In recent years, growing numbers of Americans have expressed a desire to practice healthy eating habits,  according to news and market research reports. Yet somewhat paradoxically, more households are also turning over at least some of the food purchase decisions to a population demographic not known historically for exercising great judgement: Children and teenagers.

One of the more peculiar casualties of the Internet age has been the changing role of veterinarians when it comes to the sale of certain pet medication.  For instance, during much of the 20th Century, veterinarians did very well selling “ethical” (exclusive to the veterinary channel, though not prescription) brands of flea/tick spot-ons such as Frontline and Advantage.

However, during the past decade, a large chunk of those sales have shifted online with the rise of websites like PetMed Express (1800PetMeds). Despite the commitments of manufacturers, sales of key ethical brands have also migrated inexorably into brick-and-mortar or wholesale pet business channels. In some cases, this has left a bad taste in the mouths of veterinarians, who feel betrayed when brands they helped put on the map “defect”  to pet specialty and mass market retailers.

Like most consumers of American-made entertainment, we do enjoy a rousing cinematic story of love, enchantment and discovery, especially if it features a plucky heroine who triumphs over cold-hearted villains.

The Walt Disney Company, of course, has perfected that story-telling formula over its long, illustrious history.  In recent years, along with the brain power within its stable of top-notch writers and editors, it seems that the company has also employed a thoroughly modern strategy for test-driving new characters and concepts before they hit screens or toy store shelves: kid-centric focus groups.

The eating habits and dietary concerns of American consumers have shifted in recent years. Words and phrases like organic and gluten-free have invaded our daily vocabulary. The food and beverage market is constantly influenced by diet trends.  Historically, diets have changed with the times, which can have major impact on the the food and beverage industry.  Personally, I still enjoy a good steak and baked potato, but I also do so with the knowledge that it is not as healthy as I once thought it was (though I try to drown those thoughts in A1 steak sauce).

The downturn in public opinion of red meat in recent years has resulted in a rise of popularity of poultry. With comparable health benefits and less risk, poultry has become a power player in the food and beverage market.

There was a time not very long ago when owning a Supersized product was a sign of prosperity in this country. It was virtually our birthright as Americans to eat Supersized fast food meals, drive oversized gas-guzzling cars, and park them in the driveways of our castle-sized mini-mansions. 

For the pet industry, even our canine companions were larger during this grand, pre-recession era (circa 2008), where affluence abounded, at least for some.  Back then, our dogs were beasts worthy of legend. Owning a large dog was often a statement, especially for men. It screamed, I’m Paul Bunyan and this here is Babe the Blue Ox. These big dogs were our best friends and our protectors.

Ten years ago, few American consumers were familiar with the brand name Chobani.  Now, thanks to that brand of Greek yogurt and a handful of others, the yogurt market has undergone a sea change. Call it a Greek yogurt counter-revolution, one which has yanked this particular food industry category back to the future.

Spend any time with Rob Kaminsky and you will find that he is a skilled listener who also loves to talk. He's very knowledgeable and well-versed on almost any topic, especially anything to do with Life Sciences, Healthcare and Medical Devices....and he can converse about them for hours. He is passionate about his work and his craft and cares deeply about his clients, or as he calls them, his partners.

The business of providing business intelligence is changing by the second.  The rise of Internet research tools during the past decade has made it seemingly "easier" for companies and individuals to learn arcane details about nearly every aspect of life, including industries across the globe.

Yet for Rob Granader, CEO of MarketResearch.com and Profound, emerging challenges usually are accompanied by opportunities: Staying focused on providing high-quality market intelligence on a wide range of industries is Rob's top priority.

Internet sensation Grumpy Cat recently became the latest spokesmodel for pet food retail giant Friskies.  The blue-eyed Snowshoe Siamese gained fame last year after its owners developed a quirky series of posts in social media channels including Facebook and YouTube featuring Grumpy Cat's somber facial expression framed by catchphrases such as: "I had fun once. It was awful."

With all the wikis, blogs and articles available for free on the web, it is impossible to look at the market research arena without wondering,  What makes the paid data worth more than free data?  The answer has a lot to do with what kind of information you need and who is providing that information.