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Study: specialty food consumers still indulge |
10.16.2009
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NEW YORK-According to new research from the National Association of the Specialty Food Trade Inc., an estimated 138 million Americans buy specialty food, and 82 percent of specialty food consumers surveyed are cooking more at home.
These are some of the findings presented in "Today's Specialty Food Consumer 2009," the NASFT's annual report on consumer spending habits and trends. The research was conducted in July 2009 by Mintel International and Greenfield Online-based on a survey of 1,500 adults aged 18 and older.
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The $60 billion specialty food industry has been affected by the recession. According to the new research, 57 percent of specialty food consumers say they have cut back or changed their spending during the past year, and 52 percent said they will continue to do so in 2010. Almost half of all Americans purchase specialty foods but numbers declined in the past year, according to a prepared statement from the NASFT.
Many respondents said they have cut back because of job losses and pay cuts, but still look to specialty foods for entertaining and for gifts. Their reticence to purchase specialty foods is temporary, according to the survey.
"With the holidays approaching, specialty foods are in a good position to attract discerning consumers who are looking for new gift ideas and distinctive foods and drinks to share with guests," said Ron Tanner, vice president, communications and education for the NASFT, in a prepared statement.
Other findings:
*People ages 18 - 34 are the most likely to purchase specialty foods.
*Only 19 percent of specialty food consumers buy specialty food online.
*Supermarkets are the primary source for specialty foods.
*Farmer's markets are most popular among older consumers.
*Female specialty food consumers are spending 7 percent more on weekly food than they did in 2007; men are spending almost 7 percent less.
*Locally sourcing is the most important factor in specialty purchases.
*People of Hispanic origin are more likely purchasers of specialty food than those of other ethnic backgrounds.
*Organic foods appeal most to those ages 35 to 44.
The full report, plus a new on-demand webinar with insight and commentary on the research, are available for purchase at www.specialtyfood.com.
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