Based on sales data from the past three calendar years, the new Specialty Food Association's (SFA) annual State of the Specialty Food Industry Report  reveals a robust specialty food industry hitting $158.4 billion in sales, a 10.7% increase since 2017. The full report includes commentary throughout that reflects the impact and ramifications of COVID-19.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has had big impacts on how you’re eating, shopping for food and thinking about food you’re far from alone. According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food & Health Survey, 85% of Americans have made at least some change in the food they eat or how they prepare it because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although consumers have moved on from the panic grocery shopping they did in the early stage of COVID-19, they still maintain the same level of foods and beverages inventory. Across all categories, there has been only a 3% drop in the estimated number of food and beverage packages on hand in homes compared to early April, reports NPD.

New Hope Network misses gathering with the natural & organic products community, and we are sad to announce that we will need to wait until 2021 for us all to be together in person again due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 crisis on events and travel.

A new report provides a clear picture of grocery shopping habits before the pandemic, attitude shifts that took place during COVID-19 and offers a glimpse of what might come next for the food industry.

Prepared by The Hartman Group, the 2020 report provides a clear picture of grocery shopping habits before the pandemic, attitude shifts that took place during COVID-19 and offers a glimpse of what might come next for the food industry.

The new report, "COVID-19 and Navigating the Path Ahead: Supporting the Natural Products Consumer," highlights natural shoppers’ product and shopping preferences, recommended strategies for manufacturers and retailers to attract and retain consumers, and suggestions to maximize new opportunities in the future.

Covid-19 has affected bakery players in different ways. With foodservice representing as much as 70% of their sales, frozen bakery players have seen reduced orders as food consumption changes from restaurants to home kitchens.

Quarantine snacking has seen wide variance in consumption between relishing in comfort food and enhanced diligence to healthier habits. Flavorchem revealed some of the most prominent bakery and snack trends taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The primary purpose of the platform is to bring vast efficiencies to the food supply chain, while also serving as a critical tool in times of need. Retailers requiring additional resources to fulfill needs at grocery stores, are connected with sellers that have capacity of products, transportation services, labor, and warehousing services.