Since 2003 the number of consumers participating in sport has grown year-on-year, spurred on by the constant attention health and wellbeing receive in the media. Sport, especially football, is considered to be an important aspect of life for Irish consumers with increased spectatorship of sports events and spending on sports equipment. There is also a growing number of consumers participating in extreme sports; while the market is still niche it has the potential for growth.

Consumers are drinking less alcohol in bars and restaurants as they look for ways to cut back on spending amid recessionary pressures and adoption of healthier lifestyles. When they do drink, however, they dare drink better, perhaps as a way to somehow make up for having to pass on other enjoyments in life. Our research reveals that there are significant opportunities for bars and restaurants to "lead patrons to the trough" by providing them with alternatives such as cocktails made from premium spirits with trendy flavoring and functionality enhancements, and craft brewed beer and wines that have shed the "stuffy" image.

During 2002-2007, the U.S. athletic footwear market experienced slow growth of less than 3% per year at current prices. Advances in technology have always driven the athletic shoe market, yet a fusion of performance with fashion is becoming the predominant inspiration for new sales — most notably with young purchasers. Sports participation, and therefore shoes required to participate, are never static — men are exploring cross training more and more, and women are going to the gyms and studios.

This report focuses on the fresh, frozen and refrigerated bread market. Besides presenting sales data on a segment-by-segment basis, the report analyzes a range of topics with an eye towards how this market will evolve, including the following: How have diet trends influenced the bread market and are these effects long-lasting? What are consumers looking for when they buy bread? Do consumers understand and believe the nutritional claims proliferating in this category? How have rising prices impacted consumer choices in this market? How big is the bread market and how are individual segments performing? What factors are driving growth? What strategies can bread manufacturers and marketers implement to combat the decline in bread usage? Reposition bread as a snack? Take back breakfast? What are the opportunities for private label brands in a price-conscious environment? How are consumers shopping in this category? Few consumers identify themselves as brand loyal but approximately 40% buy the same brand(s) regularly.