About the Market…

Mintel last examined the UK retail market for edible oils in December 2003. Since this last report the market has seen further growth in the liquid oil sector at the expense of the solid oil market. Olive oil in particular has moved from being a specialty product towards more mass market status, its growth assisted by promotion of its health benefits in addition to investment in the range of products available to the consumer. Conversely other standard liquid oils, such as vegetable and sunflower oils have seen sluggish volume sales.

The specialty oils market, although small in size, is seeing especially strong growth as more consumers seek out more particular products for their needs. Light and mild oils are expanding while spray oils are also benefiting from growth. However it is the specialty sector, which includes flavoured and infused oils, that has made most progress. With a market focused on developments in the liquid oils sector, and the improved health benefits that some of these products offer, the solid oils market has continued to decline. Only a few niche uses, such as home baking, can be said to still exist for such products that appear increasingly out of flavor with modern consumer lifestyles.

About Mintel’s Research…

Compiling together all the most sought-after trend data and most authoritative, independent market analysis, Mintel’s report offers you a vital way of fully understanding the Edible Oils market. It also offers you unique findings from exclusive consumer research, invaluable information that will enable you to tailor your business to real consumer demand. Mintel’s research report has been designed to help you:

Identify how factors such as health fads and convenience trends drive the market

Examine consumer preferences towards different types of oils such as olive and speciality oils

Understand the reasons behind own label success

Pinpoint market potential before your competitors

Assess manufacturer and distributor profiles

Look at the future of the edible oils market

Determine key target audiences and sales trends.

Intriguing findings…

By 2005, those who had purchased vegetable oil during the previous year had fallen to 44%, equal with those who had purchased olive oil, signalling a major shift in taste for this once popular standard oil product.

58% of respondents claim to stick with the same brand of oil, highlighting the high degree of loyalty there is within the market presumably making it a challenge for any new entrant.