By Rhonda J. Wilson

Late last year, independent market analyst Datamonitor released its annual “Trends to Watch in Packaged Goods” for 2009. Beauty foods, nonenergizing drinks and detox products top the London-based firm’s forecast list.

Here are its revelations, along with their possible impact on the spa industry:

Relaxation Drinks

Spin: Get ready for more relaxing drinks rather than those that energize. New product offerings include Drank by Innovative Beverage Group, which is dubbed the “world’s first extreme relaxation beverage.” Also hitting the market in the Philippines is Nescafé Relax, a decaffeinated coffee infused with chamomile.

Spa: Capitalize on this trend by marketing services that promote better relaxation, stress reduction and deep sleep. Serve teas and juices that enhance these benefits.

Edible Beauty

Spin: The new way to look beautiful is with an emerging generation of specially formulated foods and drinks. Nestlé’s Glowelle Beauty Drink Supplement Powder fights signs of aging from the inside out with skin-beautifying antioxidants.

Spa: Embrace the wellness movement by hiring health professionals or nutritionists to extend and improve your clients’ quality of life.

Detoxification

Spin: Many new products promise to detoxify you in one way or another. Some use liver-friendly supplements such as dandelion root as active ingredients.

Spa: From body wraps to acupuncture to cellulite treatments, detox services can be used as powerful tools to promote well-being and weight loss.

Brain Power

Spin: A growing number of health products tout “good for your brain” ingredients such as DHA omega-3. In fact, mentions of the word “brain” in new food and beverage products worldwide have nearly tripled since 2006.

Spa: Brain-power facials and massages? Not a far-fetched idea, as both increase circulation and brain-wave activity, which provide an improved state of awareness and alertness. Send your clients home with fun crossword or Sudoku puzzles to sharpen their mental acuity.

Rhonda J. Wilson,

Executive Editor, DAYSPA