Abstract
The total market for side dishes did not expand in real terms during 2001-06, but was nevertheless exciting as consumers shifted purchasing habits among the many types of products.
This report can be used to create marketing messages that resonate with key groups of consumers, and develop new products that are in line with emerging trends and capture the shopper' s attention. Topics explored in this report include the following:
- Identification of emerging trends, including ethnic-inspired and natural/organic products, single-serve packages, and health-oriented positioning
- Analysis from the perspective of current product development, as well as the consumer attitudes and behavior that will sustain trends
- Factors impacting performance of the side dish market, such as the shifting perception of family dinner
- Sales performance of eight types of side dishes, and extensive discussion of leading manufacturers and brands in each, including promotional activity
- Who buys and eats side dishes, which side dishes they buy, how frequently, and what considerations go into purchase decisions
- Occasions when side dishes are eaten and how manufacturers might capitalize or expand on those occasions
Mintel expects the market to remain dynamic during 2007-12 as consumers have a strong desire for versatile quick-to-fix products that can complement more elaborate main courses or be eaten alone.
Side dishes are defined as rice, potato, pasta, noodle and baked bean products intended for use alongside an entrée or meal center. Segments include:
- Rice, including plain rice, rice mixes and ready-to-serve rice
- Shelf-stable macaroni and cheese
- Baked beans
- Potatoes (i.e., instant mashed potato products and fast-cooking products such as Betty Crocker' s line of mashed potatoes, au gratin and scalloped potato mixes). Does not include potato pancake mixes.
- Stuffing mixes
- Shelf stable mixes (i.e. Lipton' s Side Kicks, Pasta Roni, couscous as wells as shelf-stable potato salad and three-bean salad)
- Refrigerated side dishes such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese sold in meat and deli cases and only require microwaving, and refrigerated salads
Changes to this report from the 2005 report include the following:
- Two product categories that were reported separately in the 2005 report-shelf-stable prepared salads and pasta mixes-have been combined and reported as shelf-stable mixes.
- Frozen side dishes have been added.
Not included in the scope of the report are the following:
- Shelf-stable items used as meal centers, such as canned pastas, chili, or meal kits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned/ready-to-eat pasta products, with the exception of Unilever' s Ragu Pasta Express
This report contains US IRI InfoScan data.
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