Abstract
Since Mintel last reported on the canned meals and meats market in 2005, sales have grown by 4.4% to reach £671 million.
The availability of beans with reduced levels of salt and sugar and the more recent introduction of products enriched with Omega-3 and hidden vegetables, such as Heinz Hidden Veg, have enabled beans to maintain their widespread popularity and relevance to a healthier lifestyle.
Keen competition between baked bean brands Heinz and Branston has contributed to growth in the baked beans category, as Heinz and Premier Foods have vied to develop healthier and more convenient products. Both have sustained a strong commitment to advertising.
The canned meat sector has also moved towards lowering fat and salt, although manufacturers have been wary of alienating their loyal and more mature consumer base.
Key themes of the report:
- Strong competition in beans has prompted high levels of NPD and advertising.
- Healthy eating has driven trends in NPD, leading to the introduction of products lower in salt, sugar and fat and fortified with Omega-3 and added vegetables.
- The canned meat categories are not seeing as much innovation as the canned meals category.
- A traditional reliance on below-the-line promotional activity - particularly within the canned meat sector, has eroded margins.
- The canned meals and meats sector has a limited premium tier such as that found in other countries - eg France, where more premium ingredients are used.
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