How Consumers Use Specialty Foods OVERALL USAGE OF SPECIALTY FOODS
2011 2012 % %
I use specialty foods … For everyday meals at home. To treat myself.
64 68 67 68
For a special occasion at home such as a dinner party, birthday or holiday. 33 34 To have on hand for unexpected guests. 17 15 To impress my friends and family. As a gift.
To bring to the office/workplace. Other
13 12 12 10 10 4
8 3
Base: 2011: 889 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods; 2012: 987 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods
SOURCE: MINTEL
As the economy slowly improves, more consumers are purchasing specialty foods for everyday meals at home. Still, the same amount of consumers, 68 percent, buy to treat themselves.
I use specialty foods ... For everyday meals at home. To treat myself.
For a special occasion at home such as a dinner party, birthday or holiday.
To have on hand for unexpected guests.
As a gift. Other
USAGE OF SPECIALTY FOODS BY AGE
All 18–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65+ % % %
%
68 63 68 73
34 45 15 11
To impress my friends and family. 12 22 10 18
To bring to the office/workplace. 8 13 1
3 68 % % % 73 66
40 35 32 12
23
12 14 11 2
14 8
4
Brown: Highest incidence of usage; Green: Lowest incidence of usage Base: 987 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods
9 6 8 3
66 73 65 66 68 66 69 33 22
20 17 13 17 2 4 1 4
7 7 8 5
SOURCE: MINTEL
Consumers between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to purchase specialty foods to treat themselves, for a special occasion, and to give as a gift. As they grow older and build more income, they should make specialty foods part of their everyday meals, a good omen for the industry's future.
C6 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com
