According to the NASFT, specialty food products are defined as: foods, beverages or confections meant for human use that are of the highest grade, style and/or quality in their category. Their specialty nature derives from a combination of some or all of the following qualities: ...

As part of each annual “State of the Specialty Food Industry” report, Mintel International conducts interviews with members of the supply chain for a firsthand look at their challenges and opportunities.

This category continues to grow, but manufacturers could see further gains by expanding product uses and leveraging social media.

Whether they are passionately meat-free, newly concerned about environmental and animal issues or just looking for more healthful options, consumers are increasingly buying vegetarian and vegan snacks.

Popcorn has a lot going for it these days. From revisiting classic flavors and creating new ones to touting health benefits and fun features, kernel-popping has never been so innovative. Here are some of the latest products to consider.

Changing the look of your product can be a risky - and expensive - proposition. To help navigate your next redesign, we interviewed several specialty food manufacturers who've been through recent updates or overhauls, to see what we could learn from their experiences.

From fighting a broken international food system and creating jobs in Kenya to supporting Native American causes and promotion historic preserving historic preservation here at home, these companies develop products with a purpose.

The preteen market is anything but child's play. Tweens have proven that their spending power, and tapping into their psyche has paid off for companies that hone products for this increasingly attuned group.

Its comfort-food status has helped the prepared cakes and pies market hold strong throughout the economic recession. But this category will need to show some innovation in flavor, health attributes and serving sizes to keep up with shifting consumer expectations.

Almost all retailers will say that they saw buying shifts during peak recession years, but which of these consumer behaviors are sticking?

These treats were consumer go-to items right through the recession—and future prospects look good for continuing sales. But new challenges, including the increasing price of corn and public concern about nutrition, mean pressures and changes in this market.

Ethnic foods have shown serious market strength by growing throughout the recession, spurred by expanding populations, increased travel and a proliferation of international-themed food trucks.By Eva Meszaros

Merchandise food treats that can be enjoyed without any extra cooking. From teas to pickled beets, see what retailers around the country are recommending.

Even with a down economy, the nation’s food cooperatives are thriving, with more than 200 new co-ops in the works. What are these stores doing that other grocery stores aren’t? We look at the factors that are driving growth.