According to Mintel’s latest report on green living, the environment remains a concern for the majority of Americans. More than one-third (35%) of survey respondents say they would pay more for ‘environmentally friendly’ products. “Given this increased interest in the environment over the past few years, nearly every segment of consumer products now offers a ‘green’ option for shoppers,” comments Chris Haack, Mintel senior analyst. “Food and beverage and personal... ...Read more »

US food and drink manufacturers have seen a decline in product launches in 2009 due to the recession, reports Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD), but certain types of products saw growth in a sign of certain trends coming to the fore. Food and drink product launches have declined significantly since 2008, down nearly 30 per cent. Lynn Dornblaser, leading new product expert at Mintel, notes that the GNDP has never tracked a decline in launches of such magnitude in its decade-long history. “We... ...Read more »

Market research firm Mintel has announced their predictions for the leading flavour trends of 2010, with more experimental consumers to drive the introduction of new flavours. “As the economy recovers, we expect people to continue the trend of eating at home,” Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s leading new products expert, advised. “The home cook is becoming more advanced with his or her cooking skills by trying new spices and flavours, as well as preparing everyday items in new ways.” Flavour... ...Read more »

The breakthrough trends for 2010 in the consumer packaged goods industry are likely to be twists on something recognisable to consumers, according to predictions from market research firm Mintel. “Post-recession, we don’t expect manufacturers to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we predict 2010′s new products will give shoppers something familiar paired with something new to better satisfy their needs,” Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s leading new products expert, advised. “On... ...Read more »

Fewer new products are showing up on supermarket shelves this year as companies temper innovation in an uncertain environment. New data from the Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows total food and drink product launches have been cut in half since last year (a 51% decline from Q1 2008 to Q1 2009). New product introductions also dropped markedly from the last quarter of 2008 – by 32%. Manufacturers typically release fewer new products during the first quarter of the year,... ...Read more »

Around the world, people have been shaken into uncertainty by the economic crisis, but there have been reasons for optimism and hope in recent weeks. Looking ahead to 2009, market and consumer intelligence firm Mintel believes consumers will adapt and make the best of the coming year in five major ways. As a backlash against the fast pace of the modern world, people will try to take greater control of their lives and find pleasure in the simple things. Faced with financial insecurity, shoppers will... ...Read more »

In spite of, or perhaps because of, tough economic times, many Americans are clinging to their smallest, most indulgent pleasures, with chocolate, alcohol and cigarette sales remaining solid. New research from Mintel shows market sales for chocolate, cigarettes and alcohol strong and steady. Historically, these “sin stocks” have performed well during times of economic recession. “Chocolate, cigarettes and alcohol again seem relatively recession-proof,” commented Marcia Mogelonsky,... ...Read more »

Anyone who owns or has recently visited a convenience store or supermarket is aware that energy drinks are hot. Leading market research firm Mintel reports that the retail market for energy drinks is now valued at $4.8 billion, a growth rate of over 400% from 2003, and they now believe the buzz for energy drinks is being transferred to food manufacturers. Drinking for energy The number of “energy drinkers” is still growing briskly, according to Mintel. In 2003, only 9% of adult respondents... ...Read more »

Mintel, a leading supplier of market intelligence, has come a step closer to discovering the next big things in food and drink by combining research from their Global New Products Database (GNPD) and information from the recent Institute of Food Technologists meeting. “Mintel’s IFT ‘08 presentations focused on issues and new products driving food and drink innovation,” comments Lynn Dornblaser, a new product expert with Mintel. “Our taste tests allowed attendees to experience... ...Read more »

Ice cream remains a favourite cool treat amongst consumers despite increased competition from products like frozen yoghurt. According to new consumer research from Mintel, nine in ten Americans (89%) enjoyed a cool, creamy scoop in the past year. In comparison, only three in five (59%) ate novelties such as ice cream sandwiches or bars, while just over a third ate sherbet or frozen yogurt (37% and 34%, respectively). Ice cream’s familiarity to consumers is a key driver of consistent sales of... ...Read more »