the rts blog

The Global Market for Sweeteners

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Find out more about the global opportunities for sweeteners:

Food Industry Trends: Health and Wellbeing

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Kate Hand

Research and Marketing

Co-ordinator

As reported in our top trends report for 2012, the trend for health and wellbeing is set to continue as consumers become more aware of the foods they eat. I was interested to see a new line of salads in UK supermarket Asda at the weekend - produced by Del Monte UK and branded 'Love Salad'.

This innovative new range contains a selection of meats, cous cous and salad vegetables with a dressing. They contain fewer than 370 calories, no artificial colours, flavours or hydrogenated fats and are low in sugar, fat and salt. When considering the trend for health and wellbeing, they seem to tick all of the boxes.

I purchased the feta and beetroot cous cous salad (pictured below) - it was particularly interesting to note the combination of flavours in the maple and balsamic dressing and the new take on a cous cous salad containing beetroot. This colourful salad would appeal to the consumers' eye as well as their palate.

Full ingredients list:

Beetroot, Cous Cous (57%) [Water, Beetroot, Cous Cous, Concentrated Beetroot Juice, Invert Sugar, Rapeseed Oil], Leaf Mix (18%) [Spinach and Rocket], Balsamic and Maple Dressing (13%) [Balsamic vinegar of Madena, Maple Syrup, Rapeseed Oil] Feta Cheese (11%)

Top food trends for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Following the success of our 2011 top trend report, we have just published Top Food and Ingredient Trends 2012.

To receive the report, sign up to our new trend briefing service.

In our last blog post, we highlighted the importance of trend-led data and analysis. As traditional markets stagnate, it is growing markets such as convenience, health and natural ingredients that are creating opportunities for suppliers. Our research has revealed five exciting new trends for 2012:

The New Frugality
Future Now
Healthy Alternative
Home Advantage
The key flavour trend for 2012.

Learn more about each trend in our free report.

To receive the report, simply sign up to our monthly trend briefings using the form below. This new service - beginning in January 2012 - is designed to provide you with the latest trend information especially designed for the food and ingredients industry.

Trends - why they have become the driving force behind value growth in the food and ingredients industry

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:00 +0000

In this article, we highlight the importance of understanding the key trends and how they work together. We uncover how this can open the doors to business growth for ingredient suppliers and food manufacturers.

Everyone seems to be talking about food trends: consumer trends, market trends and flavour trends. Is this simply the new buzzword or are trends really becoming a crucial part of creating your strategy for growth? How can ingredient suppliers use trend-led information to drive NPD?

Why are trends so important?

In today’s highly competitive market, producing great ingredients is no longer enough to guarantee success. You must also clearly communicate the benefits of your products - both to manufacturers and consumers. Knowing which trends are driving the market and, crucially, how to make them work for you is the key to developing products that sell.

Our research has revealed that trends are not only effective individually but that when linked together they become powerful market drivers. Understanding how trends link together will provide focus and inspiration for new products and ingredient solutions, opening doors to new markets and product categories.

Identifying and applying key trends will help you to:

Identify opportunities for NPD
Enter new markets
Enter new countries or regions
Supply new product categories
Create innovative ingredient solutions
Create food and beverage products that consumers are demanding
Stay ahead of your competitors

The data behind the trends
Our extensive global food industry research allows us to determine the importance and significance of trends in the food and ingredients industry.

The chart below shows the difference between growth in traditional markets and trend-led markets.

Whilst growth has slowed in traditional markets, trend-led markets have been growing at a much faster rate. Our research has shown that this is set to continue as trends become even more important in developing new products.

Value growth of food and ingredients market (%)

What future trends will impact the food and beverage industry?

Our research has identified three key SuperTrends:

We have written a detailed report for each of the above SuperTrends. By clicking on each title, you can find out more information about each report.

Stay ahead with our FREE monthly food industry trend briefing

Within each of these SuperTrends, there are numerous smaller trends driving the market, that can be used by suppliers and manufacturers for NPD.

To gain further insight into these trends, the drivers, recent innovation and how they can be used in your company, subscribe to our free monthly trend briefing.

Each month you will be sent detailed information about one key trend impacting the industry with inspiration for applying this trend to your business. To receive these valuable briefings, fill in the form below.

Food Industry Report: The shift towards natural flavours and its impact on the market for natural ingredients

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:25:00 +0000

Global market for flavours in food and drink forecast by RTS to reach $9.0bn by 2015. Our latest research reveals a shift towards natural ingredients. In this free global industry report we highlight the growing markets and key product categories.

The global flavours market - what we know from our research

The global market for flavours as an ingredient in food and drink is currently worth $7.8bn, according to research by RTS, with natural flavours now worth $3.3bn - a 43% share of the total flavours market. This shift in demand towards natural flavours is increasing the price of natural ingredients, which in turn is driving value growth ahead of the market.

While demand for synthetics has stalled, demand for natural flavours have been growing rapidly at a rate of 9.1% per year as food and drink manufacturers across the world respond to consumer and retailer pressure and replace synthetic flavours with natural alternatives.

How does this impact suppliers to the food industry?

Consumers are looking for healthier, more natural food products. This trend, together with increased pressure from governments, health organisations and retailers to move towards natural ingredients, has created a significant shift in demand away from synthetic ingredients.

As a result of this change in demand, many manufacturers are reformulating their products to ‘clean-label’ formulations. Natural flavours offer perceived health benefits in addition to taste, so manufacturers can promote this to health-aware consumers as another reason to buy.

As demand for natural flavours grows, the resulting rise in value will drive the market.

How can you use this information to benefit your business?

Consider the key markets - our research has identified the US, followed by China, the UK and Germany as the most significant for natural flavours. But also look at markets where significant growth potential exists, even while demand remains comparatively low - we would recommend Brazil, India and Russia as important growing markets.

Consider the key product categories for natural flavours - we have identified soft drinks, yoghurts and desserts as the largest market sectors. Do you have a natural ingredient - perhaps herb or spice based - that could take advantage of growth in these categories? For example, if you supply a spice-derived flavour to ready meals, there could be an opportunity for you to expand into the soft drinks sector.

Request the full report for FREE

This global food industry report examines the shift from synthetic to natural flavours and highlights key opportunities and growth areas.

We will send you this report for free when you fill in your details below. You will receive it by email.

Simply fill in the form below..

Other titles in our food industry report series:

We also offer a range of related reports that will provide you with in-depth information on the market for natural ingredients. Click on the links below to find out more.

Natural and Synthetic Flavours as an ingredient for food and drink
Seasonings, Herbs and Spices as ingredients for food and drink
Natural Flavours - Global market data pack
Synthetic Flavours - Global market data pack

Authenticity: a key future market driver - Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:46:00 +0000

As consumers search for new taste experiences, the desire for authentic, traceable ingredients is increasing.

Proving provenance
The micro-regional trend brings authenticity to a new level, focusing on the specific dishes and flavour combinations from regions and thus widening the scope of options that can be offered. Using traditional, regional recipes and authentic ingredients - preferably that come from the region itself - allows manufacturers to offer new experiences to consumers.

Tell the story
If consumers feel that they know the people producing the goods, an emotional connection is established and support for the producers becomes personal. Manufacturers that reinforce their relationship with producers thus offer consumers important reassurance to further strengthen loyalty.

Ethics and ethos
When working with small producers in other countries, it is vital that manufacturers and retailers clearly convey a strong ethics policy, especially in relation to commitment to the wellbeing of producer communities, environment (carbon footprint) and sustainability.

Taken from SuperTrends: Experiences from RTS. To order your copy of the report, click here.

Reinvigorating consumers reaps rewards - Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Re-imagining and reinvigorating shopping and dining out experiences can drive product popularity and create opportunities for manufacturers, retailers and foodservice providers.

Searching for the ‘new’
As the market for food and beverages becomes ever more crowded, manufacturers are being called upon to work harder than ever before to establish new products and maintain their existing market share.

Technology sells
Advances in technology - particularly in relation to smartphone applications or ‘Apps’ and mobile internet - are opening up considerable opportunities for food manufacturers and retailers. New vending technology is also being used to extend the shopping experience.

The element of surprise
Anything which surprises consumers or challenges their preconceptions (especially in the case of multinational manufacturers and well-established brands) can have a positive impact. Recent innovations such as flash sales, pop-up shops/restaurants, flash markets, random acts of kindness and surprise visits to consumers’ homes/workplaces have all been used effectively by companies across the world.

Taken from SuperTrends: Experiences from RTS. To order your copy of the report, click here

The future of flavour: Flavour Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:04:00 +0000

As consumer tastes develop, flavours which present a new experience will be in demand.

Taste travel
Consumers are continually looking for new taste experiences as their tastes develop. As consumers cut back on foreign travel but still wish to experience new tastes, flavours which are authentic to a particular region or country will grow in demand.

Be creative
Today’s consumers are willing to experiment with flavours. As a result, demand for interesting flavour combinations is growing. The key to success is knowing your market and creating flavour experiences that appeal to your target customers.

Added benefits
As the use of natural flavours is increasingly becoming a consumer expectation, manufacturers can take careful advantage of the added functional benefits that can be offered by using flavours derived from fruit and herbs.

Taken from SuperTrends: Experiences from RTS. To order your copy of the report, click here

Creating a Theatre of Eating - Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:55:00 +0000

As consumers increasingly demand more from the food they eat, products which innovate and entertain, whether linked with technology, simply offering ‘something new, or add to the home dining experience, will become increasingly desirable.

Extending the experience

A rise in interest in home cooking, together with fast-developing technology products that can deliver recipe information and virtual entertainment are offering food manufacturers a growing range of opportunities to extend the eating experience within the home.

A new approach

The Theatre of Eating trend is more than just technology, however. Established brands can take advantage of this trend by re-imagining their popular products, perhaps using limited edition flavours. This will not only reinvigorate existing consumer interest but also attract new customers who are looking for new experiences or eating occasions.

For the people

Linking products to web-based campaigns, events and free gifts can strengthen brand loyalty by making consumers feel valued. Online communities extend the eating experience and encourage consumers to contribute and feel a part of the brand.

Taken from SuperTrends: Experiences from RTS. To order your copy of the report, click here.

Opportunities for seasonings, herbs and spices

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Rice) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Increasing demand for highly flavoured foods, consumers seeking new taste experiences and rising commodity prices means the global market for industrial seasonings, herbs and spices is growing at a rate of 4.7% per year in value.

This, combined with increased industrial food production and a growing awareness of the health benefits of herbs and spices is driving demand globally.

Our new report, Industrial Seasonings, Herbs and Spices, is designed exclusively for suppliers and manufacturers of herbs and spices to the food industry and will enable you to grow your business and exploit the opportunities in this $6.0bn global market.

This report also sees the launch of the first in our new DataPack series, competitively priced and offering unrivalled access to market data and analysis on the global ingredients market in 20 countries with volume and value forecasts to 2015.

Industrial Seasonings, Herbs and Spices is available now from our report store where you can also download sample pages and view the table of contents. Or for more detailed information contact Jamie Rice on +44 1902 422282.

Indulgent treats tempt cash-strapped consumers

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:33:00 +0000

Amid reports of increasing energy prices and a consumer recession, there has never been a more important time for indulgent treats.

The food and ingredients industry provides the perfect market place to sell a wide range of treats across different product categories and to suit any budget. This means that a product no longer has to be seen as 'premium' to be considered a treat.

Biscuit suppliers are leading the way in indulgent innovation. Here is a selection of new product launches in UK supermarkets

Brands cashing in on the trend for indulgent treats

KP
Nutty Nibbles

Flavours:
Biscuits and Chocolate Nut Mix
Fruit and Chocolate Nut Mix
www.kpnuts.com

McVities
Temptations

Flavours:
Belgian Milk Chocolate and Hazlenut
Belgian White Chocolate and Truffle
Belgian Milk Chocolate and Praline
www.mcvities.co.uk

Asda
Indulgent Treats

An assortment of biscuit snacks
Left: Chocolate biscuit assortment
www.asda.com

Milka
Choco Minis

Other new products from Milka:
Choco Cookies
Choco Grains
www.milka.com

More information:

For more information on the trend for indulgence see our Supertrends: Experiences report

Contact us for market data including value and volumes for the global snack market

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and analysis from the food industry

Trend News: Coconut - emerging ingredient and flavour

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:15:00 +0000

In recent months, we have seen a market rise in the popularity of coconut, both as an ingredient and as a key flavour. Here is our guide to the benefits of coconut and the key trends that this ingredient follows.

One fruit, many forms

Used widely across Asia, the fruit of the coconut palm is often referred to as 'the tree of life'. The flesh or kernel of the coconut from mature fruit is eaten and used in cooking, the 'water' or liquor inside unripened or green fruit is used for energy and medicinal purposes and 'milk' can be produced by squeezing the fully formed flesh of mature coconuts.

Key Trend 1: ADDED BENEFITS

Coconut boasts many healthy properties. Coconut water is a natural isotonic and therefore an excellent source of natural energy that is growing in popularity amongst Western nations as an alternative to energy drinks, to manage weight, to benefit skin, hair, bones and teeth and to strengthen immunity. In addition to this, recent research suggests that coconuts could help in the treatment of diabetes and kidney conditions; it aids digestion and is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

Key Trend 2: FREE-FROM / HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

Coconut milk is used as a substitute for cow's milk, both for vegan diets and for lactose-free diets. This appeals not only to those who wish to use dairy alternatives for medical reasons, but also for consumers who are looking for healthier, less processed diets as part of the Food+Lifestyle trend.

Key Trend 3: TASTE TRAVEL

Coconut is a key component of many meals in India and Asia, especially in Thai cuisine, so convenient products that allow consumers to recreate these dishes using authentic ingredients are likely to grow in demand.

Key Trend 4: ETHICAL

Coconut is the latest subject of an emerging trend for ingredients that are ethically and fairly traded. For example, Ben & Jerry's has just added a new FairTrade coconut variety to its ethically-sourced ice-cream range.

To find out more key trends, visit our report store to see our SuperTrend reports - Health & Wellbeing, Experiences and (coming soon) Local:Global.

See the latest trends in Health and Wellbeing

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:51:00 +0000

New to the RTS blog - our vlogs!
At RTS, we like to bring you new and innovative ways of accessing the latest market data and trend analysis. So. we're proud to launch our brand new RTS vlogs.

SuperTrends: Health and Wellbeing
In the first of our new vlogs, discover the first title in our SuperTrends report series, looking at the latest and emerging trends in health and wellbeing products. From the new functional foods, to food as a lifestyle indicator, new health claims legislation and consumer demand for clean-label products, we bring you a detailed video guide to the key features of SuperTrends: Health and Wellbeing.

Watch out for a new blog series to accompany this video, looking at each key feature in a little more detail.

To order your copy of the report, visit our Report Store.

New products - July 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:01:00 +0000

UK product launches inspired by the latest trends in the food industry.....

Uncle Bens Rice Time Ready Meals

Following the trends: Convenience, Health and Wellbeing, Low Fat, Portion Control, Quality Ingredients

Flavours: Sweet and Sour, Medium Curry, Spicy Tikka Masala, Mexican Chilli, Cantonese

More Information: http://www.unclebens.co.uk/ricetime

Dolmio Pasta Vita Ready Meals
Following the trends: Convenience, Health and Wellbeing, Low Fat, Natural Ingredients, Provenance (Italian Ingredients), POrtion Control

Flavours: Roasted Garlic and Tomato, Tomato and Basil, Sweet Pepper, Tomato and Chilli, Fusilli Bolognese

More Information: http://www.dolmio.co.uk/

Heinz Squeeze and Stir Soups
Following the trends: Convenience, Food on-the-go, Low Fat

Flavours: Cream of Tomato Soup, Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil, Minestrone Soup, Mediterranean Vegetable Soup

More Information: http://www.heinz.co.uk/Ourfood/Soups

How can we help?

If you require information about the market for ready meals and convenience foods contact us

For the latest food industry news, articles and discounts on our products join our mailing list by filling out the form to the right

For more information about trends view our latest reports

Image Credits: Uncle Bens, Heinz, Dolmio

Free-from here to stay!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Image: The Co-operative
new free-from range

In our recent article 'Free-from, passing trend or here to stay ?' we reported on the growing trend for free-from foods including recent product launches.

According to The Grocer this trend is here to stay with sales of free-from products totalling £199.5 million (52w/e 17 April 2011) in the UK alone an increase of 14.5% year-on-year.*

The report states that sales of free-from products have grown across many product categories from bakery to dairy to frozen prepared foods. This represents an opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to develop new free-from ranges as well as offering free-from versions of their most popular products.

This is just one example of how trends are driving growth in today's complex food and drink market. As consumers actively seek to lead healthier lifestyles, health and wellbeing represents a significant opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to add value.

For more information on this and other opportunities in Health and Wellbeing, take a look at our new report.

* Kantar World Panel. Source: The Grocer 16 July 2011

Recent product launches include:

The Co-operative free-from and Wholefoods ranges

Mrs Crimble Chocolate and Orange Mini Macaroons

Kikkoman gluten-free soy sauce

Key flavour trends revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:51:00 +0000

Which trends will shape the food and ingredients market in the future? RTS reveals all.

The team at RTS were delighted to be invited to present at the Fi Flavours, Trends and Innovation conference in Amsterdam last month.

Our flavour trends presentation
- free when you subscribe to our newsletter

We revealed the key flavour trends for food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, demonstrating how these will work together to drive growth in the market in the coming years.

From natural flavours to convenience, we investigated the longevity of each trend, showing how consumer attitudes, lifestyle aspirations and expectations will affect the $7.4bn global flavours market.

insight
- the free newsletter
from RTS

This month, all of the subscribers to our monthly insight newsletter received this full presentation for free. Packed with the latest industry news, special offers and free downloads, insight is the must-have resource for the food and ingredients industry. It's completely free to subscribe and we're planning some exciting exclusives for our subscribers in the coming months!

You can receive this presentation for free - simply subscribe to insight (use the orange box on the right) and start enjoying the benefits immediately!

Emerging trend: Theatre of Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Miranda Dickinson) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Advances in technology - particularly in relation to android phone applications and mobile internet - are opening up considerable opportunities for manufacturers in all industries, and food manufacturers are no exception to this. As part of the Experiences SuperTrend, new technologies are creating an emerging trend for Theatre of Shopping - extending the shopping experience using applications and online content, amongst other initiatives.

A QR (Quick Response) Code

New interactive technology, such as the use of Quick Response (QR) codes, could provide manufacturers with the opportunity of offering exclusive content to extend the reach of their products and brands into consumers’ homes. QR codes are becoming widely used in Japan and the US (with new trials currently being conducted in Europe and the UK) to open specific content on online sites or add products to a virtual shopping basket.

Increasingly, QR codes are being used by manufacturers to unlock content or, when sent in a multimedia text message (MMS), as discount codes within supermarkets and retail outlets. QR codes are easy to generate using free online generator sites such as www.qrstuff.com and www.quikqr.com and can link to anything from websites to special promotions, blogs or social media applications.

PepsiCo’s Doritos brand (UK, Europe, South Africa, Scandinavia, Canada, The USA and Latin America) recently promoted a ‘Late Night’ multimedia experience to accompany its sharing bags of tortilla chips, where a QR code (Quick Response) unlocked music videos when scanned via a webcam or android phone with a QR reader application.

source: www.japantrends.com

Meanwhile in Japan, beverage manufacturer JT (Japan Tobacco) recently joined forces with publisher Viz Media’s Shonen Jump Manga brand comics to offer free downloadable mini comic book episodes via a QR code.

As this trend is new and still developing, food manufacturers and retailers who take the initiative may well give themselves a valuable advantage over their competitors.

This is taken from SUPERTRENDS: EXPERIENCES, the latest report from RTS Resource, due to be launched next month. For more details, or to reserve your copy, email us.

New Products - May 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Mon, 23 May 2011 13:59:00 +0000

The latest product launches in the UK

Tesco Lightly Seeded Haddock Fillets
Following the trends - Health & Wellbeing, Functional, Healthy Alternative, Convenience

Find out more: www.tesco.com

Waitrose Good to Go
A new range of convenient snacks, cakes, salads and sandwiches
Left: Nut snack packs from the new range; Pecans & Ginger, Brazil Nuts
Below Left: Romain Lettuce Leaf Boat filled with sweet chilli chicken and noodles
Following the trends - Convenience, Healthy Indulgence, Health and Wellbeing

Find out more: www.waitrose.com

Gressingham Duck Sausages
These sausages will be served in Whitbread Table pubs as part of a seasonal offering
Following the trends: Convenience, Experiences, British, Seasonal, Premium Indulgence

Find out more: www.gressinghamfoods.co.uk

Marks and Spencer Deli Tapas range
A new range inspired by local spanish cuisine
Following the trends: Authentic, Regional, Mediterranean cuisine, Convenience
The range includes:
Spiced Chicken and Giant Chick Peas
Roasted Chorizo
Spanish Tortillas
Goat's Cheese Bites

Find out more: www.marksandspencer.com

Fox's Ambers
A range of biscuits for everyday indulgence
Following the trends: Indulgence, Convenience
The range includes:
Ambers Milk Chocolate
Ambers Praline
Ambers Caramel

Find out more: www.foxs-biscuits.co.uk

For the latest news, product launches and free reports, make sure you receive our newsletter. You can sign up in the box at the top of the page...

Images: Tesco, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Fox's Biscuits, RTS

New Trend: Customisation

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:19:00 +0000

Above: Unilever ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's ran a

recent competition where consumers created recipes to be

released as limited editions, the most popular of which was

then added to the standard range.

Small Beginnings....
The trends for customisation had its beginnings predominantly in smaller, niche markets driven by new businesses and artisan manufacturers, but the trend is now showing signs of breaking into the mainstream markets. While artisan companies have the edge in terms of being able to offer fully customisable service, established brands and major manufacturers may well prove to be key to this trend's success, as they have the distribution/reach that smaller companies do not possess.

Especially for you
Customisation is a trend which can command a premium by its very nature, providing the products are desirable. Consumers will be prepared to pay a premium (within reason) for the privilege of being able to create/design/influence their own versions of products. The key point to consider here is many of the customisation/design-your-own products currently appearing are small, artisan manufacturers selling added-value products.

Testing the market
Customisation may be viewed by many in the food industry as a niche service, but there is definite scope for extending the experience of being able to choose recipes/flavours/components to the wider market. This is especially true in the case of limited editions, where manufacturers can trial new ideas without cost and implications of a full-blown product launch. If consumers feel they are included in the decision-making process regarding product ranges, they will be far more likely to feel an affinity with - and remain loyal to - an established products, brand or manufacturer.

Examples

Chocomize
customisable chocolate

Consumers can customise their Converse shoes

Taken from our forthcoming trend report, Experiences - to be launched at the end of May 2011. Newsletter subscribers will receive a free Experiences Essentials download (worth €20). Sign up to the newsletter by filling in your details in the form at the right hand side of this post.

Top 5 tips for ingredient companies

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Rice) — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:45:00 +0000

In the highly competitive ingredients market, how can you ensure success? RTS Director, Jamie Rice, offers five proven tips to growing your business.

1. Know your market

As an ingredient company, do you know the size of your market? Are you actively increasing your share or simply growing with the market?

In my experience of working with ingredient companies across the global marketplace, I've found that understanding your market is essential not only to see where your company currently fits into it but also where you want to be.

If you know your market, you can then understand exactly where you need to focus, which in turn will enable you to see new opportunities, increase sales team performance and bring clarity to your business planning.

Knowing your market will enable you to monitor the progress of company objectives and financial targets. You can determine if your strategy will deliver what you are looking to achieve and if not explore new opportunities for both organic and external growth.

2. See the complete picture

Is all information useful? As a company you are probably bombarded with information, but if you can't apply it to your specific needs then all this data does is cloud the issues that really matter.

We have found that by measuring total food consumption you can see opportunities outside of existing markets and break down sales by volumes in different channels, including industrial ingredients and foodservice. This will allow you to quickly build up a complete picture of the opportunities available to you.

I am constantly receiving marketing information, news updates and promotions full of information. The key is to carefully evaluate the most valuable, consistently reliable sources. This may mean cutting or back on some services and finding one or two trusted suppliers who can save valuable time and money and give you the information you really need.

3. Add value through trends

Trends aren't just clever marketing terms in the global food and ingredients industry today: they are fast becoming the key driving force of growth. So it is crucial to keep abreast of this ever-changing area in order to stay ahead of your competition.

The industrial food and drink market is growing slowly at rate of 2.4% per year while trends such as ethical, organic and convenience are delivering growth rates of up to 14% per year. This therefore represents a massive opportunity to add value. The message is clear: unless you're supplying products aimed at these trends, you will be left behind in declining markets that are under increasing price pressure.

4. Look beyond brand share

In today's global food and drink industry, brand share is now irrelevant when it comes to understanding the ingredients market.

With so many major brands outsourcing production, the critical consideration today is identifying where this production takes place.

A large part of my work at RTS is now focused on helping companies to identify production sites and calculate ingredient volumes used by each site. Our clients have found this extremely useful in discovering where the real supply opportunities are.

5. Be ahead of your customers

As an ingredient supplier, it is no longer simply enough to turn up and present your latest ingredients.

In fact, it's often expected that you are ahead of the game, providing your customers the latest information regarding markets, cutting edge technology, packaging, trends and 'the story' behind your new products.

RTS can help you to do this by taking time to find out how you define your business, products and market in order to provide you with information that is specifically tailored to your company. We have worked with ingredient companies across the industry, from flavours and colours suppliers to hydrocolloids and industrial ingredients manufacturers. When it comes to providing market information, we believe it should always be a case of what you need, never what we've got.

To see how RTS can help grow your business, call Jamie on +44(0) 1902 422282 or contact us

And, if you are a subscriber to our newsletter, the initial consultations and proposal are free of charge.

4. Look beyond brand share

In today's global food and drink industry, brand share is now irrelevant when it comes to understanding the ingredients market.

With so many major brands outsourcing production, the critical consideration today is identifying where this production takes place.

A large part of my work at RTS is now focused on helping companies to identify production sites and calculate ingredient volumes used by each site. We can even supply contact information for these producers so that your sales team knows who to call.

5. Be ahead of your customers

As an ingredient supplier, it is no longer simply enough to turn up and present your latest ingredients.

In fact, it's often expected that you are ahead of the game, providing your customers the latest information regarding markets, trends and 'the story' behind your new products.

At RTS we not only supply this information, but we can also put together the presentation for you.

To see how RTS can help grow your business, call Jamie on +44(0) 1902 422282 or contact us

New Products - April 2011 - Edible Flowers, Meals and Spiced Yoghurt Drinks

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:46:00 +0000

Our round-up of new product launches in the UK.

Waitrose Edible Flowers
Part of the range of 'finishing touches' side dishes to add to salads, cocktails and cakes
Following the trends - Health & Wellbeing, Florals
Flavours:
Mauve-coloured Violas
Yellow Nasturtiums
Find out more: www.waitrose.com

Birds Eye Rice Fusions
A combination of vegetables and rice in a 'pyramid steamer'
Following the trends - 'Healthier carbs', Convenience, Portion control, Preservative free, Easy to prepare
Flavours:
Mediterranean Vegetable
Egg Fried Rice with Peas
Pilau with Peas & Spinach
Country Mushroom
Find out more www.birdseye.co.uk

Young's Chip Shop Mackerel Fillets in Beer Batter
2 Mackerel Fillets in a light and crispy beer batter
Following the trends - Limited trial edition (consumers are asked to vote on facebook), Sustainably Sourced, Convenience, Value (cheaper alternative to take-away), Health & Wellbeing
Find out more www.youngsseafood.co.uk

Made with Joy Lassi drinks
Yoghurt based drink with herbs and spices
Following the trends - Asian flavours, Herbs and Spices, Fusion Flavours, Florals, Probiotic, no added sugar (replaced with agave nectar), Low Fat
Flavours:
Strawberry and Holy Basil
Mango
Cardomom and Rose
Find out more www.madewithjoy.co.uk

McVitie's Breakfast Muffin
Individually wrapped muffin containing fruit, seeds and spices
Following the trends - Convenience, Food on the go, Indulgence, Comfort food
Find out more www.mcvities.co.uk

McVitie's Tea Loaf
Lemon and Ginger flavoured loaf cake
Following the trends - British, Spices, Lighter-alternative, Snacking
Find out more www.mcvities.co.uk

Kitchen Express Karahi Lamb Curry
Halal ready meals
Following the trends - Asian cuisine, Regional Cuisine, Intense flavours, Seasonings herbs & spices, Convenience
Find out more www.v8gourmet.com

Free-from - Passing trend or here to stay?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:57:00 +0000

Image: Glutenfreetees

The move into mainstream

In recent years there has been a significant rise in recognised food allergies and intolerances, leading to a shift in the ranges of specialist diet-compatible foods available. Gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free products have moved from specialist suppliers and health food retailers to dedicated sections in supermarket aisles, and more recently alongside mainstream products.

Health and wellbeing
In addition to diagnosed food allergies, there is growing demand from consumers without allergies who are seeking to reduce gluten, dairy and processed sugar from their diets. In some countries, such as the US, consumers are turning to gluten-free and dairy-free diets because they perceive them to be healthier. Often, consumers perceive that they have a problem with certain foods, adding to demand for ‘free-from’ products. In the UK, a recent study by Portsmouth University found that while ’20% of adults in Britain claim they are unable to eat foods from milk to mustard, fewer than 2% actually have an intolerance.’ This research was challenged by several food allergy commentators - but whatever the true scale of the problem, the fact remains that today’s consumers are more conscious of the foods they eat than ever before.

Passing trend or here to stay?
Just as 'natural' products are becoming a consumer expectation rather than a niche market, free-from could soon be following in the same direction. Many of the well-known brands are reformulating products and expanding product ranges to include free-from products and some companies are adding claims to products such as smoothies to reassure consumers of their free-from credentials.

Find out more
This information is taken from Supertrends Health and Wellbeing.
Contact us for more information on the free-from market including, ingredients usage, market value and volume.

Here are a few examples of free-from products from the UK and US:

US Manufacturer of free-from, vegetarian and organic foods Amy's has opened a production site at Corby, UK. The company also plans to export products to Europe.

UK gluten-free foods manufacturer DS now sells frozen products in the Co-operative including pizza, sausage rolls and yorkshire pudding

UK Chinese foods producer Amoy has launches its first gluten-free noodles. The noodles sit alongside other products in the Amoy range.

Warburtons has launched a range of gluten-free, wheat-free breads. The range can be found in the bakery aisle alongside other products in the Warburtons range.

Images: Amy's Kitchen, Amoy, DS, Warburtons

Too much information

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Rice) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:15:00 +0000

How often do we hear these words? With the internet it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information and dangerous to assume anything that’s 'out there' can be applied to your business.

Instead we suggest that the problem is not too much information, it’s too little of the right information.

Information is only of value if it's put to practical use.

Too much of the wrong information can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Equally, spend time searching the internet and you can rapidly eat up precious time - an inefficient use of your company’s resources.

At RTS we believe in saving you time and money, giving you the information that’s relevant to your business today, and that works hard to make your business grow in the future.

Get in touch and see how we can help.

Ask us a question on twitter

Email us at ask@researchtosolutions.com

Or why not pick the good old-fashioned phone and give us a call on

+44 (0)1902 422282 and talk to Jamie or Steve

Health and Wellbeing Trends in Herbs and Spices

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Consumers are increasingly expecting the food and drink they buy to contain natural ingredients. As interest in healthier lifestyles and natural, less-processed food grows, manufacturers and retailers are looking for natural ingredients that can deliver functional values. Herbs and spices have long been acknowledged for their health-boosting and medicinal properties, but now ingredient suppliers are investigating other potential uses, especially in terms of functionality.

Here are some examples:

Antioxidants
Rosemary, sage, thyme, cinnamon, oregano, paprika and ginger all boast high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, believed to be beneficial for healthy immune systems and preventing disease.

A recent study by The University of Bologna in Italy has found that adding ginger powder to bakery products can significantly increase levels of antioxidants in the finished products thus offering additional health benefits. The study found that bread made with three percent of ginger powder had double the amount of antioxidants of bread made without. According to the researchers, the findings suggest that ginger could be regarded as a potential health-promoting functional ingredient. (source: Food Navigator)

Brain Health
Turmeric could be used for its links with brain health. Garlic improves blood flowto the brain. Rosemary has inflammatory properties that are currently being investigated to help combat the effects of Alzheimers. Basil, bay, lemon balm and sage can boost brain power. Rosemary may also boost memory according to a recent study by the University of Northumbria, which found that inhaling rosemary essential oils aided memory and alertness. (http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450390161903)

Digestive Health
Ginger is currently being investigated for its digestive properties. Parsley can be used to relieve bloating and help with detoxifying the body as a diuretic. Mint can be used to relieve heartburn, digestive discomfort and flatulence.

According to a 1996 study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition dietary curcumin, capsaicin, piperine and ginger 'prominently enhanced intestinal lipase activity, and also the disaccharidases sucrase and maltase', while dietry cumin, fenugreek, mustard and asafoetida were found to bring about decreases in th levels of phosphatases and sucrase.

Weight Management and Satiety
Meanwhile, with weight management set to become a major trend over the next five years, acoording to our research, cayenne and fennel are likely to be favoured for increasing satiety and promoting healthy metabolism - two crucial components for weight management products. Chilli powder shaken onto food may help to prevent a spike in insulin levels after a meal (according to a small study in Australia), aiding weight loss by increasing satiety.

Information taken from our forthcoming report Natural, Health and Flavour Trends in Seasonings, Herbs and Spices Launch date: 20th April 2011

New Products - March 2011 - Meat, Meals, Snacks and Soya

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Hand) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:06:00 +0000

New products in the UK

Ginsters Cornish Bara
Microwaveable snack - a pasty and sandwich combined
Following the trends: British, Provenance, Local, Convenience
Flavours:
Hog Roast
Flame Grilled Chicken
Spicy Meatball
www.ginsters.co.uk

Pot Noodle GTI
Microwaveable snack - first pot noodle product to contain 'real meat'
Following the trends: Convenience, Pot Meals
Flavours:
Chilli Con Carne
Tikka Masala
Spaghetti Bolognese
www.potnoodle.com

Asda Meals 'wok in 4 mins'

Straight to wok convenience meals

Following the trends: Health & Wellbeing, Portion Control, Healthy Alternative, Convenience, Japanese Cuisine, Vietnamese Cuisine, Regional Cuisine, Exotic Flavours

Flavours:
Japanese style chilli chicken with sticky rice
Pad Thai style chicken noodles
Vietnamese style nuoc cham chicken noodles
Chicken noodles singapore style
Massaman chicken curry with sticky rice
www.asda.com

M&S Super Soya
Range of soya based meals and products
Following the Trends: Health and Wellbeing, Convenience, Lowering meat consumption, Healthy Alternative
Flavours:
Lasagne
Cottage Pie
Soya strips in black bean sauce
Soya strips
Soya mince
www.marksandspencer.com

M&S 150 Calories or less
Calorie controlled snacks
Following the Trends: Health and Wellbeing, Weight Loss, Convenience, Snacks, Healthy Alternative
Flavours:
Range includes flapjacks, cake bars, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts and popcorn
www.marksandspencer.com

If you would like us to feature your new product here or in one of our forthcoming reports, please email us

Images: Ginsters, Asda, M&S, Pot Noodle