There is growing awareness of the connection between probiotics and immunity. Studies show that bacteria found in probiotics assist in the maturation of immune cells and helps reduce undesirable bacteria in the body. More probiotics with immune-boosting claims are entering the category. Research continues to drive interest in probiotics and improved health. Continue reading
Author Archives: Laura Mahecha, Industry Manager
Business critical issues for professionals cleaning kitchens in Europe
Kline’s consulting staff has conducted extensive research on Foodservice Cleaning Products in Europe: Market Analysis and Opportunities in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom for the report due out in September. Many end users agree that food safety compliance, environmentally safe/conscious cleaning, waste reduction, and employee safety are the most important issues they face. When asked which issues are most crucial for their businesses, cleaning professionals indicate the following:Continue reading
Plastic-free movement and sustainability are front-and-center concepts discussed at World of Wipes
In June, hundreds of participants in the wipes market convened for the INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) World of Wipes annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. There were many presentations from speakers representing industry associations, chemical suppliers, wipes manufacturers, and raw material suppliers. A common theme that was raised pertains to increasing efforts to limit single-use plastic and the plastic-free movement. Many U.S. states and countries, especially in Europe, are phasing out single-use plastics, and by 2021 in Europe, wipes packages will need to contain labeling that shows they “contain plastics” if they do. Since wipes contain plastic components and packaging, the industry needs to keep a watchful eye on this trend.Continue reading
Floor pad usage is impacting use of floor finish chemicals, new Kline study finds
As part of the research effort for Kline’s inaugural study on Floor Care Pads and Tools, more than 500 decision makers at commercial end uses were surveyed about usage of floor pads, mop pads, and cleaning tools. The sample includes commercial cleaning decision makers across healthcare, hospitality, foodservice, education, government and industrial facilities, and retailers. The most common floor surfaces found in these facilities are hard-surface floors including those made of marble, terrazzo, quarry tile, or stone, followed by concrete floors. The market segments with the highest percentage of hard-surface floors include restaurants, retailers, and schools. The market segments with the least amount of hard-surface floors include fitness facilities, industrial facilities, and extended care.Continue reading
Floor Care Trends Revealed in New Kline Study
Kline’s first edition study Floor Care Pads and Tools: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities will be published this summer, and the report is based on extensive industry and end-user research. Structured surveys of over 500 cleaning professionals across 13 industry segments including building service contractors, healthcare, hospitality, foodservice, education, and retailers reveal key trends when it comes to floor cleaning and maintenance. End users were asked to report on usage patterns of floor pads, mop pads, cleaning carts, and other tools used to clean and/or maintain multiple floor surfaces including:Continue reading
Sleepless Americans Turn to Tech Devices and Natural Products
Restful sleep remains an elusive goal for many adults and therefore, strong gains for sleep aids, including OTC sleep aids, natural sleep products, pain+sleep combination products, and sleep devices are forecast over the next five years by Kline’s Sleep Aids: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities study. Estimates range from 30%-40% of American adults experience symptoms of insomnia and 40 million are affected by chronic long-term sleep disorders.Continue reading
Top 70 OTC Indie Brands to Watch in 2019 and Beyond
OTC indies, companies that are driving significant growth are either early adopters of a particular health trend such as Suja Life or Health-Ade Kombucha or companies that are breathing new life into iconic brands such as Infirst, Focus Consumer Healthcare, and Foundation Consumer Healthcare. These brands, collectively, generated almost $1.8 billion in manufacturer-level sales in 2018, representing more than 13% in year-over-year growth, finds the just-published OTC Indies: U.S. Analysis of Independent OTC Companies study by international market research and management consulting firm Kline.Continue reading
Digital OTC marketing: the new equalizer between large and small players
In the OTC market, where year-over-year growth remains low to flat, more brands are embracing the importance of digital marketing to help drive stronger gains. For smaller brands seeking to punch above their weight class, digital marketing represents a great equalizer. It’s a more efficient strategy to reach a greater swath of target demographics, and when done well, the digital marketing can take on a life of its own by going viral. The savviest of marketers, though, spend heavily on digital and then challenge purveyors of traditional marketing outreach to match both the scope and price savings associated with keyword buys, social media brand building, and blogging community connections.Continue reading
Seasoned OTC executives drive growth at independent OTC companies
With the recent OTC industry consolidation and mergers, many seasoned executives have left large OTC companies and moved on to smaller, independent companies where their past experience brings success in a nimbler environment, focused on specific brands and categories. Based on primary research for our soon-to-be published report, OTC Indies: U.S. Analysis of Independent OTC Companies, there are several examples of seasoned OTC executives driving growth at small, independent companies.Continue reading
Full-scale Research Underway with Cleaning Professionals in Europe
Kline has kicked off research with decision-makers and end users of commercial cleaning products used in kitchens in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Foodservice Cleaning Products in Europe will be published later this year and will provide a full market assessment, including sales by country, end-use segment, product class, and supplier. Products included in the scope are automatic and manual dishwashing products, hard-surface cleaners, and hand care products used in commercial kitchens and public washrooms.Continue reading