INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — There is one key takeaway from Fast Company's naming of Walgreens as one of the industry's most innovative companies — Walgreens wasn't classified under the industry banner of "retailer," but under the industry banner of "health care." And if that isn't proof enough that Walgreens' latest retooling of its pharmacy is making patients rethink what health care is all about, then consider this: Walgreens is the only company in Fast Company's Healthcare Top 10 that physically interacts with patients — in Americ

SEATTLE — Mom is being replaced by technology as the go-to source for culinary knowledge, according to a new report.

CHICAGO — Among consumers who eat ethnic food at home, two-thirds of them said authenticity is the utmost important ingredient, according to new Mintel research.

In addition to an authentic flavor, ethnic foodies also emphasized that ethnic food should have the following features: all-natural (49%), premium/gourmet or artisanal (49%) and reduced fat (48%) positional claims, which round out the top characteristics that matter in the purchase decision.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — An investigational diabetes therapy made by Takeda helped lower HbA1C levels among patients with Type 2 diabetes, the drug maker said.

CHICAGO — Driving innovation in the year ahead is beauty that’s “plugged in” and encompasses electricity and energy, according to Mintel Beauty and Personal Care, which also predicted that packaging will reflect the increase in interactivity between virtual and real worlds, making greater use of sound, video and QR codes. Enter Kinetique.

BOSTON — A survey sponsored by in-store commerce provider AisleBuyer found that nearly 40% of smartphone-carrying shoppers have abandoned their in-store purchases because of long lines, while 21% will abandon their purchases if there are no registers open.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Lowering health costs will require a greater understanding of differences between two distinct groups of patients, according to a new study, which also noted a growing availability of specialty drugs for complex and chronic conditions outside the hospital.

CHICAGO — The number of working people concerned about their weight is on the rise, according to a new study.

Results of a poll released Tuesday by ComPsych, a company that calls itself the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs, indicated that 43% of employees cited weight loss as their primary health concern, a number that was 10% higher than in 2011.