Seed treatment trends
Seed costs increased in the U.S. by 12.3% in 2007 and have been increasing 3-8% annually for the major Midwest crops during the last few years. Corn, cotton and soybeans have been benefiting from the application of biotechnology and seed has reflected the extra cost of the value-added traits. As a result seed has become an increasingly valuable investment so that protection of the developing seed and newly emerged seedling has made strong economic sense.Continue reading
Omega-3 continues to hit headlines with Martek gaining EU approvals
Omega-3 represents one of the fastest growing segments in the food ingredients industry, both in the finished food product area and supplement industry. As marketing and promotion drives consumer sales, the ingredient suppliers are also doing there bit to maintain the dynamism of this sector, continuing to shape the finished product industry. Continue reading
Despite the proliferation of natural claims, truly natural products account for just over 40% of the market. – Natural Personal Care 2009: Global Market Analysis and Competitive Brand Assessment
The natural personal care market in the U.S. jumped 19% to $2 billion in sales for 2008, Kline’s Natural Personal Care 2008 study revealed earlier this year. Major marketers are in an excellent position to leverage the naturals proposition that began with the smaller niche players. Manufacturing economies of scale, a stronger position for negotiating supplier agreements, and well-developed distribution channels will allow brands like Unilever’s Dove and Colgate-Palmolive’s Softsoap to ride the naturals wave even during lean times.Continue reading
How profitable are personal care products? – Personal Care: U.S. Competitor Cost Structures 2009
High oil prices during 2007 and much of 2008 drove production and distribution costs for personal care marketers up significantly. Since then, oil prices have decreased, which has helped to expand operating margins somewhat. However, declining consumer demand stemming from the global recession would likely offset any profitability gains from lower oil prices. This, combined with the perpetual need to spend significantly on advertising and promotions in order to drive consumer awareness and demand in highly competitive categories, continues to lead to margin pressures for personal care marketers, Kline & Company revealed in its 2008 report.Continue reading
Innovation Continues Within Health and Nutrition as Strong Growth Drivers Help Protect the Industry
As the economic downturn continues, it appears that one sector of the chemical industry is weathering the storm: food ingredients. In particular the segment targeted towards health and nutrition remains buoyant with a theme of disease prevention rather than cure being promoted. Also, new segments in the industry are emerging with softer trends now being explored such as ‘beauty from within’ – with anti-wrinkle, anti-ageing and protection from sun damage being at the forefront of this boom. Since the late 1990s I’ve observed a move from general wellbeing to products addressing specific health issues such as bone health, and now with a more holistic approach to maintaining health and wellbeing the opportunities for the industry appear endless.Continue reading
Kline Predicts Strong Market for Food Service Pest Control Despite Weak Economy
The market for pest control products and services in U.S. food-handling establishments remains quite strong despite one of the worst economic recessions in recent history. In this inaugural issue of Kline’s Agriculture practice newsletter, we’ll take a look at how the industry has fared during the past 12 months, as well as some strategies that suppliers and service providers may use to leverage the demand for pest control in restaurants, commercial and institutional kitchens, warehouses, and food processors. More…
15 Product Categories Grew in 2008 – Cosmetics & Toiletries USA
In spite of all the bad news about the economy, there were some clear winners last year. According to Kline’s data, in 2008, U.S. cosmetic and toiletry sales reached $35.6 billion at the manufacturers’ level, and the industry as a whole had a positive growth rate. Some categories experienced strong growth while others declined.Continue reading
Kline Says Personal Care Market Remains Promising for Chemical Suppliers
Despite the economic downturn, the personal care industry remains an attractive market for suppliers of performance ingredients aimed at delivering the results consumers demand from hair and skin products. The market is ripe for savvy suppliers who can find the right niche and the right buyers for their innovative products to capitalize on the demand for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, and other products that offer pharmaceutical-quality results without the prescription or the high price. More…
“Innovate!” – A clear message to personal care ingredient manufacturers
Innovation continues within the personal care ingredients industry with a significant number of new product launches at both In-Cosmetics and the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Suppliers’ Day that happened recently. Examples include Eastman who promoted a natural emollient for leave on skin care products and Kobo launched a non-nano zinc oxide.Continue reading
Kline Says Home Fragrance Marketers Must Turn up the Heat in the New Economy
While there have been a few glimmers of hope, the bleak economic news continues to take a toll on the consumer products industry. However, despite lackluster sales over the past year, the home fragrances market is well-positioned to capitalize on the fact that, for a variety of reasons, consumers are spending much more time at home. This “cocooning” trend offers significant potential for home fragrance marketers to retrench and diversify in order to stay afloat – and even prosper – in the face of economic strife. More…
