According to Mintel's Global New Products Database, the number of new product launches in the United States food and drink categories dropped 51% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008. While manufacturers typically release fewer new products during the first quarter of a year, this year's reduction is higher than recent years, Mintel reports.rnCompared with the first quarter of 2008, Mintel noticed higher-than-average declines in non-alcoholic beverages, chocolate, sugar and gum confectionery and dairy product launches (56%, 55%, 64% and 60% respectively). However, Mintel points out that confectionery launches may show a higher-than-average decrease due to Easter falling into the second quarter of 2009.
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