Mintel: Whole grains gain momentum in food, beverage sector

CHICAGO More than 3,700 products boasting a "whole grain" claim have launched in the United States since 2005, according to a new report by Mintel.

Since 2005, the whole grain product claim consistently has been in the top 20 among all food and beverage claims, Mintel noted in its global new products database. Furthermore, the share of all products with whole grain claims consistently has risen since that time. In 2005, just 2.3% of all new product launches had a whole grain claim, whereas in 2010, this has grown to 5.6%. Many products with a whole grains claim are stamped by the Whole Grains Council, which has put its logo on more than 4,400 products in the United States and 20 other countries.

"While sales of these products are still small, there are a lot of good signs for the whole grain market," said Mintel senior analyst David Browne. "Nearly 6% of all food products and 18% of all-natural food products launched in 2010 have the whole grain claim. Innovations in unexpected places, including beverages and dairy products, will also drive sales."