Demand for industrial gases such as CO₂ and N₂ is on the rise. The Freedonia Group (Cleveland, OH) forecasts total gas demand to increase 3.4 percent by 2003, according to a new report. Diffusion of controlled and modified atmosphere packaged products, desire for prolonged shelf life and demand for convenience foods are fueling demand. Soft drinks continue as a strong user, and super-critical extraction processes are becoming an established market according to the report. Processors choice of gas is generally based on cost and availability although each gas has specific attributes.