The popularity of food gifts is undeniable. In fact, according to the researchers at Packaged Facts, US food gifting sales reached an estimated $21 billion in 2014, up 5 percent from the previous year. They sell so well because we hold two things to be absolute truths: Everyone loves a gift, and we all must eat.
“However, the recession had a very significant impact on historical sales trends,” explains David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts. “But, as consumers have fought their way out the recession, so, too has the food gifting industry. Of particular importance are signs of growing food gifting strength among middle-income consumers, which bodes well for a market that has relied heavily on higher-income consumers to tow it through and out of the recession. If Middle America is ready to spend more on food gifts, the industry will see brighter days ahead.”