Interview
Sylvia Griffin, Marks & Spencer
Claire Phoenix of Beverage Innovation magazine interviews Sylvia Griffin, product developer for Marks & Spencer, about the new moves into functional juices and smoothies.
What was the prompt to develop this range? Was it consumer demand or was it an awareness of functional drinks in the marketplace?
Sylvia Griffin: The functional range was developed across foods in recognition of a growing trend towards functional foods, typified by, for example, probiotics which we have used for some years in dairy and in smoothies. We researched through travel and talking to our customers, to identify their needs and reaction to our concepts, and our nutritionist gave us clear guidelines to follow in terms of the areas to target where we could make a clear claim. For example, bone health, gut health and heart health.
Can you explain the flavours and ingredients chosen and why they meet the needs of consumers?
Griffin: The range chosen includes three juices, two smoothies and two revitalising drinks. We chose the fruit combinations and ingredients for their natural functionality, their flavours, and first and foremost a combination that makes a truly great-tasting product. In this particular smoothie, we love the thick and textured quality achieved through adding date purée and oats to the dairy base.
Smoothies are often consumed as meal replacements such as breakfast on-the-go, and this is a very filling smoothie. The functionality of adding omega-3, calcium and vitamin D enhances the dairy credentials and these are all tasteless in the final blend. The claims are clearly stated for probiotics, omega-3, vitamin D and calcium per 250ml serving and as a percentage of RDA.
What were the tricky points in their development?
Griffin: Allergen handling in the factory such as the omega-3 and ensuring viability to end of shelf life.
And the high points – the time that you punched the air with satisfaction?
Griffin: Achieving a truly delicious and different drink that customers love.
Where do you plan to move next in the smoothie category?
Griffin: Possibly more functional NPD, still to be confirmed.
Sylvia Griffin is product developer in juice, smoothies and soft drinks, beer, lager, cider and spirits for Marks & Spencer, a leading UK retailer selling clothing, food and homeware.
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Beverage Innovation
Beverage Innovation is a monthly periodical examining the new product launches, ingredients, manufacturing and consumption trends in every sector of the non-alcoholic drinks industry.
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