Healthier and more ethically sound products dominated the new product agenda in 2006, according to the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD).
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The survey, published by market intelligence specialist Mintel, registered almost 182,000 new products introduced globally in 2006, with key booming areas focusing on mind, body, and general good health.
Almost 105,000 food and drink products were launched last year alone, around 300 a day, Mintel said.
“The significant shift to more products with better-for-you positioning helped boost new product launches in 2006,” said David Jago, director of Mintel Custom Solutions. “The strong focus in many categories is on promoting good health, which can be seen in the most popular product claims. Companies are offering more products that enhance well-being for consumers.”
While low-carb products continue to fall out of favour, with the category posting only 500 introductions in 2006, other ‘food minus’ sectors, such as reduced fat, calories, sugar and cholesterol, have risen sharply.
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By GlobalDataThe fastest growth was observed in low/no trans-fat and gluten-free product launches, up by nearly 120% and 86% respectively.
Food and drink launches with an ethical positioning also nearly doubled last year, Mintel reported, while organic is continuing to see rapid development.
Another key trend in 2006 was the higher profile of so-called superfoods, such as pomegranate and the antioxidant-rich açaí berry, as ingredients in new products.
