At just-food.com , we give our members an exclusive portfolio of research reports worth more than 20 times the membership fee. Covering key topics in the food industry, we have lined up a fantastic portfolio of titles and authors to ensure you stay informed and that your membership offers the best possible value for your budget.
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June
management briefingIn 2000, retail market researchers at Verdict called them ‘Continental discounters’, while they are known in the UK as the discount grocers. Whatever their nickname, the likes of Aldi, Lidl and Netto are all renowned for their low prices, which has generated plenty of support around the world. Hard discounters in the UK have had it tougher than in their country of origin – Germany – and many other parts of Europe where the format was quickly received and accepted into the mass grocery retail (MGR) sector. This month's briefing takes a look at the major players and reviews the latest sales data and expansion plans from Aldi, Lidl and Netto. The briefing highlights best-practice strategies that these players are taking in order to increase market share. Adopting strategies such as private-label NPD, building on economic concerns and becoming more fashionable will ensure the discounters are here to stay for now.
May
management briefingFairtrade has come a long way since the launch of the Max Havelaar Fairtrade Certification Mark in the Netherlands in 1988. Having been founded by activists, Fairtrade today can no longer be defined merely as a campaign. It is a recognisable and increasingly potent, international brand. A dynamic movement, Fairtrade has evolved and expanded constantly, so in spite of being so radically transformed during the past two decades there is no feeling on the part of strategists of the concept having ‘arrived’. But it has arguably reached an extremely critical stage of its development, notwithstanding the differing levels of maturity and penetration across the various countries in which it operates. This briefing looks at national profiles, international harmonisation of Fairtrade and the future of the movement.
April
management briefingThis briefing is our second annual research review, in which we round up some findings from just-food's recently published market sector research reports. Last year saw us release some brand new titles and as well as updates of our established reports. Extracts are provided from our global market reviews of indulgence foods and NPD strategies, and the latest report on branded foods in India. 2008 is building up to be a busy year for research, so look out for some great upcoming titles.
March
management briefingPackaging in the food and drink sector is intrinsically linked to consumer trends across the whole industry. However, trends in packaging tend to evolve at a slower pace. They typically include more subtle changes, undertaken over a longer and more complicated process, compared to new product development. A food brand that is keen to move with the times but stay ahead of the competition will regularly review the role of its packaging as part of the overall product and brand image. This month’s briefing analyses five current packaging trends: nostalgia and story telling, compostable packaging, simplicity, organic and natural food, and less is more.
February
management briefingThe focus of this month’s briefing is the ‘food versus fuel’ debate, which is set to ascend further up the media’s, governments’ and - gradually - consumers’ agendas throughout the course of 2008. Despite being the subject of numerous political, environmental and media discussions over the past few years, the issue of using land for food or fuel cultivation is only just starting to attract the attention of a more mainstream crowd. just-food maintains a nonbiased perspective to demonstrate both sides of the argument, looking at the pros and cons of biofuels, which food companies are involved, what consumers think, and what the future holds.
January
management briefingRising commodity costs - and the ongoing tension between suppliers and retailers over passing those costs on to consumers - dominated the food industry landscape in 2007, and the next 12 months look set to be no different. This month's briefing offers a preview of what we expect to be the major industry trends, issues and development in 2008. We look at both developed and developing markets across four key sectors - dairy products, impulse food, meal solutions and breakfast products.
December
management briefingThroughout 2007, the news and feature pages of just-food have covered plenty of merger and acquisition activity, and contrasting fortune among the industry's leading players, but it was arguably developments in the food retail sector that attracted the most media interest during the past 12 months. This briefing reviews the progress of key debates and issues affecting food producers, distributors and retailers, as well as the major corporate events of an eventful and challenging year for the industry.
November
management briefingThe issue of climate change is now well and truly on the agenda, not only for food manufacturers, retailers and suppliers, but also for consumers. Becoming ‘climate-aware’ is not only imperative for the survival of the planet, but for any food business expecting a foothold in the future marketplace. There are numerous paths to this best-practice position and they are not all smooth, straightforward or cheap - they are, however, essential. This month’s briefing looks at climate change and its impact on the food industry, including global issues, organic opportunities, carbon labeling, quotes from the industry and what the industry can do going forward.
October
management briefingThe online grocery retail sector may still be characterised as a niche in the market, accounting for at most 2-3% of total UK grocery sales, but it is showing strong growth, as consumers increasingly take to the idea of shopping online for food, and the country’s largest supermarket chains enhance their online operations. In this month’s briefing we look at market growth and market shares in this sector, the importance of online presence, key facilitators for growth, innovation and development and outlook for the future. We also provide company profiles for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado/Waitrose and Asda.
September
management briefingThis month's briefing discusses the Doha development round. Trade officials and diplomats of the 150 World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries are scheduled to return to the organisation's Geneva headquarters this September to discuss ways in which their governments can cut their food and drink tariffs and production subsidies. The report looks at the latest 'modalities' proposals and what member governments think about the proposals, as well as the political prospects for success in the Doha round.
August
management briefingThis month's briefing looks at the global concern that is food security. Security has acquired new meaning and resonance during this first decade of the 21st century. Regularly applied not only to personal safety and the need for official action to minimise risks, it also refers to the individual strands of everyday life, not least our food supply. It is not unusual for people to need imported food just to survive. Whether bought or donated in the form of aid, many countries rely on imports as they cannot produce enough themselves to prevent starvation. As borders and populations shift, so too must supply chains and distribution patterns. This report investigates safe and secure food and supply, including issues such as ensuring quantity, methods of mass production, food scares, communications technology, logistical nightmares and hunting and fishing.
July
management briefingOffering a whole report for download as a briefing naturally proved popular last September, so we thought we’d offer our subscribers another opportunity to sample one of just-food’s global market research reports. This month we are providing the 2006 edition of our Global market review of fairtrade and ethical food - forecasts to 2012. This takes the place of a management briefing. Currently priced at £255, we hope you find it interesting and informative. If you like what you read and would like to find out more about just- food’s latest reports, feel free to drop Kathryn an email at kathryn.wedgbury@just-food.com
June
management briefingA low-fat ice cream with the scrumptious flavour of a full-fat version; cooking oils that contain less harmful fats; and encapsulated pills embedded in your bread that give you extra vitamins – the food manufacturing industry is at the start of a long journey with nanotechnology. This months briefing looks at the benefits and challenges nanotechnology can bring to the food industry. We include a chapter on key ways nanotechnology will effect packaging, discuss the possible new regulations that could be brought in to deal with nanotech products, and give an overview of the latest research.
May
management briefingWhile health, convenience and indulgence (dubbed 'the three megatrends') continue to dominate growth strategies within the global food industry, a number of emerging trends are also making a significant impact on communications, new product development (NPD) and consumers' purchasing habits. This just-food briefing offers insight and perspective on seven of the many food trends currently influencing manufacturers, retailers and consumers in the global marketplace, including functional foods, Über-convenience and ethnic influences.
April
management briefingThis month's briefing is a round up of findings from just-food's recently published market sector research reports. As well as providing you with some valuable research findings, we felt it would be an ideal platform to give you, our just-food subscriber, a taste of what we've been busily building up over the last few years - a growing portfolio of research reports. This review includes extracts from our recent global market reviews of ice cream and diet trends, and previews of our upcoming reports on food retailing in India and the global food additives market.
March
management briefingKeeping up with which fat is “flavour of the month” and which is bad for our health is proving tricky for most consumers. Unless you have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of nutrition, most people rely on a variety of sources when it comes to finding out what we should and should not eat. As manufacturers have successfully changed recipes to be free from trans fats, companies can no longer rely on excuses such as there being no suitable alternative or that it is too expensive/difficult/time-consuming to change. Consumers are growing sceptical about the claims made by big power brands in the food industry, and manufacturers cannot afford to risk their reputation by not taking action. This month’s briefing looks at the rise of essential fatty acids and the fall of the trans fats…
February
management briefingThe rising popularity of world cuisine cannot be underestimated in today’s hugely competitive marketplace. Consumers are becoming more experimental with flavours and ingredients; they seek authentic products that taste great, and they expect to be able to purchase restaurant-quality dishes from their local supermarket or independent retailer. World cuisine is the answer to many of today’s consumer demands, and this briefing aims to address the drivers behind the strong growth witnessed in this market over the last few years. It considers new product development trends and strategies and predicts future market growth in key regions to 2013. As well as focusing on the already popular ready meals sector, just-food analyses the potential opportunities for non-traditional ethnic food categories such as desserts, snacking and confectionery.
January
management briefingLike all companies, food and drink manufacturers want to see a stable and predictable environment in which to do business. But subject to a vast array of EU rules and regulations, this is rarely the case. The next 12 months are likely to be no different, as Brussels plans to introduce a number of new and revised pieces of legislation during 2007. This month’s briefing previews major developments in EU and international legislation, and is intended to offer food and drink companies an informative and valuable insight into how their business sector could change over the next business year. Bird flu, climate change, pollution and transatlantic tension are amongst the issues discussed.
December
management briefingThe past year has seen a further ramping up of pressure on the food industry to embrace and project a socially responsible outlook, and the level of public and political scrutiny of the food industry has never been greater. Whether with regard to children’s food, ethical trading, the composition of food products, sustainable agriculture, obesity or labelling, food producers have had to respond to pressure from campaigners and politicians alike. This briefing looks at a selection of key issues facing food producers during the past year, examining how these debates have progressed, how food companies, both individually and as an industry, have sought to respond to criticism and engage proactively in tackling the problems, and how matters are likely to develop in 2007.
November
management briefingChina’s rapidly expanding food industry has attracted attention from foreign investors for decades, but it is only in recent years that the post-Communist market has represented a tangible and actionable opportunity for suppliers, producers, manufacturers and retailers. This month’s briefing looks at opportunities and hurdles in the Chinese food and drink market. These include import and export opportunities, foreign direct investment, industry trends and future opportunities.
October
management briefingThe whole and natural market is growing fast, and is prompting considerable attention from manufacturers and retailers, not only in terms of new product development but also from a branding and marketing perspective. Brands are using more natural and whole ingredients and flavours to push healthier products into the mainstream, while also making their products seem more appetising. In this briefing, just-food first assesses the drivers behind the whole and natural market, and includes comment from leading whole and natural companies and experts, and then predicts the future of the sector to 2012.
September
management briefingThis month, we thought we’d offer our subscribers the opportunity to sample one of just-food’s global market research reports: the 2005 edition of our Global market review of the GI diets industry with forecasts to 2010. This takes the place of a management briefing. Currently priced at £592, we hope you find it interesting and informative. If you like what you read and would like to find out more about just- food’s latest reports, feel free to drop Kathryn an email at kathryn.wedgbury@just-food.com
August
management briefingMonday 24th July signalled the suspension of the WTO global trade talks. The International Chamber of Commerce said in a statement late on Tuesday that it was "extremely disappointed" by the collapse of the talks which came after countries failed to overcome differences on reforming global farm trade. Our man with his finger on the EU pulse, Keith Nuthall, has just completed his analysis of the saga so far. just-food's August management briefing discusses the modalities deal and what's in the draft, whether or not there may actually be a deal now, and it discusses follow-up negotiations, agriculture amendments and refining modalities. For bang up-to-date, in-depth analysis of the situation, it's available for just-food members to download now.
July
management briefingThe growing importance of functional foods can be attributed to the changing trends in consumer diets towards healthier foods, such as soy-based products, low-fat meals and vitamin-enriched energy bars. The growing proportion of ageing populations – which leads to rising healthcare costs, obesity problems and an increasing awareness of healthier lifestyles – is the prime reason driving this change. This month’s briefing profiles the major players in the global functional foods market, including Nestlé SA, Dean Foods and Tiger Brands Ltd. We also outline industry issues and concerns, rank the top 30 companies based on sales and look to the future of the industry.
June
management briefing"With European Parliament showing approval of health and nutrition claims on food regulation last month, the EU has taken an important step forward in setting the legal framework for the food industry in Europe. The once-feared REACH chemical directive is no longer much of a threat to food manufacturers. But the relative peace on the legislative front may only last for a year or so until the European Commission comes up with new food labelling proposals that could well signal a tough crackdown on health grounds. These and other issues are examined in detail."
May
management briefingThe ‘magnificent seven’ trends highlighted in this report are already stirring interest in parts of the global food industry and just-food believes they are set to explode over the next six years due to a combination of micro and macro drivers. This just-food briefing offers insight and perspective on seven of the many food trends currently influencing manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Just-food believes blue-sky predictions and crystal ball forecasts can provide inspiration for creativity, particularly in NPD departments, these are also covered in the briefing.
April
management briefingIf globalisation is about profit then demographics can be defined as the study of new markets. Understanding population is a means of identifying opportunities. Meeting needs is akin to creating them and, to use one of the twentieth century’s most over-used phrases, achieving critical mass. Demographics, within the context of food production and marketing, is not only about population composition but also about lifestyle and the way it is changing as both a cause and effect of globalisation.
March
management briefingThe aim of this just-food briefing is to unravel some of the ‘mystery’ behind the purchasing trends of European retailers and answer the tricky questions facing every food manufacturer when it comes to the supplier-retailer relationship. Whether you are a start-up or a multinational brand it is essential to get behind the minds of the retail buyers and maintain a healthy relationship. This will ensure long-term sales and generate customer loyalty.
February
management briefingFoodservice is a complicated market to define and quantify. It includes companies that supply meals on a contract basis to institutions. Other sectors serve the general public through fast-food outlets and coffee shops, sometimes as franchisees, such as McDonald’s and Subway. Restaurants and cafés, from independents to large multinational chains such as Pizza Hut, are also covered by the term ‘foodservice’. Growth through insight is the lifeblood of the foodservice market, which must continually innovate and evolve to succeed against its growing list of competitors – not just within the sector but also from retail. This briefing considers current and future trends that will drive the foodservice market forward around the world over the next six years, such as natural versus perceived freshness, and the balance between health and indulgence. Foodservice is an ever changing and expanding industry making it extremely difficult to quantify. However, just-food has selected five countries with huge potential from Europe, North America and Asia Pacific to focus on in its examination of future trends.
January
management briefingPredicting the future is a delicate matter, and a super powered crystal ball would be needed to foresee exactly which stories will fill the headlines in 2006. However, this month’s briefing provides a chapter-by-chapter review of the key trends we think will affect the food industry during 2006 and beyond. Of course, many of the same issues that kept us busy in 2005 will no doubt rumble on this year. Health concerns will continue to dominate the front pages, along with convenience and indulgence and new technology and packaging innovations. Other hot topics discussed in this report include salt levels, avian flu, planning laws, children’s food and energy costs.
December
management briefingFood packaging growth and technological development is intrinsically linked to the growth of, and demand for, supermarkets. This growth is driven by changing lifestyles and the move to convenience foods, where packaging forms an essential part of the product offering. Industrialised societies – Europe, US, Japan etc – have led this trend over the last 30 years. However, other areas of the world are catching up, notably China and Asia, but poor infrastructure still makes supermarket supply all but impossible and there is little or no demand for anything beyond the most basic food packaging. In this month’s briefing just-food looks at food packaging in the modern world, focusing on technologies, the environment and what the future has in store.
November
management briefingConsumers are becoming increasingly aware of the role of nutrition and specific food components in a healthful lifestyle. Food manufacturers are responding to this growing trend by offering more choices – low-fat, low-calorie, low-sodium, high-protein, high-fibre – to fit a wide range of dietary needs, preferences and tastes. This briefing discusses the health benefits of fibre, the ‘forgotten nutrient’, its role in the food industry and the whole-grain trend. Ongoing research encourages the food industry to emphasise dietary fibre content in manufactured products. Last month, the EU announced its plans to fund a 5 year research project to develop new sources of nutritionally enhanced grain-based foods. This will explore grain-processing technologies to modify the texture of whole-grain bread, in an attempt to make whole-grain products more accepted among consumers. This report includes manufacturing and marketing challenges and corporate profiles of General Mills, Nestlé and Sara Lee.
October
management briefingThe food industry in China is expected to generate an income of US$241.8bn in 2005 - a 325% increase in 8 years. Its post-Communist market is being driven by the increased spending power and changing food habits of the country’s ever-wealthier people. However, there are significant risks with an emerging market of this size, complexity and relative immaturity. With the main goal over recent years being ‘feed the nation', not enough has been done to safeguard health and safety. The country is frantically trying to get in line with international regulations in order to cash in on valuable product exports. Reducing pesticides is one issue being tackled, along with the much talked about ‘bird flu’. Risks of a pandemic are real according to the World Health Organisation and the industry can expect stringent quality testing and a damaging lack of consumer confidence. In addition to health and safety issues, this briefing also looks at export opportunities, raw materials, packaged and processed food and the manufacturers.
September
management briefingIndia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and one of the largest in terms of Purchasing Power Parity. Global brands are re-starting the hype of a decade ago, as they envisage how to take advantage of the massive population and rapidly growing income and consumption to create new business streams, sales and profits. But several challenges remain before companies can grab the big prize in India – fragmented chains, poor infrastructure plus policy and regulation issues make it difficult for retailers to make their move. However, things are improving as the Indian government start to make effective and coherent efforts to bring about change in the perishables supply chain. So can such strong potential progress to significant business opportunities? This month’s briefing looks at consumer opportunity, the retail structure, emerging developments and addressing the risks and challenges involved in entering the Indian market. Case studies and industry forecasts are also offered.
August
management briefingThe biggest barrier to growth in the snacks industry, particularly in Western Europe and Japan, is consumer concerns about health and rising obesity levels. Snack companies have responded to this with a growing number of better-for-you products, reducing salt, fat, additives and carbohydrates, while adding more ‘natural’ and functional ingredients. In the face of several key obstacles, the world’s appetite for savoury snacks continues to grow. Euromonitor report that savoury snacks were easily the largest and strongest growing product type of all the impulse foods last year, notching up value sales of US$65.6bn - up 8.4% on the year before. The world snack market can be divided into two camps: the more mature markets of North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australasia; and the developing regions of Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and North Africa/Middle East. This month’s briefing gives an overview of trends in both camps and will look at both existing and developing markets in more detail. The key issues of innovation and health are also addressed.
July
management briefingThere are currently a number of ambiguous terms printed on packages of food, such as "clinically proven", "natural", "whole", "genuine", and “traditional”. Certain words are selected to be emotive rather than informative, so it seems that manufacturers are doing little more than paying lip service to legal requirements, rather than providing clear information for consumers. This briefing begins by looking at the confusion derived from terms and definitions used on food packaging, and how this affects consumer confidence in the food industry. It highlights the need for manufacturers and retailers to establish trust, what consumers really want, and the need for accuracy, clarity and transparency. The issues of special needs, and labelling to promote health and combating obesity are also discussed, outlining the requirements of consumers with allergies, visual impairments, diabetes and GI.
June
management briefingThe world population is set to reach nine billion by 2050 with adults, particularly seniors, representing the largest demographic. The global drivers propelling the food industry into the 21st century are health, convenience and indulgence. The importance of these drivers is set to increase as consumers become more sophisticated in their eating habits. This month's briefing looks at adults' modern eating trends in major consuming countries, and marks the significant trends, which will increase their influence throughout 2005 and into 2006.
May
management briefingAs the EU enlarges, the process of multinationals and food companies spreading in an easterly direction throughout Europe and beyond is accelerating. This is helped by freeing of duties and unified trading tariffs, along with a cheaper and well-educated labour force. This briefing discusses the opportunities to export to these so far unexploited markets, identifying the countries that offer the best opportunities, and the raw materials that each of those boast. It also looks at the potential for investing in existing companies in Eastern Europe and the possibilities of introducing new products to them. The final two chapters outline how an influx of food companies from the west to the east will also affect the already established processed foods industry and the sourcing of products. Throughout the briefing, there are comments from leading research companies and food producers.
April
management briefingThe year-on-year consumption of processed foods is on the increase. Fast-paced, wealthier lifestyles combined with increased trust in manufacturers, retailers and authorities to provide us with safe food, are making convenience meals more tempting. This briefing discusses the reasons why we rely on processed food; the real cost in terms of time, financial and health; the spin used to market convenience/ processed products; and the entrance of manufacturers into new markets.
March
management briefingWhat’s an additive? It is a good question, especially when considering the health and diversity of the world’s ‘additive’ sector. Canadian food and drug regulations define them as "substances that, when added to food, can become part of the food or alter its characteristics, with the exception of mineral nutrients and vitamins (which are added to enhance the nutritional value of food), spices, seasonings, flavourings, agricultural chemicals, and substances added to the packaging material." Clear? Not really. Maybe it would be better to ask academics what they think. Take this definition from Princeton University, of the USA’s Ivy League: "An additive to food intended to improve its flavour or appearance or shelf-life". It is a simple explanation, and maybe for such a diverse industry, simplicity had best suffice. This month's briefing provides a concise and useful summary of the additives industry in each of the world's major regions.
February
management briefingChildren, or the untouchables as marketers have grown to affectionately know them, are notoriously difficult to target - but unquestionably profitable - when finally convinced that your product is cool enough to eat. Aside from the long-standing, fickle nature of children’s ‘favourites’, the kids’ food industry is tainted by a host of controversial sticking points, primarily unhealthy eating habits leading to more overweight and obese children, globally, than ever before. This management briefing reviews children's modern eating habits now and asks what are the likely trends for the future. Taking into account today's influences on eating habits, favourite foods by region, childhood obesity & legislation, and researching new products for kids, this briefing will provide a concise overview for kids' eating habits worldwide.
January
management briefingAt the dawn of 2005, consumers in the developed world are zealously probing the connection between food and health, with a focus on food as medicine, food as therapy and food as functional. Or rather, some of them are. Just as many rarely spare a thought for the impact of the food they eat on their overall health and wellbeing. They consume voraciously, indulging an insatiable appetite for foods high in sugar, fat and the newly christened Public Enemy Number One, salt. This briefing looks at some of the hotspots that are currently featuring most prominently in the ongoing debate about food and health.