The economic downturn has not created a 'health crunch' when it comes to new product innovation, suggests research conducted for the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) by independent consultancy Mintel's Global New Products Database.
Based on its tracking of all new product launches in the UK grocery market, Mintel has discovered that nearly 250 reformulated products were launched in the first six months of this year - similar to the same period in 2008. In all, over 700 product lines have been launched with new recipes since January 2007 - the equivalent of nine a week - more than in any other European country.
Mintel's research also suggests that total sales of healthier eating options in some key food and drink categories are now worth £8bn - and in some areas are growing at twice the rate of the market as a whole.
The research is contained in a new report - 'Recipe for Change' - published today by FDF, which describes how food and drink manufacturers are developing new products, and refreshing old favourites, so that they are lower in calories, fat, or salt.
The report 'Recipe for Change' contains detailed cases studies of reformulation activities. Included are the following potato processing companies:
McCain Foods
Pepsico (Walkers/Frito-Lay)
United Biscuits