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
LOOKING AHEAD Research shows that, overall, affluent specialty food consumers enjoy buying specialty items for snacking, to bring to the workplace, and as gifts or for special occasions; younger shoppers specifically value convenience, such as ready-to-eat foods. Non-traditional retailers, such as bakeries, convenience stores, and delis, may want to consider stocking ready-to-eat snacks or portable foods to capitalize on this audience. Younger adults ($75K–$99K) frequent the widest range of food retailers. They also value convenience— not only with products (like ready-to-eat) but also with retailers that are easiest to get to. (especially 18–34s) and afuents 83% of consumers over age 65 shop at supermarkets Where Specialty Food Consumers Shop S upermarkets remain the prime location for specialty food consumers to buy specialty foods, largely due to con- venience, but their number has slipped from 74 percent last year. About one-third of consumers frequent natural food stores and mass merchandisers, consistent with the past four years. Farmers markets and specialty stores are frequented by about a quarter of specialty food consumers and are likely seen as the sources of the newest and least common products. Food trucks were a new entry to the list this year; some 6 percent of shoppers reported patronizing them in search of gourmet products. While that number is low compared with other channels, it's likely because food trucks supply a limited variety of packaged specialty foods like beverages, snacks, and condiments. Consumers aged 25–34 are the most likely to shop for specialty foods at food trucks. TOP 10 FAVORITE SPOTS TO BUY SPECIALTY FOODS Base: 970 internet users aged 18+ who purchase specialty foods Source: Mintel 66% Supermarket Natural food store (e.g., Whole Foods Market) Mass merchandiser (e.g., Walmart, Target) 26% Farmers market Club store (e.g., Costco) 21% Specialty food store 19% Deli 19% Bakery Fast-casual restaurant (e.g., Panera Bread, Baja Fresh) 17% Cofeehouse (e.g., Starbucks) 36% 35% 24% 19% TODAY'S SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMER 2014 C5