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/83609
How Specialty Food Consumers Cook and Entertain EATING HABITS OF SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMERS All* % I eat one or two large meals per day. I eat smaller meals frequently, such as six small meals throughout the day. I graze/snack throughout the day. 37 I eat three complete meals per day, plus snacks. 26 I eat three complete meals per day and no snacks. 19 17 12 Specialty Food Consumers** % 34 29 29 18 10 Base: *1,500 adults aged 18+ with internet access; **987 number adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods Specialty food consumers are more likely to eat three complete meals per day than the average consumer. FOOD KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIAL HABITS All* % I consider myself knowledgeable about food. 70 65 29 I have shopped at a farmers market in the past year. I enjoy planning parties for friends and family. 55 I entertain guests in my home regularly. I often drink wine with meals.+ I have been to a wine tasting in the past three years.+ I have taken a cooking class within the past three years. I have been, or currently am, a member of a wine club.+ 25 24 9 8 Base: *1,500 adults aged 18+ with internet access; ** 987 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods. + SOURCE: MINTEL Only asked of those aged 21 or older Involvement with food characterizes specialty food consumers. Three-quarters consider themselves knowledgeable about food and have shopped at a farmers market in the past year, a much higher percentage than all consumers. And 12 percent have even taken a cooking class within the past three years. COOKING HABITS OF SPECIALTY FOOD CONSUMERS All* % I am always looking for new ingredients to use in recipes. I read nutritional-fact labels on food/ beverage products most/all of the time. 62 It's worth it to me if sometimes/generally I have to pay more for better-quality ingredients/food. 73 73 I enjoy talking with friends/family about new or interesting foods I've prepared or eaten at restaurants. 76 Food isn't very interesting. It is basically just fuel. 20 Specialty Food Consumers** % 70 81 79 84 16 Base: *1,500 adults aged 18+ with internet access **987 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods SOURCE: MINTEL Specialty food consumers are always looking for new ingredients and more are willing to pay more for them. A surprising 84 percent enjoy talking with friends and family about new and interesting foods. ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS ABOUT COOKING I often experiment with new recipes. Family food traditions are important to me. I rely on standard or family recipes for most of my cooking. I really don't know how to cook but I try my best. Base: 987 adults aged 18+ with internet access who purchase specialty foods SOURCE: MINTEL Family food traditions are important to specialty food consumers but they also like to experiment with new recipes. The percentage who admits that they do not know how to cook has decreased to 29 percent, from 35 percent in 2011. Specialty Food Consumers** % 77 75 62 35 32 31 12 11 SOURCE: MINTEL Specialty Food Consumers % 79 79 63 29