This report encompasses three years of sales data (2007-09) across 47 segments (though most often the tabulations discuss the primary 41 segments), and discusses the positive and negative factors that may have a bearing on each segment’s future growth or decline. Also included in this report is a comprehensive look at distribution channels within the specialty food trade, from importer and broker to retailer.
Specialty foods are defined as products that have limited distribution and a reputation for high quality. These items are becoming more popular—and easier to find—as the American consumer has developed a more sophisticated and discerning palate and as a growing number of channels offer foods to attract these consumers. NASFT estimates that there are more than 180,000 specialty food products in the marketplace in channels that vary from boutiques and department stores to specialty food stores, natural food stores, supermarkets, and drug stores. The number and range of specialty food products has been growing steadily since NASFT and Mintel began to report on the industry in 2004; consumers have shown many times over that their interest in specialty foods—both imported and U.S.-made—shows no sign of slowing.
