2008-10-13 13:00:02 -

www.researchandmarkets.com - Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com/research/38bc56/north_america_food) has announced the addition of the "North America Food & Beverage Sectors : A Company and Industry Analysis (June 2008)" report to their offering.

This report updates the previous food and beverage report on the US and Canadian sectors

Current Environment - Key Points

- Rising energy, oil and commodity prices, currency fluctuations, intensifying competition and concerns over possible food contamination scares continued to plague the US and Canadian F&B industry in the second half of 2007

- In the US, most F&B stocks traded lower in the six months ended February 29, 2008, due to growing concerns over high food costs and weaker pricing power

- In Canada, the S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index underperformed the S&P/TSX Composite Index in the six months ended February 29 due to rising fears of inflation, interest rate hikes and a strengthening Canadian dollar

- Merger and acquisition activity in the US and Canadian markets was consistent over the last six months, as F&B companies aimed to improve production efficiencies, expand their market share and create significant cost savings

- An injection of funds by private equity firms into the industry enabled F&B companies to finance their R&D and gain better access to science and technology to create innovative and value-added products

Industry Profile - Key Points

- The value of US F&B exports and imports in 2007 rose as a result of growing consumer demand

This was driven by rising incomes, population growth and greater ethnic diversity

- The North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has created an economic market in which about 60% of Canada's F&B exports are sent to the US

- Greater globalization of F&B markets has opened up trade between the US and other countries and has helped boost foreign investment

- Several new laws and regulations were introduced in the second half of 2007, aimed at protecting and encouraging industry growth

- US and Canadian F&B companies- approach to research and development has generated several large-scale investments in the industry over the past six months

Market Trends and Outlook - Key Points

- Americans are increasingly looking to private label food products, presenting a huge challenge to food and drink manufacturers struggling to maintain their brand superiority

- With growing concerns over health and obesity, dark chocolate and bottled water are gaining popularity in the US

- A growing awareness of the importance of maintaining good health is the major factor driving the trend towards whole-grain consumption in Canada

- Most F&B firms are absorbing higher energy, commodity and packaging costs, which moderated during the second half of 2007, but are still struggling to do so

- Factors such as currency and interest rate fluctuations, persistent high oil and energy prices and food scares remain threats to the industry in the region.

Key Topics Covered:

Current Environment - US - Sector Overview - Sector Performance - Leading Companies - Mergers and Acquisitions Current Environment - Canada - Sector Overview - Sector Performance - Leading Companies - Mergers and Acquisitions Industry Profile - US - Industry Size and Value - Industry Segments - Sector Investment - Policy and Regulatory Environment Industry Profile - Canada - Industry Size and Value - Industry Segments - Sector Investment - Policy and Regulatory Environment Market Trends and Outlook - US - Private Labeling Picks Up - Hopes for Dark Chocolate Segment - Bottled Water Replaces Soft Drink - Market Outlook Market Trends and Outlook - Canada - Product and Packaging Innovation the Key to Growth - The Whole Grain Trend Takes Hold - Market Outlook Currency Conversion Table The Scope of this Report Key References Comparative Data Reports Coverage

For more information visit www.researchandmarkets.com/research/38bc56/north_america_food

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