Based on a very unscientific survey conducted at the New York Fancy Food Show, the specialty food industry is alive and well, propelled for the most part by consumer weariness of scrimping and saving. Everyone with whom Stephen spoke agreed, more or less, that the industry has proven, once again, its resistance to recession.
The concept of specialty foods being affordable luxuries lives on. Food entrepreneurs reported positive reactions from almost all show visitors. And, aside from the rare horror story, the NASFT’s creative response seemed to help; to wit: Offering substantial discounts on trade show freight charges, while inviting show participation from a new group of Member Candidates.
We have every hope this is not just a blip on the industry radar, but in the larger, strategic, sense, we may be in for more calls to sacrifice. Example, more wine is being consumed, but of lower quality and more recent vintages. Would it not be nice if that was all we will face? Organics - Future or Fad? Check here for one take on this subject.
Happy Bastille Day - Vive la France! Pat
Pat Hall, Editor
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MINI CASE STUDY WOW BAKING COMPANY VISION - “The name and product recognized as the leader in Gourmet Wheat and Gluten-free Baking.”
HISTORY- The idea for the WOW Baking Company began is 2004 and embraced the all-natural products and “green” production and business practices of the Pacific Northwest. By 2007, they outgrew their original production kitchen and moved into larger offices to meet the growing demand for their wheat and gluten-free products.
- READER Q&A: "I heard that stevia can now be used in conventional foods
(and not just dietary supplements).
If true, are there special considerations I need to be aware of for labeling?"
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Anuga 2009, Octoaber 10 to 14, in Cologne, Germany. For information on exhibiting or attending, please contact:
Ms. Sharon Cook, Agricultural Marketing Specialist on 202/720-3425. Email: sharon.cook@fas.usda.gov
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NASFT 2009 sofi Gold Awards Congratulations to Florence and Time McCarthy of San Angel Mole Company, our featured mini-case study in Volume 43 June Food Entrepreneur eZine. They share the Gold Award in the "Soup, Stew, Bean or Chili" category for their San Angel Mole Cascabel Sauce. Quite a coup for a company that has only been in business since 2005!
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Consider using SKYPE. It's free. Download from SKYPE.COM. You will need to by a camera (try buy.com) for $10.00 to $50 plus. Some annoying "banjo" sounds, but otherwise easy and fun to use.
STOP PRESS!!!
ATTENTION small business owners who could benefit from the SBA 2009 Recovery Act. Here is the latest in this ongoing saga. More
