How Has Cuisine Identity Sustained the Fancy Food Markets Throughout the Worlds Food Distribution Systems?

Abstract

Despite some rough years, specialty food sales are strong according to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) “2023 State of the Specialty Food Industry” report; Sales of specialty foods and beverages across all retail and foodservice channels neared $194 billion in 2022, up 9.3 percent over 2021, and are expected to reach $207 billion by year’s end, according to the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA notes the study in collaboration with the market researchers Mintel International and SPINS. This research will examine how cuisine identity has continued to support and grow this multi-billion-dollar business throughout the world food markets. By identifying multiple cuisines, the argument can be made that the distribution markets themselves can sustain these styles of food through the lens of the cuisine and the distribution systems that support them. By researching fancy food markets or specialty food offerings, the average consumer and retailer can determine the overall importance of the cuisine identity as a starting point in a sustaining effort in this muti-billion-dollar-a-year food enterprise.