U.S. demand for food and beverage additives is projected to increase 4% annually to $8.6 billion in 2012, according to a new report released by Cleveland, OH-based Freedonia Group, entitled “Food & Beverage Additives.” Concerns about the safety of products using additives manufactured in China will influence consumer behavior, the report says, as nutraceuticals, including vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts and probiotics register strong gains, expanding beyond traditional applications. Flavor products and alternative sweeteners will remain the largest products.