About the market…
 
“Baby food has become a key strategic grocery market, driven by intense marketing and new product development from a few major players.
 

 
As a consumer market, baby food is unique in that it is not consumed by its purchasers – marketing is to adults, although they are not the end-users. As a result, market trends in terms of product values mirror those in adult food markets, with the important proviso that quality and brand reputation are of absolute importance and almost invariably override considerations of price. Convenience is also an important selling point.”
 

 
The countries included in the Consumer Goods Intelligence series of reports are France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
 

 
About Mintel’s report…
 
Using the latest consumer research, market size data and trend analysis, Mintel’s European report offers you vital new insight into the current state of the market, its prospects and the attitudes of key target audiences. You can use Mintel’s European market research to:
 

 
Gain a vital overview of the dynamics of the Baby Food, Milk and Drinks market across the largest European consumer markets
 

 
Ensure that every step of your product development and brand marketing is focused towards real demand and real opportunity.
 

 
Benchmark major consumer trends in the Baby Food, Milk and Drinks market from one country to another.
 

 
Track developing market trends in each country
 

 
Measure market sizes, finds sales opportunities and monitor leading players’ activity
 

 
Intriguing findings include…
 
€254 is the average expenditure per 0-4 year-old in France, compared to €210 in Spain and €140 in the UK.
 

 
Organic products account for 75% of the baby food and drinks sector in Germany
 

 
Milks are the largest sector by value in Spain, representing 50% of sales in 2004 (€216 million), with foods taking 49% and juices the remaining 1%.