Hello there! We've been receiving fantastic comments from readers about the new CBI Idea Hunters Network by CoolBusinessIdeas.com. Just in case you didn't know, we've invited forward-looking and cool-hunting people to contribute new worldwide business ideas and concepts to the CBI blog regularly. So far, we've introduced Graeme Spicer, Katie Sherman, and TrendInsights to you. We hope you've enjoyed their articles!

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Top 10 Franchise Food Trends for 2008

The food franchise industry is the largest and the most profitable of all the franchise industries. The biggest sub-industry of the food sector is fast-food franchises, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, 7-Elevin Inc, and many more fast-food franchises. But every year there is always a new departure in the food industry that rivals fast-food eating and dining, and 2008 is no different.

This begs the questions, which way are consumer food trends heading for 2008? Although consumers are constantly bombarded with messages about healthy eating, encouraging them to cut down on fats, sugar and salt, obesity levels are still at an all time high. Convenience foods and takeaways are increasing. Nevertheless, there is a still a huge part of the market that is interested in new, healthier food which is all part of a global campaign for awareness of living a healthy, balanced life.

As a result the food industry is responding to consumer’s demands and changes in the market for fast-food convenience food. I have identified 10 key food trends that are encompassing this new desire for healthier foods, and these trends will be big news in the food franchise industry in 2008.

Read The Rest of This Article | Comments | Franchise
Aine Meade is a GE Network Expert. View Aine Meade's profile or read more articles from Aine Meade.

Deli Touch Auto Ordering System

Teraoka’s new the Deli Touch pen allows customers to place orders without human contact. Using a menu with barcodes embedded in the photos of the items, the pen’s camera scans the codes and transmits the information via wireless to a server, which is connected to a printer in the kitchen that prints out the order.

   Read More | Comments | Food & Beverages | Article by TrendInsights

Read Out Loud

Even those of us who don't gab on cellphones appreciate having one for an emergency. For a blind or visually impaired person, the Nokia N82 promises much more: It's a liberating day-to-day tool that grants access to printed materials not otherwise easily available.

   Read More | Comments | Mobile

Wearable Electronics

Like the promise of the paperless office, wearable electronics - specifically gadgets integrated into clothing for ease of movement - is a concept that has been long hyped but not really delivered until now. Rod Tanks of Smart Fabrics is looking for a market for wearable electronics In many ways, that's surprising.

   Read More | Comments | Gadgets

Cereal On The Go

Every morning, one out of every two Americans starts their day with a bowl of breakfast cereal. Baby boomers love it for nostalgic reasons, but also because it is often healthier than alternatives. They represent an entire generation raised on cereal, and still love it because it is quick and simple, requiring no cooking.

   Read More | Comments | Consumer Goods

Hook Your Baby Up!

The The Babykeeper Basic is a patent pending infant carrier style seat, that hangs from the stall wall in most public restrooms, and can also be used in many public fitting rooms. 2 large metal hooks encased in safety webbing, each lined with non-slip material for added security.

   Read More | Comments | Design | Article by TrendsIngishts

Disobedience Or Discovery

While the trades rank who’s who in discovering ways around the norm, Boston takes time to pay homage to pranksters disobeying the status-quo completely. In true copycat behavior, city artists replicated events that had once shut down the city, like placing LED light boxes in public arenas.

   Read More | Comments | Media & Publishing | Article by Katie Sherman

Sleep In

With hooligans grabbing the spotlight more often than not, warm and cozy aren’t terms that are usually associated with fans of European soccer/football. A new Swiss venture called Sleep-In could change that. by enabling area residents from both countries to offer their homes to visiting soccer fans.


   Read More | Comments | Travel & Transport

5 Common Mistakes People Make When Starting Up a Small Business

Starting, and running, a small business isn’t a cakewalk. Starting a business is risky for most, but success can come for those who proceed with logic and discipline. Here are five common mistakes people tend to make when starting up a small business – and how you can avoid them

   Read More | Comments | Starting Up | Article by Sam Carpenter

When Customer Retention Goes Bad

I love racquetball. It's a perfect way to let out your aggressions and stress. That's why I was so upset when my health club decided to forgo customer retention and worry about their own singular requirement - Getting new customers! I'm actually going to teach a customer retention lesson by discussing racquetball.

   Read More | Comments | Sales & Marketing | Article by Russ Lombardo

Looking For A New Career Franchisor Training Can Be Your Shortcut To Success

If you are like most women, you chose a career path at the tender age of 18 or 19 and have dutifully followed that path for many years. Now, take advantage of the training offered by a franchisor and become your own boss in any industry you choose!

   Read More | Comments | Franchise | Article by Kim Ellis

What We Are Willing To Accept In Life Matters

All of us have got dreams we aspire to attain in our lives. These dreams come from people who inspire us. At the same time, based on our beliefs, we also have what I call a 'level of acceptance'. This 'level of acceptance' means that though you may aspire to earn $20,000 a month, you're willing to accept earning $3000.

   Read More | Comments | Success Attitude | Article by Adam Khoo

Do It Yourself VS Hiring A Professional Web Designer

We are living in a day and age where doing-it-yourself is all the rage. And now most recently, we have do-it-yourself website design. The question is, is doing it yourself web design better than getting a professional web designer to do it? Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages to building a website yourself.

   Read More | Comments | Branding | Article by Heike Delmore

5 Strategies For Creating Effective Follow Up

For a solo professional having an up-to-date contact management database is one of the KEY administrative systems you have to have for your business. And, even more important, is having a system in place to create effective follow-up. Your business is built on following up leads and building relationships.

   Read More | Comments | Work Life | Article by Tracey Lawton

Gaining Promotion: Importance of Marketing and PR

Perhaps one of the most important elements in driving the success of your business or franchise venture is to market you business in the most effective manner to get high visibility of your company, products and services. While you may think a start up business will not have the capital available, PR can be cost-efficient.

   Read More | Comments | Operations | Article by Aine Meade

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