I’ve written before about what *I* think makes a foodie, but I found this really interesting article last week about what marketers and people in the “food technology” business think a foodie is. See if this sounds like you:
According to Packaged Facts, based on Experian Simmons consumer survey data, 19.5% of the adult population or 44 million adults are “true foodies,” who are characterized by their interest in trying new products and more intensive attitudes/behaviors about foreign, spicy, gourmet, and natural/organic food as well as their desire for fresh ingredients and upscale presentation.
I bet at least one of those things applies to you (I mean, you’re reading a blog about “family foodies” after all!).
Interestingly, according to the article, the foodie movement is having a demonstrable effect on food producers and retailers and what we see in “mainstream” grocery stores. They’re more likely to stock organic, natural, local, and “exotic” products to satisfy that foodie segment of the population—which is great news for people who might be interested in just dipping their toe in the foodie waters.
Here are some other things the article had to say about us foodies:
- Foodies are much more likely than consumers overall to look for the freshest ingredients possible, to really enjoy cooking, and to try new recipes, according to Packaged Facts. Seventy-nine percent of specialty food buyers like to experiment with new recipes.
- Eighty-one percent of specialty food consumers say it is worth it to pay for better quality ingredients. (Yeah it is!)
- Nearly half of all foodies are significantly more likely to look for organic foods; 35 percent prefer to eat food without artificial additives.
- Specialty food consumers are also the most likely to buy foods that are labeled all natural, organic, locally sourced, eco-friendly, artisanal, sustainable, and Fair Trade.
- And, foodies are almost twice as likely to count calories as the general population, are much more likely to consider the nutritional value of the foods they eat, and nearly a third are watching their weight.
Whether you love the term foodie or hate it (there are some who do!), being a foodie isn’t just good for yourself and your family, it’s good for society at large! I’m a big believer that we’re voting with our forks and our dollars, and when we make the effort to consume better quality food, whether at the grocery store or at a restaurant, we’re sending a message to the food overlords who control our food supply that we demand better. So keep it up, foodies! You’re making a difference.
Do you consider yourself a foodie? Why or why not?
