Within the sweet biscuit market there are two opposing forces at work globally, according to Innova Market Insights. The treat image of biscuits is driving the premium sector forward, while rising health concerns have also raised interest in better-for-you products.

Increasing interest in foreign cuisines has been particularly significant for the cooking sauces category, which alone accounted for half of tracked global sauces launches in 2011, well ahead of bottled table sauces with over a quarter and mayonnaise and dressings with about a fifth,” says Lu Ann Williams, Research Manager at Innova Market Insights.

Despite ongoing economic difficulties, new product activity in the global snack foods industry appears to be continuing unabated, with launch numbers recorded by Innova Market Insights showing a strong double-digit increase in 2011.

Cherries have long been appreciated for their taste, but growing evidence about their health benefits is now putting them squarely in the frame for ‘superfruit’ status and they are increasingly being used in juices and juice drink blends.