Over the past 20 years, men have increasingly shopped for groceries, sometimes with a female-prescribed list, but more often on a routine purchasing excursion for themselves or their family. Supermarkets and products generally have been geared toward women, but certain tactics, features, flavors and ingredients might help lure the lads.
It is a market of about 360 million consumers, accounting for $14.5 billion in food sales in 2005. Yet of the more than 9,000 new food products hitting U.S. shelves in the past year, only a few hundred were directed toward pets—or, more accurately, their owners.
Dessert mixes provide a quick and convenient treat, but ready-made products offer a wider variety of tempting treats. As a result, manufacturers face a category in decline, but with potential for regaining lost ground.
Low-calorie and low-cholesterol snacks regained some popularity in 2005, as consumers embraced their respective weight-loss and health benefits. However, low-sodium offerings also began to trickle onto store shelves and could well be a sign of things to come. Trader Joe's Vegetable Root Chips, for instance, promised a “gourmet snacking experience” with 35mg of sodium and no cholesterol per serving.
If ever there was any doubt of yogurt’s mainstream appeal, it certainly was laid to rest this year, as the delectable could be found seemingly everywhere—fortified, as an indulgence, drinkable, etc. The Dannon Co. started the ball rolling in March with Dannon la Crème Rich and Creamy with Chocolate Pieces, described as “the perfect dessert combining the wholesomeness of yogurt with the decadence of chocolate.”
Despite remaining popular among the consuming public, coffee introductions slipped slightly from 2004, but new offerings did delve into innovative territory. Slowly, functionality and health emerged as a trend in this sector. Applied Food Sciences introduced Caffé Sanora.
Cereal introductions received quite a boost this year, thanks in no small part to new dietary guidelines. Americans had been failing to get adequate amounts of whole grains in their diet prior to the new rules, which set the bar even higher.
With the surge of high-protein diets, consumers looked to marinades and sauces to add a little extra flavor. Now that low-carb introductions are on the downswing, manufacturers of dressings, marinades and sauces are finding new ways to attract interest.
Obesity concerns in the U.S. have hit what many consider to be crisis levels, with the greatest fears centering around America's youth. The threat of various medical conditions have prompted changes to school lunch programs and vending options. However, are these changes and others in the works worthwhile if parents are oblivious to the problem?
Attendees of the 2005 New Products Conference were treated to seminars addressing current trends and areas expected to grow in coming years. In addition, the conference afforded opportunities to see old friends, make new ones, and share ideas and possibilities for future development.