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/986636
association news Message from President Phil Kafarakis The Specialty Food Association research that we're touting in this issue is critical to our industry and to anyone wanting to understand specialty food. This is the first year we've packaged our research in this way, and we're planning annual updates going forward. Access to this valuable data is a real benefit of SFA membership. Our industry is experiencing remarkable growth and responding to seismic changes in consumer attitudes that impact the marketplace. The retail environment's transformation, exemplified by Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, is a form of market correction, addressing consumer desires and putting healthful brands affordably into their hands. This comes after years of Big Food brands dictating tastes to consumers, while ignoring the burgeoning interest in healthier choices, foods and beverages that are additive-free, non-GMO, organic, and so on. Today, when we can clearly see more and more consumers growing into food experts— learning how food is produced, what's in it, and deciding where they're willing to buy it—billions in market share have moved, and continue to shift, to smaller specialty food manufacturers. It's a great time to be in specialty food! Our research shows that the consumer is engaged: They're telling us, farmers, retailers, and the government that they will no longer tolerate food production or regulation that ignores the most important things about eating—its effect on health and well-being. Consumers are opting for more healthful ingredients, and to find them, they are moving away from purchasing based on knee-jerk responses to blanket marketing. It's also clear that retail channels are blurring. Artisanal jam in the gas station quick shop? Small-batch pasta sauce at the linen boutique? Shoppers are driving these changes too. They'll make purchases wherever they find it convenient. We know that for your business to succeed, you need to understand the direction of the new food consumer. Using available data and insights into consumer behavior and the forces that impact the marketplace, we will continue to empower you. SFA is at your service to help you succeed in these changing times. You'll find that in our research and at our events like the 2018 Summer Fancy Food Show. I hope to see you there! Phil Kafarakis President, Specialty Food Association Follow me @PresidentSFA Message from the President SUMMER 2018 25