Mintel Newsletter: August 2015

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THOUGHT BUBBLE: NATIONAL BURGER DAY
 With more options for dining out on the humble burger than ever before, many UK consumers will be heading out to celebrate National Burger Day. To mark the occasion, Mintel’s expert analysts take a look at how leading players globally are evolving in line with increased consumer expectations of burgers and fast food in general.

IS “MILK FOR FARMERS” A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR UK RETAILERS?
 Morrisons has announced they are to sell a new milk brand called “Milk for Farmers” that will see 10p per litre extra paid directly to farmers. The move comes amidst a series of debates in the industry over declining milk prices. Mintel’s Senior Food and Drink Analyst, Richard Ford, takes a look at what the move means for the UK market.

MALE MAKE-UP 2.0: FROM METROSEXUAL TO SPORNOSEXUAL
 As social media plays an increasingly important part of consumers lives and with many eager not to miss out on capturing the perfect selfie, it is not only women feeling the pressure to look camera ready in an instant. And as different social platforms continue to drive new beauty trends and increase scrutiny over appearance, a new generation of male make-up products are set to gain popularity.

WHAT DOES ALDI’S EXPANSION MEAN FOR UK CONSUMERS??
The rise of the discount retailer has changed the landscape of supermarket shopping in the UK and looks set to evolve further with Aldi’s announcement to open 130 new stores with 8,000 new staff members in the UK. This forms part of a £600 million investment in expanding its presence within the UK.

INSECTS WORM THEIR WAY INTO CONSUMER DIETS
 While the thought of eating insects turns many consumers’ stomachs, it may prove an alternative way to increase protein content in diets, with Mintel’s research highlighting consumer demand. Indeed, concerns over weight management and appearance have recently helped propel demand for protein.

AIR CUBE: A FRESH WAY TO TACKLE AIR POLLUTION?
 Initially launched in Korea, the portable air quality detector Air Cube was showcased at Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2015 and will be on sale in China later this year. The pocket-sized Air Cube was first introduced in Korea early this year as a portable real-time air-monitoring device and used to alert consumers to take preventative measures when experiencing poor air quality via a smartphone app.

CAN BREW BARS REVIVE IN-HOME FILTER COFFEE APPEAL IN GERMANY?
 For many years filter coffee has been seen as something of a ‘poor relation’ to espresso-based speciality coffees. Recently however, brew bars have introduced German consumers to a new filter coffee experience. Here, Mintel’s Food and Drink Analyst for Germany, Julia Buech, takes a look at whether this current foodservice coffee sensation has the ability to revive the in-home brew.

GUEST POST: 9 WAYS TO THINK LIKE A CSO
 Mintel teamed up with the Account Planning Group to host the event ‘Think Like a CSO’. Richard Huntington, CSO at Saatchi & Saatchi spoke at the event and here he guest posts for the Mintel blog revealing the 9 key ways to think like a CSO.

IN FLAVOUR: BOTANICAL
 As consumers increasingly look for more natural ingredients in their food and drink, brands are turning to botanicals as a source of flavour innovation. Ginger is among the ingredients that are increasingly appearing in new products worldwide. In particular, ginger and ginger-derived ingredients (such as ginger juice or oil), as well as natural ginger flavours were included in more global drink formulations in 2014 compared with 2010.

THIRSTY PLANET: WATER CONSERVATION IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
 For the fourth year in a row, California continues to suffer from an epic drought. As of March 2015, Governor Jerry Brown imposed mandatory restrictions on water use for the first time in the state’s history. Conditions in Brazil are also dire, with 17 of the country’s 18 biggest reservoirs at lower levels than during the last water crisis in 2001. The need to conserve water in the food industry, including agriculture and food manufacturing, is significant.