Americans are obsessed with food, especially gourmet and organic foods. The fresher, the more natural or exotic, the better. Americans are also indulging themselves with rich desserts and rare fare. And, price appears to be no object.
Americans are spending more money at grocery stores, restaurants, butcheries, wineries, chocolatiers and patisseries, farmers’ markets and boutique food stores. They are also spending record amounts on food from catalog and online stores. And the trend is expected to continue.
A recent research study revealed that 70% of Americans are trying to eat healthier and that bodes well for the sale of organic and all-natural food sales which are expected to reach $33 billion by 2010. U.S. sales of organic foods and beverages, which includes not only fruits and vegetables but also meats and prepared meals, is expected to continue its double-digit growth and reach $43 billion over the next 3 years. Globally, the market is expected to reach $89 billion by 2009.
The National Restaurant Association is also projecting sales growth of more than 5% based in great part on trends in sales of gourmet and fine dining meals. U.S. sales are expected to reach nearly $540 million.
Finally, some of the hottest trends in the food and beverage industry are cupcake-only stores, organic baby foods, artisan bakeries and culinary arts schools and programs.
I smell opportunity!
To take advantage of this high-growth trend, check out these great career opportunities.
Private Chef - Ever wish Wolfgang Puck would show up and prepare your dinner? Well, for a price, a noted, or at least accomplished, chef will come to your home and prepare a gourmet meal, complete with wine and dessert. Some private chefs even partner with masseuses to provide a full luxury experience.
Professional Kitchen Appliance Sales - The kitchen is the centerpiece of a home–part utility and part social space. Increasingly, homeowners are investing in professional grade appliances once reserved for restaurants. Ranges and ovens can cost up to $10,000. Leverage your selling skills and/or invest your savings in an online or bricks and mortar high-end appliance store.
Gourmet-Themed Vacation/Travel Packages - Travel is the ultimate splurge for many single professionals and Baby Boomers. As travel gets more expensive, travelers are demanding more memorable cultural experiences. Newly popular are vacation/travel packages that include cooking lessons, food and wine tastings and food shopping. There are gourmet-themed cruises, Tuscan villa or French chateau rentals complete with a private chef and cooking lessons and luxury resorts with 5-star chefs in residence. A capable chef might parlay his/her culinary skills into an all-expense paid Tuscan vacation, a Mediterranean cruise or a six-figure executive chef’s job at a toney restaurant and resort.
Leisure Classes - Newly retired Baby Boomers and corporate climbers planning a career change are flocking to culinary classes to learn the fine art of making pastry, chocolate and ethnic meals. Universities, adult schools, community centers, restaurants, culinary schools and even retailers like Sur La Table are filling the demand, but there is always room for a superior offering.
Community-Supported Agriculture - The push for the freshest foods has led many to fields of local farmers who are now selling memberships or shares of their harvests which entitle members to visit the farms, pick their own vegetables and fruits and/or have them delivered to their homes. Shares vary in price from as little as $250 per season to nearly $1,500 for a full year. Some farmers offer farmers’ market discounts and edible flowers. If you’re considering converting your farm to organics or offering memberships as a way to increase your income, learn more from the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association.
Co-op and Discount Organic Foods Stores - Whole Foods, also known as Whole Paycheck, leads the way in organic foods retailing, but there is plenty of room for lower-cost providers. Wal-Mart has stepped up in an attempt to meet that need, but its got its own PR and customer service issues. New market entrants include co-ops like Sunshine Market and Berkeley Bowl, both of which offer high-quality foods at more accessible prices.
Farmers’ Markets - Farmers’ markets used to be rag-tag gatherings of local farmers hawking their wares from makeshift stands; today they are more elegant affairs complete with prepared meals and live music. They’ve moved from empty parking lots to upscale marina real estate. Organizers can earn money by planning and managing the events, renting booths and securing sponsors. City parking lot owners can supplement their incomes by filling empty lots on weekends.
Cooking Schools - Private cooking and culinary arts schools are proliferating. Owners of culinary arts academies and other private career colleges are beefing up their offerings to attract well-heeled students seeking gourmet food classes. Start a school of your own or buy an existing (already accredited) career college and create a culinary arts program.
Contests/Event Promotion and Production - Love the Iron Chef competition? How about the Pilsbury Bake-Off? Partner with a branded food manufacturer, get them put up prizes and/or prize money and start your own contest with local wannabe chefs or grillers.
Corporate Team Building - Corporations are constantly searching for team-building activities that inspire and motivate employees to be more productive and more creative. Culinary classes and cooking competitions are becoming popular. Craft an interactive, fun course complete with a cook-off and market it to HR professionals who are responsible for these functions.
Community Kitchens/Incubators - Community Kitchens used to refer to food banks; now the phrase applies to commercial-grade kitchens that feature restaurant-quality appliances and can be rented by upstart caterers, chocolatiers, bakers and other food-related entrepreneurs. The idea is that these startups may use your facilities while they explore the market for their products and before they invest in a facility of their own.
Prepared Meals - Charter schools, daycares, workaholic professionals and individual families are looking to provide better quality meals. Gourmet and healthy meals to go are top of mind. Logistics and product quality issues prevent this business opportunity from being overly exploited. So, if you’ve got a great idea for fresh, quality fare that can be delivered hot (or cold, as appropriate) in a timely manner, and at a reasonable price (applies mostly to schools and daycares; private schools and individuals will be willing to pay higher prices for gourmet and organic food).
Food Science/Food Development - Ever wonder how your favorite restaurants or food manufacturers come up with such delicious treats? Ever wondered how manufacturers manage to infuse orange juice with calcium? Food scientists and food developers work in commercial kitchens and labs to discover new food ingredients, new entrees or desserts, healing qualities in foods, and alternatives to preservatives, fatty and high-carb foods. Food developers and scientists are in demand at consumer products manufacturers like P&G as well as at fast food restaurants like Burger King.
For more information…
National Association for the Specialty Food Trade
National Restaurant Association
Food Science & Technology Associations
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