Summary
Marketers and retailers of frozen foods have capitalized on recessionary conditions to offer consumers alternatives to expensive dinners out. Although economic conditions are slowly improving, Americans are still “eating in” more often, and frozen foods provide a convenient way to prepare the healthy, cost-effective meals consumers want. Packaged Facts estimates that U.S. retail sales of frozen foods and beverages through all retail channels totaled approximately $56 billion in 2010, with sales up 22%—or $10.0 billion—during the 2006-2010 period. And with new product introductions now picking back up, the market is forecast to near $70 billion by 2015.
Frozen Foods in the U.S., 3rd Edition
This completely revised Packaged Facts report examines the U.S. market for frozen foods and beverages sold to consumers through the entire retail spectrum. The 2010 edition of Frozen Foods in the U.S. takes an omnibus approach, providing a broad overview of the frozen foods market as a whole tracking five main classifications: Center Plate, Desserts, Vegetables/Appetizers/Snacks/Sides, Breakfast Foods, and Beverages. A comprehensive “Market Overview” chapter provides overall sales statistics and breakouts by classification, along with a thorough analysis of the current market outlook, examining overarching trends affecting frozen foods sales such as the economy, health/wellness and environmental concerns. The report also provides extensive marketer and brand share breakouts in those categories exhibiting the most activity in 2010. A chapter focusing on marketing and new product trends in frozen foods—e.g., convenience, health, and “green” appeals—and a chapter on consumer trends complete the analysis.
Frozen Foods in the U.S. documents ongoing and emerging product trends, using data from Datamonitor’s Product Launch Analytics tracking service to quantify and categorize new product introductions. Detailed sales figures are compiled using SymphonyIRI’s InfoScan Review data for mass-market channels; and the report also tracks sales through natural channels using SPINSscan data. Experian Simmons Market Research Bureau and Packaged Facts’ own custom, online consumer survey data form the basis of an in-depth examination of consumer trends, including attitudes toward frozen foods and related trends such as the economy and healthy eating, as well as product and brand penetration levels and preferences. As with all Packaged Facts reports, the wide range of data is presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.
Additional Information
Market Insights: A Selection From The Report
Decline in Restaurant Traffic a Plus for Frozen Foods
Packaged Facts surveys confirm that, in the wake of the economic recession and lingering concerns about recovery, many consumers have cut back on restaurant meals in favor of groceries. In responding to Packaged Facts’ Summer 2010 survey, 49% of adults reported that they had eaten less at fast-food restaurants since the recession began, 50% said they’d eaten less fast-food takeout, and 61% said they’d eaten less at sit-down restaurants. Conversely, the percent of adults who strongly agreed that they were spending less on groceries because of the economy was only 15%, while another 28% only somewhat agreed, percentages offset by the 12% of adults who strongly disagreed that they were spending less on groceries, and the 25% who somewhat disagreed. In other words, restaurants experienced a significant drop-off in consumer demand even as trends in grocery spending remained balanced.
Center Plate Classification Solidifies Leading Share
The center plate classification as defined by this report now accounts for slightly over half of all frozen food sales in mass-market outlets, growing from a 49% share in 2006 to reach nearly 52% in 2010, according to SymphonyIRI data. Conversely, desserts have lost steam during the same five-year period, accounting for 26% of frozen food sales in 2010, down from over 28% in 2006. The other three classifications remained relatively stable in terms of market share during the period. [Figure 2-1]
72% of Americans Eat Frozen Prepared Foods
72% of Americans Eat Frozen Prepared Foods
If restaurants have lost some steam, have frozen food marketers been able to capitalize on this trend? Results of Packaged Facts’ Fall 2010 consumer survey suggest that frozen prepared foods have excellent market penetration versus their freshly prepared counterparts. The survey found that while 49% of respondents had purchased.
