About the market…

Sales of processed RFRC foods have seen dynamic growth since the end of the 1990s, with sales rising by 37% between 2000 and 2004. This has been due to consistent year-on-year increases driven by the demand from consumers for healthy foods that offer comparable taste and quality to standard products. The market will have expanded by a further 5% in 2005.

The products which have experienced the highest sales rises have been those that have successfully harnessed the twin consumer trends of indulgence and convenience. Cakes and biscuits have both managed to outperform the market as consumers have been keen to maintain their sweet eating habits. Growth in convenience products is led by chilled ready meals and pizza, both of which have managed to considerably boost volumes and values.

About Mintel’s research…

Fusing together the latest consumer research and freshest market analysis, this report gives you the opportunity to exploit the market potential. Mintel's new report offers you all the insight and inspiration you need for designing clever, creative and profitable marketing strategies in the RFRC foods market. Use Mintel's research to:

Understand the major market trends and drivers

Discover what consumers think about RFRC foods and tailor your offering accordingly

Measure the popularity of various types of RFRC foods and discover what drives consumers to choose them

Spot new targeting opportunities and identify which consumers are most likely to eat RFRC foods

Pin point market potential, before your competitors

Identify key consumer audiences and find out how to best reach them with the most effective marketing communications

Learn about the latest product releases and assess the potential for new entrants in the market

Measure market sizes and forecasts and build realistic business models.

Intriguing findings include…

The C1s are the most important socio-economic for RFRC foods. There are two exceptions: red meat, where a lean image is often used to add value to a product’s premium positioning and appeal to the AB consumer; and crisps, where healthy ‘light’ crisps often appeal to a more upmarket base than their standard counterparts which have a mass-market appeal.