I
n 10 years, the specialty food industry has more than tripled in value, from $38.5 billion to more
than $120 billion, according to the latest "State of the Specialty Food Industry" research, conducted
annually by the Specialty Food Association and Mintel. The industry—driven by creativity and qual-
ity ingredients used in innovative ways, and the proliferation of specialty food in mainstream outlets—has
grown close to 10 percent annually since the recession of 2008.
To get an insight into what the next 10 years will bring for the specialty food market, Specialty Food Magazine spoke to key
industry watchers about the future of retail, expected consumer behavior, and what foodservice will look like by 2027.
Life-size, two-way video chats with
producers from the supermarket aisle,
ingredient personalization for optimal health, and
customizable restaurant experiences are just some
of what the next decade holds.
BY ROBYN PFORR RYAN
The Specialty Food
Landscape in 2027
FUTURE
FORECAST
ILLUSTRATION: THEISPOT.COM/ SHANE MCGOWAN
36 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
