Cutting the mustard: it's time for manufacturers to loudly tout mustard's fat-free,...

Condiments have been getting increased attention from food processors over the past two years. Condiments are savory, piquant, spicy or salty accompaniments to give relish food and gratify the taste; a pungent and appetizing substance, such as pepper or

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Product introductions are climbing, too, from 83 in 2002 to 102 in 2003 to 106 last year, according to Mintel International Group, Chicago.

Ketchup and mustard are the most popular condiments, but also the flattest segments in the category. Their sales increased just 0.16 percent in the 52 weeks ending June 13, 2004, but they account for a substantial $740 million.

While ketchup outsells mustard by a wide margin, the mellow yellow (to brown) condiment is used frequently in foodservice because its distinctive flavor compliments hot dogs, curry, honey, fruit, pork, beef; chicken, potatoes and snack foods such as pretzels.

Retail mustard, on the other hand, is a relatively small market at about $300 million. French's, from U.K.-based Reckitt Benckiser Plc (with U.S. headquarters in Springfield, Mo.), is the No. 1 brand with 32.1 percent market share. French's celebrated it's 100th birthday last year. Private label is in the No. 2 position at 18.3 percent, followed by Parsippany, N.J.-based Nabisco's Grey Poupon at 14.9 percent and Omaha-based ConAgra's Gulden's at 6.8 percent. Another player includes Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Hellmann's/Best Foods, which focuses on dipping sauces, an excellent idea since some 40 percent of Americans dip into various flavors at least once a week.

Per capita consumption of mustard is about 12 oz. annually--a little apparently goes a long way. Adding innovation to the category, Reckitt Benckiser devised a flip tip cap design for bottles of its French's mustard, solving the problem of product build-up on the cap, which consumers find annoying with some squeezable bottles of mustard. The cap draws the unused mustard back into the bottle for a clean pour the next time around.

Key lime macadamia mustard?

Several new mustards debuted last year. Plochman introduced Kosciusko Spicy Brown Beer Mustard, which contains 45 percent lager--a beer lover's dream. Delicae Gourmet Key Lime Macadamia Mustard, a balance of traditional mustard flavors with the addition of key lime and macadamia nuts, came from Delicae Gourmet. Tarpon Springs, Fla. It takes advantage of the popularity of both lime flavor and nuts, plus it's a good choice for those on a low-carb diet.