Food Gifting in the U.S., 2nd Edition

During the first half of 2010, holiday food gift sales increased from the previous year, indicating a promising year of growth in this sector. A rising interest in gourmet, natural/organic and specialty demographic food gifts (food gifts for kids, food gifts for sports fans, ethnic food gifts, etc.) is fueling demand.

Gift-boxed chocolates remain a mainstay of the food gifting market in the United States, with sales totaling $227.4 million in 2008 and $223.3 million in 2009, a 1.8% decrease.

The continuing expansion of the market for food-gifting is remarkable in that it comes at a time when Americans are reducing spending on gifts overall. Food gifting combines practicality (a consumable item and one that does not require an intimate knowledge of the recipient's lifestyle, needs or tastes). Although clothing remains the most popular Christmas holiday gift, it is also the most likely item to be returned.

 More >>