suspension and larger/wider profile tires make it a cinch to get through tight spaces, giving parents the best maneuverability. Despite its small footprint, the Flite is spacious and comfortable and really feels like a full size stroller. The best feature of all is that it can be used from infancy and up to 50 pounds making the Flite a great value! It even comes with a car seat adapter and is compatible with many of the most popular infant car seats on the market.
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VTech MobiGo

The new MobiGo, introduced in February 2010, is a touch screen game console for children 3-8 years old and combines touch screen technology with early learning games to aid in skill development. Users can play interactive games, draw/color pictures and use the sliding QWERTY keyboard.

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Why Piera chose Mobigo: The VTech MobiGo teaches a wide range of skills including math, vocabulary, spelling, logic and categorization. The MobiGo comes with one basic game called Touch & Learn, but there are also 11 other game cartridges. Plus, you can also download free games with VTechs Learning Lodge Software. The MobiGo is a great way for kids to learn while having fun!

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Sport-Brella

The Sport-Brella is a beach umbrella, sun tent and rain shelter. The 9-foot wide umbrella was launched in March 2010 and protects against rain, wind and sun with SPF 50+ shade protection. The waterproof structure has side flaps, top wind vents, and side zippered windows, and also has pockets inside the protected flaps for storage.

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Why Piera chose the Sport-Brella: The Sport-Brella is one of the most convenient and easy-to-use products of 2010–especially for families! The Sport-Brella opens just like an umbrella and is compact just like an umbrella; however, once open the Sport-Brella has side flaps that you stake down to the ground, providing the best in both sun and weather protection. The Sport-Brella is perfect for active families who attend sporting events throughout the year. The compact size of the Sport-Brella makes it easy to just keep in the car and use whenever it’s needed. Of course, it is also great for the beach, pool, camping, and more.

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H17txt with Motospeak

The H17 is a new Text-to-Speech Bluetooth headset launched at Verizon Wireless in April 2010. When paired with the application, the headset, will read text messages in real time. The user can also customize an automated response that alerts senders the user is driving.

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Why Piera chose the H17txt with Motospeak: The H17txt with Motospeak is a bluetooth headset that actually reads text and email messages to you as they come in and tells you who sent each message. Now you can keep your eyes on the road–where they belong! The H17txt with Motospeak has many great features, but my favorite is that you can customize an automated response letting the person who just texted or emailed you know that you will respond as soon as you reach your destination. This is an awesome feature because many times we feel obligated to respond to a text message or email right away–especially if it concerns business matters. The H17txt can even translate 150 acronyms such as “lol”, “btw” and “l8r” when the text message is read aloud. With people becoming more aware of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, the H17txt with Motospeak is a must-have for drivers not willing or able to totally give up their cell phones in the car.

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VTech V.Reader

Launched June 2010, as the first children’s animated e-book system, the V.Reader provides children with building blocks and fun practicing skills. There are over 100 stories available with similar functions to the Kindle. It has touch-screen navigation and is designed for children 3-8 years old. It is lightweight, user-friendly and educational.

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Why Piera chose the V.Reader: The V.Reader operates on a highly intuitive touch screen and it even comes with a stylus pen for kids to use. The story cartridges each come with a story and a variety of educational games designed to build reading skills. Kids will learn about reading comprehension, build their vocabulary, work on phonetics and more. Just like a book, kids “turn the page” in these animated stories either by touching the screen or with the two large buttons at the bottom of the V.Reader. In addition, during the story kids can touch the page to interact with the characters. There’s even a dictionary that will read children the definition of words in child-friendly language that kids will understand. All of these interactive features make the V.Reader highly engaging and a lot of fun for kids!

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Personal Microderm System

The Personal Microderm System is a home skin treatment designed to restore and renew skin. Introduced in July 2010, this hand-held device uses aluminum oxide crystals to smooth away dead skin cells, diminishing signs of aging.

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Why Piera chose the Personal Microderm:  The Personal Microderm System is basically a hand-held microdermabrasion device for the home. In a spa or dermatologists office, you would pay $100-$200 per microdermabrasion treatment, with weekly treatments for a couple of months for the best results. The Personal Microderm System uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as the $10,000 machines found at a dermatologist’s office, but for a tiny fraction of the cost. For the cost of just one trip to the dermatologist, all women can get professional results at home without having to spend a fortune.

*Not all products chosen by the MMNPL expert panelists are guaranteed to be included in the MMNPL survey due to our rigorous criteria for selecting new products.

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For more information on Piera Jolly, please visit our expert panel page.

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For more information on upcoming MMNPL products, see our Twitter handle, @MMNPL.

Expert Panelist Deborah Cassell of Candy Industry Nominates Products for MMNPL Survey

Several new and delicious candies and snacks were introduced this year. From innovative sweet and salty combinations, to revamped classics, to healthy snacks – the food industry delivered a wealth of tasty temptations. Food and candy expert, Deborah Cassell, executive editor of Candy Industry and Retail Confectioner magazines at BNP Media, gives us her picks on which 2010 treats were the most memorable* (product selections from Deborah, summaries compiled by MMNPL staff).

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Yogi Granola Crisps

Using ingredients to support the mind, body and spirit, Yogi blended its new Granola Crisps with its signature “ancient” grains. Launched in December 2009, these crunchy, bite-sized flakes offer intrigue and the perfect amount of sweetness in three flavors: baked cinnamon raisin, fresh strawberry crunch, and mountain blueberry flax.

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FunkyChunky’s Chip-Zel-Pop

A new addition to the FunkyChunky family in July 2010, Chip-Zel-Pop is a unique blend of sweet and salty that will leave you begging for more. This tantalizing treat features FunkyChunky’s fresh, buttery caramel corn, salty pretzels and crunchy potato chips, drizzled with rich caramel and dark, milk and white chocolates. Yumeliciousness for sure.

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Popcorners by Medora Snacks

In August 2010, all-natural Popcorners changed the shape of popcorn. A delicious snack with the snap of a chip and the wholesome goodness of popcorn, Popcorners are popped with real corn and the finest all natural ingredients. With butter, kettle, sea salt and white cheddar flavors, you can satisfy your cravings and snack smartly.

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Newman’s Own Organics Licorice Twists

Newman’s Own introduced the first licorice twist made from organic products in August 2010. This candy is great for health-conscious consumers, as it is low in fat and sodium and contains no trans-fats or cholesterol. A healthier alternative, Newman’s Own Organics Licorice Twists come in great tasting strawberry, pomegranate, tangerine and original flavors.

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Nestle Butterfinger Snackerz

The newest creation from Butterfinger is the Butterfinger Snackerz. Launched in September 2010, these bite-sized treats have a smooth, Butterfinger flavored center, topped with a peanut butter drizzle. As always, Butterfinger satisfies your taste buds with its crispy, crunchy, buttery flavor.

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*Not all products chosen by the MMNPL expert panelists are guaranteed to be included in the MMNPL survey due to our rigorous criteria for selecting new products.

For more information on Deborah Cassell, please visit our expert panel page.

For more information on the upcoming MMNPL survey, check back regularly and follow us on twitter, @MMNPL.

MMNPL Expert Panelist, Ross Rubin of Engadget, Makes MMNPL Predictions (part 2 of 2)

This year has been a whirlwind for the technology sector. New and innovative products, from cameras to e-readers to products that connect the gap between your PC and TV, have grabbed the media’s and consumer’s attention. This makes for great MMNPL survey competition and Ross Rubin, Consumer Electronics columnist for Engadget, has some interesting nominations* for the MMNPL top 10 electronic products of the year.  See his list below and don’t forget to take a look at last week’s picks for additional MMNPL contenders.

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Barnes & Noble Nook

The Nook introduced several new dynamics into the e-reader market. It was an Android-based device that included a second, color screen. It also supported limited lending capabilities. Barnes & Noble supported the launch well online and especially in-store, and made it available to Best Buy as well.

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Logitech Revue

The first add-on box to support Google TV, the Logitech Revue promised to open up a world of Web content and Android applications to the television. Google TV is also being integrated into Sony televisions.

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Sony NEX-3/NEX-5

Arguably the most innovative digital camera introduced in 2010, these slim cameras included a full DSLR-sized sensor in a very slim package for great image and video quality all in a compact camera.

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Netgear Push2TV

While not a household name, Push2TV was the receiving end of Intel’s WiDi feature, which has been an important new standard for bridging the PC and television in the home.

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Microsoft Kinect for XBox 360

While all three major home consoles now support motion-sensing, Kinect captured imaginations by completely doing away with the controller and inspiring many to believe it was the next revolution in user input after multitouch.

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*Not all products chosen by the MMNPL expert panelists are guaranteed to be included in the MMNPL survey due to our rigorous criteria for selecting new products.

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For more information on Ross Rubin, please visit our expert panel page.
For more information on upcoming MMNPL products, see our Twitter handle, @MMNPL.

Ross Rubin of Engadget Nominates Top Tech Products for the MMNPL Survey (part 1 of 2)

The whirlwind year of product launches for the technology sector has made for great MMNPL survey competition, and Ross Rubin, Consumer Electronics columnist for Engadget and 2010 MMNPL Expert Panelist, has nominated* ten great new introductions. This first post includes five of Ross’ choices.

Motorola Droid

Debuting in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Droid was Verizon Wireless’s first Android phone and its strongest competitor to date against the iPhone. Verizon Wireless made a huge push promoting the handset and including it in BOGO promotions. The Droid spearheaded Android to become the best-selling smartphone OS in the U.S.

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Apple iPhone 4

The launch of the latest version of Apple’s industry-reshaping handset was marked with many distinctions, including a leak well in advance of its announcement and the “Antennagate” controversy. Still, the iPhone 4 became Apple’s fastest-selling product ever, due in part to its international launch. The iPhone 4′s front-facing camera also supported Apple’s FaceTime videoconferencing application.

Apple iPad

Apple’s tablet has defined a new category between a smartphone and notebook. It is beating all but the most optimistic estimates for how many units it would sell in the first year and is attracting many novel apps and accessories.

 

 

 

 

Panasonic TC-P50VT20

This 3D television was the first one sold at Best Buy and kicked off the 3D era. 3D is now spreading to multiple product categories as it builds an ecosystem similar to that of HD and is expected to be a popular feature in the next few years.

 

 

HTC EVO 4G

The first 4G phone in the U.S., the EVO 4G stole the show at the spring CTIA Wireless show. It is a technology tour de force, including a 4.3″ display, Android 2.1, HDMI, high-definition video capture, mobile hotspot features for up to eight users, and a front-facing camera.

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*Not all products chosen by the MMNPL expert panelists are guaranteed to be included in the MMNPL survey due to our rigorous criteria for selecting new products.

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For more information on Ross Rubin, please visit our expert panel page.

For more information on the upcoming 2010 MMNPL survey, check back regularly and follow us on Twitter @MMNPL

Announcing the 2010 MMNPL Expert Panel!

New for 2010, we are pleased to announce a panel of product launch experts that will nominate their picks for the most memorable new product introductions to be included in the MMNPL survey. Below, you’ll find a list of the 2010 expert panelists (full profiles and bios can be found on the Expert Panel page). Look for product nominations from these experts that will be published on our blog.

TECHNOLOGY:

Ross Rubin
Consumer Electronics Columnist
Engagdet

FOOD and BEVERAGE (Consumer Packaged Goods):

Char Partelow
Senior Vice President
SymphonyIRI Group

Deborah Cassell
Executive Editor
Candy Industry Magazine

Lynn Dornblaser
Director, CPG Trend Insight
Mintel Research Consultancy

FOOD and BEVERAGE (Quick Service Restaurants):

Elissa Elan
East Coast Bureau Chief, New York
Nation’s Restaurant News

OTHER CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS:

Lynn Dornblaser
Director, CPG Trend Insight
Mintel Research Consultancy

 

Pauline Hammerbeck
Editor in Chief
Brand Packaging

Char Partelow
Senior Vice President
SymphonyIRI Group

 

TOYS:

Dan Curto
Reviews Editor
Rebelscum.com and CoolToyReview.com

MOMMY BLOGS:

Piera Jolly
Editor-in-Chief
JollyMom.com

AUTOMOTIVE:

Wayne Cunningham
Senior Editor
CNET’s Car Tech channel