Product innovation and the wider availability of specialty foods through mass-market outlets also plays a part in the industry's success.
Specialty foods remain one of the fastest-growing segments of the food business, according to a new study released by the Specialty Food Association (SFA), New York.
Fueled by increasing interest from both consumers and retailers, total sales jumped 11% between 2015 and 2017, hitting $140.3 billion last year, according to SFA’s annual State of the Specialty Food industry report. Specialty food sales outpaced the growth of all food at retail – up 12.9% vs. 1.4%. Product innovation and the wider availability of specialty foods through mass-market outlets also plays a part in the industry's success. Sales through foodservice increased 12.8% and online by 21%, as U.S. consumers make specialty food a regular part of their diets both at home and when dining out.