The pasta sauces market in 1999 was just over $1.4 billion, and by 2004 it had moved to just under $1.4 billion (at FDM, excluding Wal-Mart). Mintel estimates that, overall, the market grew from $1.5 billion in 1999 to $1.6 billion in 2004. These higher figures amount to growth of 6% over five years--less than the rate of inflation. But this does not imply that the market was in any way stable, stagnant, or inactive, as companies scrambled to respond to a number of trends.

Competing products, such as frozen family dinners, have created challenges for pasta sauce manufacturers, drawing consumers away from pasta sauce with the very appeal that lured them there in the first place: convenience. Declining family sizes have also proved challenging.

Fortunately, pasta and pasta sauce remain staple items in many families. The industry started increasing innovation and premium products in 2003, and needs to see growth in sales of these products, both to families and older-adult households.

Mintel’s exclusive research brings you closer to the pasta sauce consumer, revealing important purchasing trends. Every important driver in the market is explored in depth, including market size and trends. The supply structure is broken down by manufacturer, with analysis of each important player in the market. A five-year market forecast helps you prepare for the tight competition ahead.

This report includes shelf stable (jarred and canned) and refrigerated pasta sauces. Both tomato-based and cream-based sauces are included, as are herb- and other vegetable-based varieties (e.g. pesto, made from basil, garlic, nuts, cheese or primavera, and vegetables).

Not included are:

sauces that comprise a part of a meal kit or ready-to-eat meal

pasta and pasta sauce meals (either shelf stable, frozen, or refrigerated)

other Italian-type sauces (e.g. pizza sauce)

tomato sauce, paste, puree, and canned or bottled tomatoes