Discussion:
Surging demand for yogurt, energy bars, nut and seed butters and coffee drinks is sending the specialty food industry to new highs for the second year in a row. U.S. retail and foodservice sales of specialty foods and beverages rose 6.9 percent in 2011, topping $75 billion, according to new research from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade. "Consumers are making better food a part of their lifestyle," says Ron Tanner, Vice President, Communications and Education, for the NASFT. "They are embracing new foods and flavors and are willing to choose top-quality even while they economize elsewhere." Cheese claims the top spot in spending for specialty foods, with $3.44 billion in retail sales in 2011. The next largest retail sales categories are meats, poultry and seafood; chips, pretzels and snacks; coffee, coffee substitutes and cocoa; and bread and baked goods. Functional beverages are the fastest growing segment, followed by yogurt and kefir.
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Specialty Food Industry Sales Hit New High
http://starchefs.com/news/press_releases/html/newsdetails.php?news_id=3905