Juice manufacturers should tap into the on-trade market

An improved selection of adult and child fruit juices and meal deals in on-trade establishments could be the key to increasing (fruit juice) sales.

Untapped opportunity

Household consumption of fruit juice is currently very high and juice manufacturers need to generate more opportunities to increase sales.

The on trade market offers a great opportunity Since the smoking ban came into effect, pubs and restaurants have become much more family-friendly, attracting a new clientele that is often looking for alternatives to the standard alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks they normally consume.

An improved selection

Whilst the range of soft drinks has improved from Britvic 55 and Coca-cola from a fountain, the range is still very limited, and the on trade can improve the quality and range of drinks for adults and more specifically, children.

Children want excitement

Children are increasingly consuming more juices throughout the day, which are now an integral part of their lunchboxes. Children will be delighted to see new juice brands on offer instead of the familiar drinks they have during the day.

In addition, as food becomes more important to pubs, there is significant scope for landlords to offer "meal deals" that include a meal and juice drink. They could also offer pre or post-dinner non-alcoholic cocktail that incorporates all the nutritional benefits of fresh fruit juices.

For further information on the Fruit Juice and Juice Drinks market take a look at the Fruit Juices and Juice Drinks, Market Intelligence - UK- November 2008 report.

Disintermediation in the Insurance Sector

Keeping up with Customer Needs

Disintermediation has been a definite trend across many parts of the general insurance market, as intermediaries have lost market share to both direct providers and, now, aggregators.

To keep up with the competition and changing customer needs, we have seen insurance brokers move from the high street to the call centre and, now, to the web. Many larger intermediaries have also embraced the aggregator movement by appearing on their sites. Creating strong online brands and partnering with aggregators has helped the likes of the AA and Budget sustain their market shares.

The Effect on Price

With growing numbers of people arranging their insurance via the internet, and via aggregators in particular, the motor sector and to a lesser extent the household, travel, health sectors etc, have become increasingly price-driven.

The worry is that this focus on price could lead to some consumers opting for policies that are unsuitable for their needs. This could ultimately impact on the industry’s reputation, as more claims are rejected due to limitations of the cover purchased.

Websites that help consumers choose the best deals, in terms of cover rather than price alone, are now imperative for the industry to maintain a positive image.

Wider Implications

We may see a new level of re-intermediation take place in response to the credit crunch and the economic downturn, as consumers more readily seek out expert advice to make sense of the mess. Already, aggregators are moving towards taking on a more educational, even advisory, role, via editorials, expert Q&As, forums and practical guides.

However, to take on this role, aggregators – like all those involved in selling financial services products – must earn consumers’ trust.

Mintel’s consumer survey findings show that while many people like using price comparison sites, they don’t necessarily ‘trust’ them. However, being transparent to both consumers and financial providers and demonstrating the principles of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) will go some way towards building trust and winning over the cynics.

Are Cheeky Chewz the future of healthy children's snacks?

Asthma approved

Cheeky Chewz fruit snack bars are unique in that they are not made from juice or puree. The manufacturing process only removes the stones and cores. The bars are made from 100% fruit with no added sugar or preservatives, retaining fruit fibre, taste and colour.

The product has been accepted on to the National Asthma Council's 'Sensitive Choice' program as a better product choice for people with asthma and allergies – conditions that can be triggered or worsened by sulphur or similar preservatives.

A healthy snack for all

Cheeky Chewz seem to offer the healthy reassurance parents are seeking in snacks for their children. One bar is the equivalent to eating three pieces of fresh fruit and with a low GI Cheeky Chewz offer a healthy and convenient dried fruit snack that, providing kids enjoy the taste, could prove a huge hit with the whole family.

Online Entertainment for Working Mums

An online weekly soap opera called Heart & Soul has been launched by Digital Bridge, to be broadcast on Mumspower.com, Bebo and YouTube. The show, split into 10-minute episodes, is to be sponsored by DFS, the furniture retailer.

The managing director of Digital Bridge, James Morris, said:

At Home Entertainment

Online content is booming, and the natural extension of this is for brands to target niche groups. At the same time, this launch is tied into the growing awareness of working mothers as a consumer group and a powerful tribe.

Mumspower is built around this, offering a social network as well as a web TV service, and fostering relationships within this demographic.

• In business terms, the opportunities available for brands involved in sponsoring online soaps are significant - In the Motherhood, an online comedy launched to support Unilever's Suave shampoo brand in the US, has been bought by broadcaster ABC.
• And the phenomenal success of the likes of KateModern have shown that brands can infiltrate the consciousness of millions of consumers through association with a short, immediate entertainment format.
• How else can at-home groups, or the particularly time-starved, be targeted? Is the specially-tailored programme the way forward, or does there need to be a network involved, so that webisodes form only a part of the target strategy, and community and identity are highlighted?

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