Locally Grown Foods Niche Could Reach $5 Billion This Year: Study

NEW YORK -- Food safety issues and America's growing health and wellness segment are two key factors driving a surge in locally grown food sales, which could jump to $5 billion in 2007, according to a new study by market research firm Packaged Facts.

The report, "Local and Fresh Foods in the U.S.," estimates that locally grown foods could turn into a $7 billion business by 2011.

"Restaurants, value channels such as drug stores and convenience stores, and even academic foodservice venues are tuning into the fresh and local consciousness that is taking hold in America," said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. "New trends, including 'food miles,' 'the Slow Food movement,' and even 'locavores' who eat only locally grown foods, are just beginning to take root in the U.S. and we anticipate these and other trends will swiftly drive growth of local and fresh market foods."

The study analyzes shifting trends in the marketplace for fresh and local foods, and identifies opportunities and strategies that suppliers, retailers, foodservice providers, and packaged goods marketers can use to protect and grow their businesses.

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