Soup - US - September 2007

Abstract

This report provides industry participants, analysts, and investors with insight into the soup market. Mintel offers analysis and an in-depth perspective to help stakeholders make informed decisions in the areas of product development, targeting, marketing, and merchandising.

In this report, Mintel investigates:

• Why some segments are flourishing, some are stagnating, and seemingly generic ones are rejuvenated
• Who are the underrepresented consumers in this category, and why they will become more promising targets with time
• The impact of the most significant product development
• The role of convenience
• How marketers are positioning soup as “center of plate”
• Consumer opinions about soup (the next breakfast entree?)
• Future opportunities for market growth

Using proprietary consumer research, statistical analysis, and other information tools such as Mintel Global New Products Database, and through other primary and secondary research, Mintel provides actionable insights for the soup industry.

For this report, Mintel defines soup as any of the following:

• Ready-to-serve soup- canned or refrigerated soup that does not require additional ingredients
• Condensed soup- soup that can be used as-is in recipes or needs to have water or milk added
• Dried soup mixes- are dehydrated and require the addition of water to cook; most of these require simmering, although some are instant and need only be stirred
• Bouillon- squares or powder that can be used either to make stock or as an ingredient
• Ramen- packaged dried soup with Asian-style noodles
• Frozen soup- soup sold frozen, which needs to be defrosted and reheated, but requires no additional ingredients