just-food has asked its readers for their thoughts on the prospects for their business and the wider industry in 2011.

Readers were polled on a range of issues – including commodity prices, M&A, innovation, sustainability and the emerging markets.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The full results are below.

Question 1: To what extent do you see an improvement in the general economic conditions of the food industry in 2011?
Answer Options Response Percent
Big improvement 5.9%
Some improvement 55.8%
No change 14.9%
Small deterioration 18.9%
Big deterioration 4.6%
Question 2: How confident are you about the the prospects for your business in the next 12 months compared to 2010?
Answer Options Response Percent
Very confident 10.9%
Confident 51.9%
About the same 29.7%
Less confident 7.5%
Question 3: How much impact will the volatility in commodity prices have on your business this year, compared to 2010?
Answer Options Response Percent
Greater impact 56.8%
Less impact 8.8%
About the same 27.5%
Don’t know 6.9%
Question 4: Do you think you will succeed in getting your retail customers to push through price increases?
Answer Options Response Percent
Yes 21.9%
No 19.4%
On some products 45.4%
Don’t know 13.3%
Question 5: Will your spending on developing new products rise this year?
Answer Options Response Percent
Yes 52.8%
No 12.8%
It will stay the same 25.5%
Don’t know 8.8%
Question 6: On which area will you most target your spending on new products?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Health and wellness 47.7% 222
Convenience 29% 135
Indulgence 10.3% 48
Other (please specify) 12.9% 60
Question 7: In the field of health and wellness, how do you see regulatory pressure changing in 2011?
Answer Options Response Percent
More pressure from government 44.6%
Less pressure from government 8.6%
More co-operation between government and industry 34.3%
Don’t know 12.6%
Question 8: Industry consolidation: which actors will most drive M&A in the food industry this year?
Answer Options Response Percent
Trade players 21.4%
Private equity 26%
Trade and private equity about the same 26.8%
Not sure 25.8%
Question 9: How will your spending on sustainability projects fare in 2011?
Answer Options Response Percent
It will grow 43.6%
It will fall 7.4%
It will stay about the same 37.4%
Don’t know 11.6%
Question 10: Which retail format will see the most development in 2011?
Answer Options Response Percent
Online 34.8%
Convenience 25.2%
Traditional supermarkets or hypermarkets 25.4%
General merchandise retailers expanding grocery sections 14.5%
Question 11: Which emerging market will most appeal to your business this year?
Answer Options Response Percent
Brazil 17%
Russia 13.2%
China 44.1%
India 25.8%
Other (please specify)  

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now