The report looks at the sales of condiments in FDM channels. The market is divided into seven segments, and the top four segments—Mexican sauce, ketchup, barbeque sauce, and mustard—accounted for 77% of the total sales in the market in 2006. With the exception of Mexican sauce, all three top segments have exhibited less than desired sales performance.

To better understand the usage pattern and opportunity-enhancing attributes, Mintel conducted its exclusive survey. One important revelation is that consumers are most likely to look for low-sodium condiments, which are virtually non-existent on retail shelves.

In 2006, the market for condiments is estimated at $3 billion. Despite consumers’ growing interest in bolder and ethnic flavors, the market growth has remained stagnant since 2001. Aging population, in part, has been responsible for less than optimistic sales growth, primarily due to absence of desired products by this population group. Competition from other food categories such as seasonings and marinades also present challenges. Condiments have suffered from over-exposure due to growing trend of eating out at quick service restaurants, which most of the time carry the same brands popular at retail.

The positive growth in the market is stimulated from a few niche premium brands in each category, indicating that many consumers have chosen to upgrade their choice of condiments. This report discusses the opportunities to attract consumers on the basis of flavors and other new product offerings.

This report covers the retail market for condiments purchased for at-home consumption. The following products are included in the report:

Mexican sauce (including picante sauce, tomato salsa, and taco sauce)

Ketchup

Barbecue sauce

Mustard (yellow, spicy/brown, Dijon, honey mustard)

Steak/Worcestershire sauce

Hot/Cajun sauce

Others (chili/hot dog sauce, dairy/cheese sauce, horseradish/horseradish sauce, cocktail sauce, seafood sauce, and tartar sauce)

The following are not included in this report:

Salt and pepper

Seasonings (packets or bottles)

Cooking sauces and marinades

Oriental sauces (soy sauce, other oriental sauces)

Pickles, olives, relish, and chutneys

Herbs (dried, wet, frozen, and fresh)

Spices

Mayonnaise

Salad dressings