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
currently contribute to a 401K or other investment funds say they grow some of their own food, up from 42% in 2013 purchase foods that support charities—up from 46% last year Specialty food consumers' interest and commitment to food isn't limited to their shopping purchases. It is an essential part of their lifestyle, whether by growing their own food, interacting with producers, reading about food, or watching food programming. Specialty food consumers like to purchase foods that support a cause. Rainforest preservation, inter- national hunger relief, and farm/agricultural charity contributions are all up in 2014. 78% enjoy visiting museums 51% go to the movies at least once per month 68% enjoy going to the theater, symphony, or other performing arts 70% are politically active and vote regularly watch food or cooking shows on television or the internet 71% exercise on a regular basis 63% 51% 50% 52% Written by Denise Purcell, editor of Specialty Food Magazine; research led by Ian Au, brand specialist for the Specialty Food Association. TODAY'S SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMER 2014 WEBINAR Wednesday, Oct. 1 • 1–2 p.m. EDT Download report with full data at specialtyfood.com/consumer2014 C8 TODAY'S SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMER 2014 Recreational Activities and Interests S pecialty food consumers appear more optimistic than in recent years, increasing participation in all recreational and cultural activities. This suggests consumers are feeling signs of economic improvement as they spend more discretionary money on leisure activities and education, food-related or otherwise. When they do watch food-related programs, they are watching for longer periods of time, spending on average an hour more per week than in 2012 or 2013. This year marked an increase in specialty food con- sumers supporting charities and investing in their financial futures—more signs that they are feeling more economically stable.