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Industry Statistics
The Specialty Food Industry is a vibrant part of the American food scene, fueled by new flavors, new products and growing consumer interest in artisanal and natural foods. Retail sales of specialty foods rose 8.4 percent in 2008 as specialty food consumers cut back on restaurant meals in favor of purchasing more specialty and natural foods to enjoy at home.
Specialty Food Industry at a Glance
The specialty food industry continues to enjoy spectacular growth, outpacing most sectors within the U.S. economy. From 2009 through 2011, sales of specialty foods rocketed by 19.1 percent. Sales at retail grew 9.2 percent between 2010 and 2011.
Working with Mintel International and SPINS, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade and Specialty Food Magazine have tracked sales of specialty foods through supermarkets, natural food stores and specialty food retailers. The data reveals a stand-out industry. You can purchase the full report in the Knowledge Center Store here: The State of the Specialty Food Industry 2012.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Total sales of specialty foods in 2011 were $75.14 billion, with $59.74 billion retail sales.
- Specialty foods represent 13.7 percent of all food sales at retail.
- New product introductions were down 6.2 percent in 2011 and lag behind 2009 introductions.
- Premium private-label introductions continue to drop, down 11 percent in 2011 to 410 products.
- The leading claim for new specialty food products is Kosher, followed by All Natural.
- Natural food stores are the fastest growing retail channel, boasting a sales increase of 19.8 percent between 2009 and 2011.
- Cheese and Cheese Alternatives is the largest specialty food category, at $3.44 billion.
- Refrigerated Salsas and Dips, Teas and Pickles, Peppers, Olives and Other Vegetables have the highest specialty food penetration.
- Shelf-Stable Functional Beverages are the fastest growing specialty food category, followed by Yogurt and Kefir.
- In 2011, 41 percent of specialty food manufacturers reported more than a 20 percent increase in sales.
- Manufacturers say that specialty food stores and natural supermarkets are the fastest growing retail channels for specialty foods.
- The average transaction size for specialty food stores was $41.49 in 2011, up 11.4 percent over 2010.
- Three-quarters of retailers say that Local is the most influential product claim today and two-thirds report the claim will grow the most in the next three years.
- Retailers say the fastest emerging cuisine is Latin; importers report that Eastern European and Indian are growing.
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