Adventurous consumers fuel rise in popularity of ethnic foods

The growth of the retail ethnic foods market in western Europe is outpacing the overall food and drinks market in the region, according to a new report issued by Food from Britain (FFB) and Leatherhead Food International (LFI).

The European Ethnic Foods Market report states that in recent years, the sector has experienced a period of steady growth and was worth €4.12bn in 2006. With sales worth over €2.34bn, the UK has the largest and most developed market – together with France and Germany, the UK accounts for almost 80% of total sales. By sector, the Chinese/Oriental category is the largest, with a 42% share. This is due to its relatively widespread presence across western Europe, along with the recent growth in demand for Thai and Japanese foods.

Ethnic foods are now being eaten with increasing frequency by an expanding section of Europe’s population, especially amongst younger age groups, whose tastes are generally more adventurous. Awareness of the different varieties of ethnic cuisine is spreading as a result of the fact that consumers are becoming more well-travelled, and demanding increasingly authentic dishes in the home. Ethnic foods are also making inroads into the snacking market, with sales of accompaniment lines registering good levels of growth. In contrast, sectors such as frozen ready meals and cooking sauces appear to be reaching maturity in developed markets such as the UK.

The European Ethnic Foods Market is an update of the previous 2004 report from LFI. The new publication covers:

• UK
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Ireland
• Benelux
• Scandinavia 
   

The report includes information such as market size, competitor analysis and new product innovation. The industry is analysed by ethnic cuisine, broken down as follows:

• Chinese/Oriental
• Indian
• Mexican/American
• Others (mainly African and Middle Eastern)

Historic market size data for each sector is presented for the 2002-2006 period, while forecasts for 2007 and 2011 also feature. The report also contains a SWOT analysis for the ethnic foods market, as well as suggestions for possible routes to market entry for the continental nations.

With a length of more than 160 pages and almost 100 tables and figures, the report will provide the reader with:

• Market size and segmentation data for the major ethnic cuisines
• Analysis of key ethnic groups per country and their effect on the market
• Discussion of key areas of new product activity and innovation
• Comparisons between the retail and foodservice sectors

To purchase a copy of this report, please contact Chris Brockman on cbrockman@foodfrombritain.co.uk.

04 June 2007