Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/375622
THE WHY BEHIND THE BUY Innovative and exciting attributes appeal to specialty food consumers, but taste is consistently the No. 1 reason for trying a new product, cited by 65 percent of survey respondents. Some 62 percent noted they like to try new things. Impulse and referral from friends and family also play a sizeable role in new product trial. New this year, respondents were asked if health or environmental concerns influenced their decision to purchase specialty foods. Forty-two percent reported that they try new items as a means of eating more natural and healthy foods free of artificial ingredients and preservatives and 19 percent said they choose foods because they are organic, free of genetically modified organisms, or better for the environment. These responses point to an industry need to continue to focus on quality ingredients. 18 to 24 year olds are the most likely users of chocolate, salty snacks, frozen desserts, and other packaged, ready-to-eat food and beverages 35 to 44 year olds use specialty foods for shortcuts (cooking sauces, baking mixes) and are a target audience for gourmet beverages of all kinds (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) 45+ This age group uses specialty foods for meal prep; younger adults (18–44) buy them for snacking, guests, gifts, and the ofce 1 Chocolate 2 Olive oil/other specialty oils 3 Cheese 4 Cofee 5 Salty snacks 6 Frozen desserts/ice cream 7 Meat, poultry, and seafood 8 Beverages—non-alcoholic 9 Bread and baked goods 10 Tea (packaged) What Specialty Food Consumers Buy—and Why C onsumer engagement in specialty food is broad. At least one in five specialty food consumers have recently purchased products in each of the 34 specialty food categories included in this year's survey. One-third or more of those consumers have recently purchased products in 20 of the categories. Chocolate, olive oil and other specialty oils, and cheese remain the top three categories purchased, with more than half of specialty food consumers buying these products. These categories are so popular they are often viewed as gateway purchases to other specialty foods. Tea is a new entrant to the top ten categories purchased this year, up from 15th place in 2013. Top Ten Categories of Specialty Food Purchased TODAY'S SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMER 2014 C3