Launches of new processed fish, meat and egg products in the United Stated dropped 22 percent in 2009, compared to 2008, according to new data from Chicago market research firm Mintel.
New product introductions in the category fell from 1,281 in 2008 to 1,004 in 2009. Still, other food categories realized a much larger decline in new product launches, and overall food and drink product launches fell 30 percent in 2008.
“We see that a number of small companies, which typically introduce a wide range of products, have been stopping or slowing their introductions due to the economy,” said Lynn Dornblaser, a new product expert at Mintel.
Meanwhile, there was an increase in certain labeling claims on new seafood product launches in 2009, according to Mintel; 68 new seafood products carried a “Premium” label claim, 44 products touted “Ease of Use,” and 43 products were labeled as “Kosher.”
Among the other popular label claims on new seafood products were “Ethical” in relation to treatment of animals, Microwavable, All Natural, No Additives/Preservatives and Low/No/Reduced Transfats.
Apparently, “natural” and “organic” label claims were not as popular in 2009. Across all food and drink categories, new product introductions with an “all natural” claim dropped 2 percentage points to 13 percent of all launches, and those with an “organic” claim also slipped 2 percentage points to 10 percent, according to Mintel.
Still, the latest Mintel data offered some good news. Products boasting an “economy” claim on their labels soared 72 percent from 2008 to 2009. In addition, products with “ethical” and “environmental” label claims increased from 9 percent of all product launches in 2008 to 17 percent in 2009.
