The Change in Dietary Habits is the Major Factor Driving Down Sales in the Sugar & Sweeteners Market in the United States.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c40199) has announced the addition of Sugar and Sweeteners in the United States to their offering.

This report examines the market for sugar, sugar substitutes, table syrups, molasses and honey for in-home consumption. This market is undergoing significant change. In the past six years, retail sales, virtually all of which are through supermarkets and grocery chains, have fallen 14%. White granulated sugar sales have been hit hardest, declining 20%. Other than honey, only sugar substitutes have experienced substantive sales gains, but from the phenomenal growth of a single brand-Splenda.

Meanwhile, the eventual phase-out of U.S. sugar protectionism may turn out to be a non-event, if foreign sugar prices continue their rise toward levels equal with USDA-guaranteed prices to domestic growers. High petroleum prices, already diverting some foreign sugar into ethanol production (the cause of rising sugar prices), may impel quantities of domestic production from food to fuel, as well.

Americans' changing dietary habits are the main force driving down retail sales. Concerns about obesity and diabetes may well be factors, along with a long-term decline in home baking. This research also makes it clear that younger consumers are less likely than older ones to engage in the time-honored practice of adding sweeteners to their foods and beverages. While trends such as these are interesting from a health perspective, they point to a time of adjustment ahead for the retail sugar and sweetener business.

This report clearly identifies the principal external factors driving or curtailing growth. Exclusive consumer research reveals the attitudes, needs and behavior of consumers, with analysis broken down both by demographic characteristics, and by segment.

Six years of specific sales data provide a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. The report also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market, and provides information about the major companies and brands. Using the SPSS forecasting package, a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales is created, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development.

Companies Mentioned

--McNeil Nutritionals LLC 

--Merisant Worldwide, Inc.

--Cumberland Packing Corp

--American Sugar Refining, Inc. (subsidiary of American Sugar Holdings, Yonkers, NY)

--Imperial Sugar Co

--Quaker Oats Company

--Pinnacle Foods Group

--McNeil Consumer Products

--Domino Foods

--Simply Lite

--Wholesome Sweeteners

--The Sweet Life

--Save-A-Lot Foods

--Alberto-Culver

--Hy-Vee Manufacturing

--Starbucks Coffee

--Spice Island

--Living Fuel

--Stash Tea

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c40199