Tag Archives: holiday

As last-minute shoppers fill the malls in search of thoughtful presents and holiday meals are being planned, the Christmas season is the perfect time to consider the role of food, not only on the dinner table but also as the ideal gift!

Packaged Facts reports that yearly food gift sales total at least $18 billion and will increase to well over $21 billion by 2014  and those numbers don’t include homemade food gifts.  It’s noteworthy that online sales and direct marketing currently account for 53% of these sales.

It’s no surprise that consumers appreciate receiving food as a holiday gift as most tend to give items that they’d be happy to get.  Of course, there is an innate need for food–but it’s so much more than a way to nourish the body.  In fact, eating for sheer enjoyment is more common than eating to address hunger, especially when it comes to snacking.  (Link to snacking post.)  Consumers eat because they want to experience the taste, the flavor, the indulgence and even the memories of people and places that certain foods conjure up.  It has the ability to transport.  Read more...