This month, our analysis of regional trends from across the globe focuses on the Antipodean packaging industry, comprising mature markets that are home to some of the world's biggest packaging companies

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s biggest packaging groups, including Rank, Amcor and Visy. They are also mature consumer markets.

Nevertheless, more than 8,000 new products were launched in 2009, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, with bakery products – mostly packaged in flexibles – topping the list. Yet this has not always been the case; in 2007, colour cosmetics and skincare products were the two biggest sources of new launches. Perhaps the recession has put the brakes on these higher-end markets.

For packaging types and materials, flexibles have been the top choice for a decade. Materials-wise, Mintel’s statistics show a move from board-based and metal packaging in the past three years towards plastics.

TOP 10 NEW PRODUCT TYPES
Bakery 712
Non-alcoholic beverages 680
Sauces and seasonings 626
Skincare 511
Colour cosmetics 492
Snacks 484
Dairy 397
Processed fish, meat and egg products 374
Chocolate confectionery 339
Sugar and gum confectionery 328

TOP 10 PACK TYPES FOR NEW PRODUCTS
Flexible 3,017
Bottle 1,436
Carton 751
Tube 596
Jar 556
Tub 487
Can 347
Tray 232
Case 121
Blister pack 57

Source: Mintel GNPD, products launched in 12 months to November 2009

New packs
1 Bud Naked Tempranillo. Constellation is the biggest wine producer in the world and also one of the firms leading innovation in packaging. This stand-up pouch with a tap containing 1.5l of red wine hit shelves in September.

2 Monster Energy Drink. A sports-mad nation needs energy drinks and Monster Ripper energy and juice drink has just arrived from the US in a distinctive 500ml can.

3 Hannah Montana Guitar Shaped Gummies. Australia has not escaped the worldwide Hannah Montana phenomenon and this 48g shaped confectionery carton has just hit shelves to help reinforce the trend.

Mintel GNPD is a web-based database capturing new product and packaging data from around the world. Information on packaging for each product includes photography, data on material, format, closure, label, decorative processes, inserts, production methods, style details and security aspects. GNPD also offers editorial features on packaging trends. Visit www.gnpd.com.