The UK ethnic foods market is the largest ethnic foods market in Europe. Between 1998 and 2002, sales increased by 44.1% to reach a value of £1.07bn. The market is broadly segmented into ethnic foods - such as ready meals, cook-in sauces, snacks and accompaniments - and ethnic rice, with ethnic foods accounting for by far the largest share of sales and having shown considerable growth over the review period.
The most established sectors in the market are Indian and Chinese foods, initially as a result of their widespread restaurant bases, but many recipes are now widely considered to be part of the mainstream diet. The fastest-growing sector is Thai, which is beginning to challenge Chinese dominance of the oriental sector, while the Mexican/Tex-Mex sector is also gaining share of the market and is growing at the same rate as the Indian sector.
In terms of product type, chilled ready meals take the largest share, led by own-label products, which are showing constant growth and competing strongly with the major brands. The fastest-growing sector is snacks and accompaniments, in particular flatbreads and poppadoms, as well as hand-held and microwaveable snacks, which reflects the growing trend towards eating on the move. New product development is an essential facet of the market, and new innovations have given the rice market increased momentum since 2001.
The growth of ethnic foods has been fuelled by a number of factors, which have combined to make it a robust and flexible market. The economic growth of the mid- to late 1990s has resulted in a consumer base that is 'cash-rich and time-poor'. The major ethnic food brands offer products positioned at the premium end of the market, which are convenient to prepare, and thereby suit those consumers who can afford to pay a premium for quality and convenience. Trends towards healthy eating and vegetarian food are also beneficial to the market, which offers a range of interesting vegetable options. Low-fat meals provide an entry point for ethnic foods, and many major retailers provide own-label, healthy, ethnic ready meals.
The growth of foreign travel, the increasing ethnic diversity in the UK and increased media coverage of foreign cultures and their eating habits have served to increase demand for more authentic, specialised products. These can be provided by smaller companies working at a lower level of production, and serving the demands of experienced travellers, adventurous consumers and the ethnic communities. The impact of globalisation continues to broaden culinary horizons, but inexperience of cooking specific ethnic cuisines means that premium goods are often preferred over basic ingredients.
Market penetration is increasing, boosted by the variety of own-label and cheaper microwaveable options, which have helped to broaden the customer base. Key Note forecasts continued growth in the market, fuelled by expansion into other cuisines and the development of innovative products.
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