 |
|
| Consumer Trends |
|
| Ready Meals in Europe |
|
A recent Consumer Insight report from Datamonitor shows the ready meal category in Western Europe was worth over US$7 billion in 2001 and is expected to reach close to US$9 billion by 2005.
Datamonitor has identified five main consumer trends affecting the market for ready meals: Stress driven purchases will result in a demand for products that are convenient, while the snacking trend will continue to rise as more consumers have less time to prepare meals. Consumers who entertain at home, as well as novice cooks seeking easy to prepare meals, will expect to serve higher quality dishes. Finally, the wide variety offered at restaurants will impact what consumers seek from the ready meal category.
Recent activity in the ready meals category covers a wide range of tastes, budgets, and regional preferences. The Count-on-Us line from Marks & Spencer's (UK) includes Cider Chicken with new potatoes, spinach, leeks, and creamy cider sauce for those monitoring caloric intake. There is an increasing number of premium, restaurant-quality meals, including a line of chef-created products from Delhaize (Belgium), such as lamb curry with basmati rice. Ethnic meals are becoming more specific and authentic. Sainsbury (UK) features specialties from the regions of India, such as aloo saag (a Northern Indian specialty of spicy potato with spinach, coconut milk, and coriander).
Sources: Food & Beverage Int’l; The World of Food Ingredients
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Targeting Kids with Custom-Designed Flavors
 Read more
|
|
|
