Gourmet Food Market Research Reports & Industry Analysis

The word gourmet is typically associated with high-quality, great-tasting beverages and foods, which are commonly sold at higher prices due to their care, authenticity, quality and expenses that occur during manufacturing, marketing, merchandising and packaging them. In the food world, gourmet is used in place of "specialty" and "premium".

The sale of gourmet products has been benefiting from what's known as the hourglass market phenomenon. This is when the consumer demand for a product is strong at either the high end or the low end, and weak in the middle. In the past, products like luxury chocolate had a thinly defined niche. It's target audience was affluent consumers who were able to afford the products as either gifts or for personal enjoyment. Today, gourmet products are becoming mainstream, but those who are better educated and more worldly, due to their exposure to finer foods and drinks in cafes and restaurants, either through watching celebrity chef shows or through their own travels abroad. These consumers are choosing higher levels of taste and quality when it comes to choosing their beverages and food. Beverages and confectionery are among the fastest growing segments, along with other gourmet products.

Marketers are advertising gourmet foods and drinks as affordable luxuries that can be enjoyed daily. This includes fine teas, coffee, chocolates, baked goods, ice cream and artisan cheeses. These have shown to sell quite well, even during times when there's turbulence in the economy. It's common for gourmet foods to be used as comfort foods and are appealing to customers who are looking for small indulgences they can enjoy.