"Women and Children First" in the $22.8 Billion Functional Foods and Beverages Market

The amount of new functional food and beverage products featuring nutritional claims increased an estimated 10% in 2002 over the previous year, according to The U.S. Market for Functional Foods and Beverages, a new report published by Packaged Facts, available at MarketResearch.com. The gain is attributed to products specifically targeting women and children, from juices to cereals, which contain added vitamins and minerals catering to the specific needs of these consumer segments.

New York, (PRWEB) August 7, 2003 -- The amount of new functional food and beverage products featuring nutritional claims increased an estimated 10% in 2002 over the previous year, according to The U.S. Market for Functional Foods and Beverages, a new report published by Packaged Facts, available at MarketResearch.com. The gain is attributed to products specifically targeting women and children, from juices to cereals, which contain added vitamins and minerals catering to the specific needs of these consumer segments.

While driving volume growth in the overall functional foods market remains difficult, companies such as General Mills are launching products like Harmony cereal, marketed as a support system for women," with added nutrients and vitamins, to boost sales. Children are also targeted, with fortified food products like Buzz Blasts" cereal from Kelloggs. But the category is also enjoying strong gains due to the popularity of enhanced drinks and food bars.

"Vitamin-fortified waters, 'energy bars, sports drinks -- all these products that be typically be associated with sports are finding an audience with athletes and couch potatoes alike," said Don Montuori, Acquisitions Editor for Packaged Facts. "In many ways these are the perfect consumable for today, since they appeal to the health-conscious consumer and convenience-seeker, which are the main drivers of current packaged food market."

The U.S. Market for Functional Foods and Beverages, the third volume in the wellness foods series from Packaged Facts, covers these developments in the marketplace while examining consumer behavior, competitive profiles, market share, acquisitions, and more. Evolving products and ingredients are also included, with industry forecasts through 2007.

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