PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FiberChoice ® chewable fiber supplements today launched the "Choices for Better Health" nationwide sweepstakes to support the simple ways that Americans can defend their health each day. The 28-day campaign lives on Twitter and encourages people to share the small, smart choices they make for overall health and wellness. Each day, FiberChoice® will select and provide funding toward one of the posted choices, in an effort to help sponsor healthy routines and lifestyles.

It seems that on a daily basis brands are embracing social media in food to create an emotional and aspirational connection transcending the features and benefits of the product.

We all know that healthy decisions and lifestyle changes are daunting. FiberChoice focuses on the importance that even the smallest of choices can have a big impact on your health, mindset and life.  A d leading nutrition expert Dr. Susan Mitchell states "In time, these small changes will become second nature and can lead to healthy routines that you can maintain."

"One healthy commitment that many Americans aren't currently making is to get enough fiber in their diets," continues Dr. Mitchell. "The majority only get half the recommended daily amount of fiber, which is important in helping to maintain immunity and digestive health."

A prebiotic fiber supplement like FiberChoice® is a simple, convenient way for people to help close the gap between the fiber they get from food and the additional fiber they need. WE here much about Probiotcs and Prebiotics appear to be the next trend in digestive health. Prebiotic inulin fiber helps the good bacteria in the digestive system grow and thrive, supporting overall health and helping avoid digestive problems.

They encourage consumers to tweet their healthy choices - as it relates to nutrition, fitness or overall lifestyle - by using the #MYCHOICE hashtag and @reply FiberChoice. Each day, the brand will sponsor one healthy choice in addition to awarding a grand prize spa vacation at the end of the 28-day campaign.

In addition to promoting "buzz" about FiberChoice, this is a great way to gather consumer usage information that can be applied to future product development and future marketing campaigns. This is another case where the traditional focus groups used by marketers is slowly moving out being replaced by blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

"We are thrilled to launch a social media campaign based on the premise that a busy lifestyle doesn't have to mean sacrificing healthy choices," said Rachel Ferdinando, vice president, GI Marketing, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. "We recognize that people are trying to live healthier, so we're excited to help support the small choices people make each day to defend their health."

Karl Lagerfeld and Rachel Bilson Unveil Original Film Series Inspired by Magnum Ice Cream During the Tribeca Film Festival

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Flashbulbs and fanfare greeted a new star during the Tribeca Film Festival on April 21, as creative genius Karl Lagerfeld and style-setting starlet Rachel Bilson unveiled an original film series to introduce the U.S. to Magnum® - a super-premium ice cream recognized around the world as a symbol of indulgent pleasure - now available nationwide.

Social Media in food is rally ramping up as a tool for new product launches at the Tribeca Film Festival. Creative genius Karl Lagerfeld and style-setting starlet Rachel Bilson unveiled an original film series to introduce the U.S. to Magnum® - a super-premium ice cream recognized around the world as a symbol of indulgent pleasure - now available nationwide.

The series of videos directed by Karl Lagerfeld and starring Rachel Bilson are not only inspired by premium Magnum ice cream, they are an integral part of the Magnum new product launch here in the US. The videos move far and way from the features and benefits of Magnum ice cream bars... they provide a look into the pleasurable lifestyle Magnum ice cream has cultivated around the world for more than 20 years.

Read More...

In the Shadow of Competition, the Soy Market Slumps, Reports Mintel CHICAGO, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While it was once the must-have 'super food,' essential for any healthy diet, according to a new report from Mintel and data from SPINS, the soy food and beverage market declined 16% from 2008 to 2010. While some of this fall is due to the recession and consumers cutting back on premium-priced soy items, competition from other heart healthy foods and good-tasting, soy-free milk alternatives are also challenging the industry and hampering soy sales.

"Aside from the depressed economy, consumers are experiencing soy burnout," says David Browne, senior analyst at Mintel. "Not too long ago, American consumers were told soy is a 'super food' that they can't get enough of, but now they're hearing that they may be getting too much. With soy aversion now a relevant concern, there are tons of competitive products available that have made it easy to switch to something new."

According to Mintel's research, at least half of survey respondents use soy because they like the taste. Data suggest that health benefits resonate more with under-35s than their older counterparts. Interestingly, taste is also the main reason non-soy users steer clear of soy (45%). About a quarter of these non-users also indicate that soy is too expensive.

In terms of household usage, soy sauce is the most widely used soy product (42%), followed somewhat distantly by soy-based products that feature soy's flavor/characteristics more prominently, including soymilk (19%), soy protein-based energy bars (15%), and edamame (14%).

"Product developers may be able to gain new users by blending soy ingredients with nuts and grains to create innovative, better tasting, and possibly more affordable food and beverages," adds David Browne. "Among those who prefer alternatives to soy, 34% report having a preference for other non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk or oat milk and 21% specifically prefer almond milk."

Looking ahead, Mintel expects that the market for soy food and beverages won't perform well, declining another 17% during 2010 to 2012. This is primarily due to several factors including competitive non-soy-based product threats, higher ingredient prices passed on to consumers, soy burnout, and soy allergies. About Mintel Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 38 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com. . Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews.