Mintel Newsletter July 2015

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GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA VENTURES BEYOND THE FREEZER AISLE WITH BREAKTHROUGH CHILLED CONCEPT
 After centuries of small but lip-smackingly tasty variations of the original, the humble pizza has changed with the times. Amid modern monstrosities like sausage and cheese-stuffed crusts, Nutella toppings and pizza burgers, the number of global gluten-free pizza launches nearly doubled between 2012 and 2014. Even Pizza Hut has started offering gluten-free options.

THOUGHT BUBBLE: ADULT COLOURING-IN BOOKS
 Many consumers have fond memories of colouring-in as a child, however the recent surge in colouring books for adults in the market could see this hobby back on consumers’ radars. Our expert analysts explore this increase in popularity and why adults could once again be picking up the colouring pens.

HOW CAN BRANDS KEEP ON THE GOOD SIDE OF GOVERNMENT AND CONSUMERS?
 At Mintel we are often asked if consumers care about environmental and health issues. The argument that they don’t is based on the fact that, despite growing evidence of diminishing resources and the dangers posed by sugars, salts and fats, governments and brands can appear comfortably complacent on these issues. But we believe that this is about to change.

THINKING BEYOND DRINKING: BLENDING WINE INTO CHINESE CONSUMERS’ DAILY LIFE?
 Alcoholic drinks have always been considered a part of a consumer’s lifestyle statement in China. Indeed, according to Mintel’s latest spirits report, nearly two in three Chinese spirits drinkers say that the spirits they drink can reflect their social status. And it appears that this trend is particularly true in the wine category.

3 FOOD AND DRINK CONCEPTS SET TO IMPACT GERMANY
 As the US finishes celebrating Independence Day and all things American for another year – here, Mintel’s Senior Food and Drink Analyst for Germany, Katya Witham, takes a look at how food trends from across the pond could signal the next big thing to launch in Germany’s food and drink market.

ARE MALE CONTRACEPTIVES SET TO BECOME A REALITY?
 Over time, there have been countless scientific developments in contraceptives, with the latest seeing a new focus on male contraceptives. Condoms are the most commonly used type of contraception by UK men, with just over a third using them in the past six months, according to Mintel’s latest Sexual Health research. By contrast, women prefer hormonal medication. However, when assessing the options open to each gender, this can be attributed to fewer options available to men in comparison to women.

UK SALONS FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGEING WITH HIGH TECH FACIALS
 As a trip to the salon may be an occasional treat for many, being able to replicate salon treatments at home is therefore often a popular choice with consumers. The rise in innovations to achieve this replication has meant that salons have had to up their game to bring exclusivity back to the salon.

IN FLAVOUR: BITTER
 Snacking has become an everyday occurrence for nearly all Americans, with “salty” flavour as a standout, separating it from other traditional Western taste categories. Not only is “salty” the top flavor profile in snacks, but it’s so popular that “salty snacks” is a recognised food category. However, the “one to watch” flavor profile in salty snacks is “bitter”, which is becoming more popular in US foodservice menu items.

PROPOSED NUTRITION LABEL CHANGES A WELCOME IMPROVEMENT FOR CANADIAN SHOPPERS
 For the second time since 2007, Canada’s nutrition labels are being revised. Mintel’s research shows that determining the healthiness of a product is a challenge for many grocery shoppers in Canada, a task that will be made simpler with the proposed label changes. Here, Mintel’s Senior Lifestyle and Leisure Analyst, Carol Wong-Li, discusses the proposed changes and the implications for Canadian consumers, as well as brands.

THOUGHT BUBBLE: OREO THINS LAUNCH
 Mondelez released the new “Oreo Thins” in the US this month, with the allure of low-calorie indulgence. However, the term “thins,” prominently displayed front and centre of the pack, could be misleading for consumers as the new biscuit offers only slightly fewer calories than the original, fully stuffed version. Will the new product be enough to incite evolution in the biscuit category? Here, Mintel’s expert Food and Drink Analysts weigh in as Oreo goes all in on “skinny.”