The UK sauces and spreads market was estimated at 781m in 2002 but sales are forecast to decline over the period to 2007.

The UK sauces and spreads market was estimated at 781m in 2002, having grown by 7.9% since 1998. In recent years, the market's growth has been driven by the sauces sector; sales of spreads have generally been in decline. Many sectors of the sauces and spreads market are relatively mature, so there is little scope to increase the size of the market by attracting new users. We forecast that volume sales will continue to decline over the period to 2007, but a shift towards premium products and new products in certain areas will add some value to the market.

(PRWEB September 18 2003--Research and Markets have announced the addition of the "Sauces & Spreads Market Report 2003" report to their offering.

The UK sauces and spreads market was estimated at 781m in 2002, having grown by 7.9% since 1998. In recent years, the market's growth has been driven by the sauces sector; sales of spreads have generally been in decline.

The market for table sauces and condiments comprises: thick sauces such as tomato sauce and brown sauce; salad accompaniments; pickles, chutneys and relishes; condiment sauces, such as mint and horseradish; vinegar; and mustard. Many of these products have been established a long time, and they enjoy high levels of household penetration. However, the market benefits from ongoing investment by suppliers, including investment in product innovation. Developing areas of the market include barbecue products, sales of which have grown as outdoor eating has become an established part of the summer season. The growing presence of international dishes in UK consumers' diets has also encouraged the introduction of more ethnic and regional recipes.

Sweet and savoury spreads include: jam; marmalade; honey; chocolate and nut spreads; other sweet spreads (including syrup); peanut butter; and savoury spreads and pastes. Sales have suffered from the move away from traditional breakfast formats towards cereals and eating `on the go'. However, some value has been added to the market through the introduction of premium brands containing more fruit and less sugar, as well as through the development of organic products. The chocolate-spread sector has also seen the entry of confectionery names such as Cadbury and Milky Way, which has boosted the sector's presence.

Suppliers to the sector vary greatly in profile. Some of the UK's largest food groups, such as Unilever Bestfoods, HJ Heinz, RHM and Hazlewood Foods, are represented in this market, alongside specialists such as F Duerr & Sons and Andros UK. There is scope for a range of players because of the diverse nature of the products sold. At the same time, the presence of a number of strong brands means that the sector benefits from promotional investment.

Many sectors of the sauces and spreads market are relatively mature, so there is little scope to increase the size of the market by attracting new users. We forecast that volume sales will continue to decline over the period to 2007, but a shift towards premium products and new products in certain areas will add some value to the market.

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REPORT DATA SUMMARY:
Sauces & Spreads Market Report 2003
Category: Food
URL: www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/35191

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