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Category and sub-category definitions

FOOD & DRINK

BABY FOOD

  • Baby Food – wet and dry foods, also baby juices and drinks.
  • Baby Milk/Formulae

BAKERY

  • Baking Ingredients & Mixes – including all mixes for cakes, bread, pizza bases, etc., flour, cake toppings/decorations, colours, breadcrumbs (unless a seasoned coating).
  • Bread & Bread Products – including bread loaves and rolls, plain croissants, bagels, tortilla, taco shells, etc.
  • Cakes, Pastries & Sweet Goods – including Danish pastries, donuts, snack cakes, brownies, toaster pastries, filled croissants, frozen/chilled/shelf-stable pies, waffles, pancakes, etc.
  • Savoury Biscuits/Crackers – including savoury rice cakes and cracker/dip combinations.
  • Sweet Biscuits/Cookies – including sweet rice cakes.

BEVERAGES

  • Beer & Cider – all beers including ales, stouts, lagers, etc., including low alcohol and alcohol-free beers; all alcoholic (hard) cider.
  • Beverage Concentrates & Mixes – all types of concentrates, cordials and mixes for soft drinks, including liquid and powder forms, plus milkshake mix.
  • Carbonated Soft Drinks
  • Energy & Sports Drinks
  • Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages – including "alcopops" and packaged pre-mixed alcoholic drinks.
  • Hot Beverages – all coffee and tea products (excluding ready-to-drink/iced varieties), hot chocolate, cocoa and malted drinks, fruit teas and infusions, tea and coffee substitutes, chai mixes.
  • Other Soft Drinks – including still health drinks.
  • RTD Iced Tea & Coffee – all liquid/ready-to-drink coffees, teas and iced teas.
  • RTD Juices & Juice Drinks – all ready-to-drink juice-based products, fruit nectars and pure juices.
  • Spirits & Liqueurs – including pre-mixed products e.g. gin & tonic.
  • Water – including flavoured water.
  • Wine – including sherry, port and other fortified wines.

BREAKFAST CEREALS

  • Cold Cereals – any cereal product which is primarily intended to be eaten cold.
  • Hot Cereals – any cereal product which is primarily intended to be eaten hot.

CONFECTIONERY

  • Chocolate Confectionery – including chocolate bars, countlines, boxed chocolates and chocolate novelties, chocolate covered fruit, nuts, etc.
  • Gum – chewing gum and bubble gum
  • Other Confectionery – miscellaneous products including fruit roll-ups and similar.
  • Sugar Confectionery – including mints, chews, gums, toffee, etc.

DAIRY

  • Butter & Yellow Fats
  • Cheese – including all types of (savoury) cheese.
  • Milk – including flavoured and "white" milk and milk drinks, milk substitutes e.g. soy milk, etc.
  • Other Dairy Products – miscellaneous products including cream, sour cream, buttermilk, coffee creamers, etc.
  • Yogurt – including fromage frais and quark, also drinking yogurt. (Frozen yogurt/yogurt ice cream is classified under Ice Cream).

DESSERTS & ICE CREAM

  • Chilled Desserts – including all types of chilled desserts excluding yogurt, fromage frais and quark, which are classified under Yogurt.
  • Dessert Toppings – including dessert sauces.
  • Ice Cream – including frozen yogurt/yogurt ice cream, frozen sorbet and ice cream gateaux.
  • Other Frozen Desserts – including frozen cheesecake.
  • Shelf-Stable Desserts – including jello, apple sauce, cheesecake mix, etc.

FRUIT & VEGETABLES

  • Fruit – all canned, fresh and frozen fruit.
  • Vegetables – all canned, fresh and frozen vegetables excluding potato products (see Side Dishes).

MEALS & MEAL CENTERS

  • Meal Centers, Pizza & Pies – all pizza, all pies/tarts, flans & quiche; all "centre-of-plate" meal items and hand-held products including pockets, sausage rolls, etc.
  • Meal Kits – all kits which comprise components to be assembled to create a complete meal or a complete course of a meal, including salad kits.
  • Prepared Meals – all complete (main course) meals, generally including protein, starch and vegetable.

PET FOOD

  • Includes all types of food, drink and treats for all types of domestic pet. Excludes non-food pet-related items (see Pet Products).

PROCESSED FISH, MEAT & EGG PRODUCTS

  • Eggs & Egg Products – all eggs and processed egg products e.g. prepared omelettes.
  • Fish Products – all processed fish products, excluding fish-based prepared meals (see Meals & Meal Centers)
  • Meat Products – all processed meat products excluding meat-based prepared meals (see Meals & Meal Centers)
  • Meat Substitutes – all processed products including TVP, soy, Quorn, tofu, etc.
  • Poultry Products – all processed poultry products excluding poultry-based prepared meals (see Meals & Meal Centers)

SAUCES & SEASONINGS

  • Dressings, Vinegar & Mayonnaise
  • Oils – including flavoured and plain varieties.
  • Other Sauces & Seasonings – including croutons.
  • Pickled Condiments – including pickles and olives.
  • Sauces – including salsa, gravy, etc. in wet and dry formats, ketchup, mustard, horseradish, chutney, relish.
  • Seasonings – including pepper, salt, herbs, etc. plus stock and bouillon cubes.

SIDE DISHES

  • Other Side Dishes – including stuffing, polenta and couscous.
  • Pasta – all pasta (dry, fresh, frozen, canned) including filled varieties.
  • Potato Products – all potato products, including frozen, chilled and shelf-stable items.
  • Rice – all rice and rice-based mixes.

SNACKS

  • Hors d’oeuvres/Canapes – including frozen and chilled items which require preparation.
  • Meat Snacks – including jerky, snack sausage, etc.
  • Nuts – all types of nut packaged and positioned as a snack.
  • Savoury/Salty Snacks – all types of (ready-to-eat) savoury or salty snacks, including popcorn.
  • Snack Bars, Snack Mixes & Energy Bars – including energy bars, granola bars, "health" bars, snack mix, trail mix.

SOUP

  • Includes all types of soup, wet and dry, hot- and cold-eating.

SPREADS

  • Savoury Spreads – including dips.
  • Sweet Spreads – including jam, jelly, honey, peanut butter, breakfast syrup.

SWEETENERS & SUGAR

  • Includes all types of artificial sweetener. Excludes honey (see Sweet Spreads).

WEIGHT CONTROL

  • Includes all weight-control-oriented products e.g. slimming aids, body building aids, etc., in tablet, food or drink form.

NON-FOOD

COSMETICS

  • Body Colour Cosmetics – including body glitter
  • Eye Colour Cosmetics – including eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara
  • Facial Colour Cosmetics – including foundation, blusher, concealer
  • Lip Colour Cosmetics – including lipstick, lip liner
  • Nail Colour Cosmetics – including nail varnish/polish and remover

DEODORANTS

  • Includes all deodorant and anti-perspirant products for men and women.

DIAPERS & FEMININE HYGIENE

  • Diapers
  • Feminine Hygiene – including towels/napkins, tampons, pantyliners, etc.
  • Incontinence Products
  • Wipes – including baby, travel, facial etc. products.

FRAGRANCES

  • Aromatherapy Products – excluding fragrance candles positioned primarily as an air care product.
  • Men’s Fragrances
  • Unisex Fragrances
  • Women’s Fragrances

HAIRCARE

  • Hair Styling Products
  • Hair Treatments & Colourants
  • Shampoo & Conditioner – including 2 in 1 products

HEALTHCARE

  • First Aid & Other Health Products – including plasters/bandages, personal insect repellents, etc.
  • Packaged Medications – including all formats.
  • Vitamins & Dietary Supplements – including capsules, tablets, liquids, tonics, etc.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

  • Air Care – air fresheners & deodorisers
  • Dishwashing Products – detergents for hand and machine dishwashing, other dishwasher products, sponges, Brillo pads, etc.
  • Disposable Plates & Cups
  • Fabric Care – including laundry detergents, laundry additives and bleach.
  • Hard Surface Care – counter cleansers, anti-bacterial sprays, etc.
  • Other Household Products – including shoe care products, sponges, dusters, etc.
  • Pest Control – for household use. (Personal insect repellents are classified under First Aid & Other Health Products).
  • Toilet Care —all cleaners and in-tank/in-bowl fresheners
  • Toilet, Kitchen & Facial Tissue – also includes cotton products
  • Wraps, Foil & Bags

ORAL HYGIENE

  • Toothpaste and Mouthwash
  • Toothbrushes – including battery-powered brushes, but not electric
  • Dental Ancillaries – floss, dental gums, tongue scrapers, etc.

PET PRODUCTS

  • Includes all non-food pet items e.g. grooming products, cat litter.

SHAVING & DEPILATORIES

  • Depilatory Products
  • Shaving Products – including razors and shaving gel/cream for men and women

SKINCARE

  • Body Care – including hand/nail care
  • Facial Care – including lip balm
  • Foot Care
  • Sun Care – including after-sun products

SOAP & BATH PRODUCTS

  • Liquid & Bar – not including body washes and gels. Includes handsoap and traditional bar soap
  • Shower Products – body washes and shower gels
  • Bath Additives – bubble bath, bath salts, bath bombs etc.

 

Region

Countries covered by the gnpd are grouped by (and searchable by) Region, as follows:

  • Africa and Middle East (Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)
  • Asia-Pacific (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam)
  • Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia)
  • Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela)
  • North America (Canada, US)
  • Western Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK)

 

Launch Type

New products are classified according to "Launch Type":

  • New Formulation – of an existing product.
  • New Packaging – new size or type or design of packaging for an existing product.
  • New Product – including totally new brand.
  • New Variety/Range Extension – i.e. addition to an existing range.
  • Relaunch – of an existing product, sometimes involving a change in packaging/formulation.

 

Packaging

Pack Size

For multi-packs of products, the total weight or volume is entered in the pack size field. Details of package make-up (e.g. 4 x 50g) will be logged in the description field.

 

Retail Price

Retail prices shown are typical prices as recorded at point of sale, or manufacturer’s suggested selling price. Price conversions to US Dollars and Euros are calculated at the rates shown.

 

Storage

Food and drink products are classified by storage, as follows:

  • Chilled – items which have to be kept refrigerated (typically between 0oC/32oF and approximately 10oC/50oF); this excludes items which are shelf-stable but which may be sold or stored refrigerated e.g. carbonated soft drinks.
  • Frozen – items which have to be kept frozen, below 0oC/32oF.
  • Shelf-stable – "ambient" products, i.e. including the bulk of dry groceries.

 

Products Claims / Positioning

Added Calcium – a product is classified as having added calcium if it carries an on-pack claim referring to added or extra calcium.

Added Fiber – a product is classified as having added fiber if it carries an on-pack claim referring to added or extra fiber.

All Natural – a product is classified as "all natural" where it carries a prominent on-pack claim to that effect, and/or states that it is "made from natural ingredients", "free from artificial additives", etc.

Cobranded – where a product carries two or more consumer brand names, which may be owned by the same company or different companies. It is most common where a branded ingredient or component is included in another product, e.g. Kellogg brand cereals used in a twin-pot yogurt.

Convenient – products which are specifically claimed to be easy to use, easy to prepare, easy to cook, etc., or which carry an associated claim (e.g. "ready in 5 minutes", or "no need to rinse").

Ethical – a term which is mainly applied to European products, where the product is designed to appeal to certain moral or socially acceptable principles, e.g. which address issues such as employee working conditions, community development, fair trade (a better deal for Third World suppliers), the nature of the international trading system and production methods, animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Ethnic – a product is classified as ethnic according to the country or region in which it is sold, e.g. a Japanese prepared meal would be classified as ethnic if sold in Europe, but not if sold in Asia.

Functional – foods and drinks which are enhanced in some way, e.g. with added ingredients, to have a positive, beneficial effect on the body in general, or on a particular function of the body e.g. the digestion. Also referred to as nutraceuticals. See also specific reference to e.g. probiotic, prebiotic, etc.

Indulgent – a product which is positioned as a "luxury", an indulgence or a "treat", by virtue of its ingredients, style of packaging, on-pack claims, etc.

Innovative Ingredient – use of a new or novel ingredient, or use of an existing ingredient in a new category or application.

Innovative Package – packs which have new or novel features, design or materials.

Kosher – a product is classified as kosher only if it carries an appropriate mark, symbol or declaration to that effect.

Low Calorie – a product is classified as low calorie if it carries an on-pack claim referring to a low, lower, or reduced calorie content. Products which are naturally low in calories are not included.

Low Cholesterol – a product is classified as low cholesterol if it carries an on-pack claim referring to low, lower or reduced cholesterol content, or if it is positioned as cholesterol-free. Products which are naturally low in cholesterol are not included.

Low Fat – a product is classified as low fat if it carries an on-pack claim referring to a low, lower, or reduced fat content, or if it is fat-free. Products which are naturally low in fat are not included.

Low Sodium – a product is classified as low sodium if it carries an on-pack claim referring to a low, lower, or reduced content of sodium or salt, or if it is positioned as sodium-/salt-free. Products which are naturally low in sodium are not included.

Low Sugar – a product is classified as low sugar if it carries an on-pack claim referring to a low, lower, or reduced sugar content, or if it is positioned as sugar-free.

Microwaveable – a product is classified as microwaveable if it carries a prominent on-pack claim to that effect.

No Additives/Preservatives – a product is classified as having no additives/preservatives if it carries an on-pack claim stating that it is free from additives/preservatives/artificial colours/etc.

Novel – a product which is novel or innovative with respect to its purpose, positioning, packaging or formulation.

Organic – a product is classified as organic if it carries an on-pack claim to that effect, i.e. if it is made using ingredients from organic culture, produced without insecticides, herbicides, growth stimulants, etc. In some cases, where permitted by local law, a product may be described as organic which is made largely, but not entirely from organic ingredients. Biodynamic, Demeter, etc. products are also classified as organic; "natural" foods are not, unless they are specifically marketed as organic.

Refill – packages which are intended as a refill for an existing product.

Seasonal – products which are available for a limited or seasonal period.

Vegetarian – a product is classified as vegetarian if it carries an on-pack claim stating that it is suitable for vegetarians/vegans, or that it is made entirely from vegetarian ingredients. Products which are naturally suitable for vegetarians are not included, unless they make a specific claim to that effect.

Vitamin/Mineral Fortified – products which carry on-pack claims stating that they are fortified with vitamins/minerals, or have added vitamins/minerals.

Age – where appropriate, products are classified according to age group of target market: Babies & Toddlers (0-4), Children (5-12), Teenagers (13-17), Young Adults (18-25), Adults (25-55), Seniors (aged 55+). Some products may be described in promotional materials as being targeted at slightly different age groups to those mentioned – in these cases they will be classified under the closest (most representative) age group.

Gender – certain products are classified as being male- or female-oriented, except within sub-categories where the gender is apparent e.g. Men’s Fragrances.

Price – certain products are classified as being Premium-priced (i.e. higher than a typical price point for a product of that type), or Economy-priced (i.e. low priced, budget items, often everyday "basics" in simple packaging).