Uk Biscuit Market

External Analysis of the UK Biscuit Market 1.1 Definition *and Growth *of the* UK Biscuit* Market Figure A: {draw:frame} Source: Data Monitor (2008, (a)) Furthermore, Mintel (2009, (a)) states how sales within the industry grew by 12.4% between 2007 and 2009, with both sweet and non-sweet biscuits contributing to theses impressive figures. Indeed, they also point out that the UK biscuit market is worth around £2.1 billion, so there is continuing evidence to suggest that the industry is consistently growing. *1.2 – Key Drivers of* the UK Biscuit Market Healthy eating is also an important issue for children because of the alarmingly high levels of obesity. Many schools have now banned vending machines and chocolate products in lunch boxes in an attempt to combat this problem, opening up opportunities for firms to develop healthier products. The Government has set targets to reduce the proportion of over-weight children, by introducing various schemes in schools to help parents and children develop a greater understanding of the risks associated with unhealthy eating (BBC, 2004). 1.3 – Competition in the UK Biscuit Market There are many competitors in the UK biscuit market, with the main being Burtons food, Nestle, United Biscuits, Kellogg’s, Go Ahead and Weightwatchers. Burtons food supplies biscuits which include Maryland cookies, Jammie dodgers and Wagon Wheels. They have reported yearly sales of £227.6m and pre tax profits of £5.3m, which has actually seen a decline from the previous year. (Mintel, 2009, (b)) Nestlé is a widely based food group covering drinks, chocolate, biscuits and so on. Nestlé are currently looking into healthier options, by reducing calories and fats in their bars. (Nestlé, 2009) Unite Biscuits supplies the market leading biscuit brand Mcvities. United Biscuits is another company which is focusing on healthy eating, recently having cut the amount of saturated fat in there biscuits by up to 50%. (United