With a household penetration rate of 97.1%, the salty snacks category is one of the most popular among U.S. households. In 2011, U.S. sales of potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels and corn snacks amounted to $13.6 billion, illustrating the relative recession-resistance of these snack segments. As such, they are critically important to manufacturers and retailers alike, as they represent a fairly reliable revenue stream.

Salty snacks have a relatively affordable price point. However, this is not to say that the segments featured in this report are entirely immune to economic pressures. As they are a snacking extra, they may be cut from grocery lists depending on just how tight the household food budget is. In addition to financial concerns, media coverage regarding the country’s growing obesity problem is no doubt capturing the attention of Americans. Parents in particular may be reluctant to buy as many snacks for their children as they have in the past.

During such an important period for the snacking industry, this report takes an in-depth look at some of the major segments within the salty snacks category. As such, Mintel has developed this report to help guide the future strategic direction of manufacturers and retailers alike by providing insights on the following topics:

The snacking industry’s performance to date, and a forecast on what future sales may look like

The impact of key market drivers and an ever-increasing competitive marketplace on manufacturers’ and retailers’ ability to maximize sales and profit margins

The snacking industry’s efforts with regard to developing and marketing products that meet consumers’ desire for fun and taste, while balancing this against a growing interest in eating better

Product attributes that matter most to snack consumers, and how the snacking industry is responding in terms of product development and marketing to connect with key audiences

The role that household income, gender, race/Hispanic origin and other demographic factors play in determining the fortunes of snack segments in general, and specifically individual companies and brands

The snacking industry’s approach, particularly on the retailing side, to the wide variety of store formats that sell snacks and how the unique attributes of each channel play a role in determining success or failure