U.S. food gifting sales were a $21 billion industry in 2014 and were projected to increase an additional 5% in both 2015 and 2016.  According to Packaged Facts’ report Food Gifting in the U.S., 4th Edition, 42% of U.S. Adults have purchased at least one specialty food gift in the last year.

Some key demographic information the study found:  

• “Adults age 35-44s are especially likely to buy food gifts for fathers, mothers, service providers and coworkers, while those age65+ are more likely to purchase for friends, children and extended family.
• Those from $150K+ income households are more likely than average to purchase food gifts for friends, children, extended family and neighbors, while those from <$25K income households (likely young respondents) are most likely to purchase for mom and dad.
• Hispanic food gifters are most likely to purchase such a gift for mothers, African American food gifters are most likely to purchase them for siblings, and Asian food gifters are most likely to purchase them for coworkers.
• Rural households emerge as key food gifters to mothers, fathers, siblings and coworkers.”

And with the number of adults (18+) who received food gifts in the previous year, 54% received one for the winter holidays.  All occasions are good occasions for food gifts, but the winter holidays are an exceptional time to have giftable food options available for your customers.  We recommend our 4 compartment trays, especially our larger 10″ trays! They’re also available in our ready-to-display boxes: both for on shelf and as a stackable option.  

Source: http://www.packagedfacts.com/Content/Blog/2015/11/17/Packaged-Facts%E2%80%99-holiday-guide-to-the-food-gifting-demographic

Posted September 27, 2016