Remember all of the gourmet food gifts ideas and basics we discussed a few months ago? Now is the time to take those gourmet food ideas and implement a way to increase your sales.

While gourmet food encompasses a wide variety of niche markets, you can hone in on which ones will work best for you. To do this, you must take stock of your current customer base. With this knowledge, you will be able to determine which gourmet food niches will convert to an increase in sales.

Determining Your Market:

It is all about matching the gourmet food with the right customer niche. Categorize your customers. Are they young professionals or college students (Generation Y)? Are they established professionals, empty-nesters or retirees (Generation X or Baby Boomers)? Are they active singles, busy families or environmental activists?

Defining the lifestyles and interests of your customers will help determine which gourmet niche should be your focus. Categorization of your customers is the foundation for your gourmet food strategy.

Strategies For Gourmet Food Niches

Below are examples of categorized customers and the products each prefers.  Your customer base may include one or more of these customer types.  How do you determine what gourmet food items you need to sell to satisfy their buying needs?

By using the following guide, you should be able to determine what niche gourmet items will satisfy their buying needs.  Then you can formulate a strategy from the ideas and suggestions.

Young Professionals (Generation Y): This group tends to be into trendy, healthy and organic items. They buy these items for themselves as well as friends family and business acquaintances. Formulate a plan that incorporateshealthy snacking items (popcorn, jams, jellies, and organic-labeled gourmet foods).

Empty-Nesters/Retirees (Baby Bommers): This group often enjoys family and friend-centric activities like barbequing and cooking. They buy gourmet items with a more traditional nature for family, friends and as gifts for service providers (hairdressers, lawnboys, etc.).  Spices, cheese, meats, barbeque sauces and pre-made gourmet gift baskets are the delights of this demographic.

Established Professionals (Generation X): These are the customers who are in between the young professional and empty-nesters.  They tend to share buying habits of both groups.

They are the ultimate customers who will try trendy products and rely on traditional ones. Although eclectic in their purchases, gourmet chocolates and coffees are their gifts of choice when in a pinch.

These are just a few customer types and a few basic ideas to use when formulating your gourmet food strategy.  Focusing on a specific niche market is the key to successful gourmet foods sales. An active approach to selling gourmet foods, coupled with a knowledge of your customer base is the best formula for successful gourmet food sales.

Blending  Gourmet Foods Niches

Just as with cooking, gourmet food requires a little blending.  Start with a basic gourmet food niche that appeals to the majority of your customers, and then blend in a few products outside of that category.  Think complimentary, not contrasting.

For example, adding snack foods to your line of gourmet chocolates creates a complimentary gourmet food mix.  Selling salsa? Add in a line of other items that you can cook with, like jams, spices, specialty condiments and barbeque items. The principle idea is to add items that appeal to your main customers, but will bring in new customers.

Ordering And Working with Vendors

Once you’ve gotten a firm grasp on your market, your next strategy is to find the product and develop a working relationship with vendors. Look for vendors who can provide you with timely shipments, good pricing and great selections.  Don’t be afraid to ask them for help in how to display or market their product.  Vendors understand that you’re a partner and will work with you to get the right products into your store, so you both can make money.

Now that you have the strategies, ideas and the nitty gritty of gourmet foods, success is just a taste away.

By utilizing the great wholesale gourmet food vendors at FGmarket, you will be able to find the right products to help you create the ultimate gourmet food mix. To jump start your search, check out the FGmarket  wholesale gourmet food vendors highlighted below.

Need A Tasteful Gift Item?

Gourmet food items are not only tasty, but very tasteful additions to existing gift lines. Whether your gift market serves a small specialized niche or a broad encompassing niche, gourmet food items can fulfill your customer’s gift needs. Diversity is the foundation of gourmet food items which range from specific dietary requirements to international cuisine ingredients and everything in between. Unique and not offered by box-marts, gourmet foods are an upscale item with a low cost investment.

Appealing to a wide array of customers, gift baskets are a staple of most flower and gift shops. So naturally, as a shop owner your interest lies in finding the right gift basket products. By carrying gourmet gift basket items, you can create customized and tasteful gifts for customers. In this FGmarket newsletter, we will address the many different types of gourmet items and how to use them to set your shop apart from your competitors.

So What Makes An Item Gourmet?

Generally speaking, it is a fine food item. This can include, but is not limited to snacks, fruits, chocolates, cheeses, spices, oils, and other food items. Even some meats can be considered gourmet. People tend to think of gourmet foods as items one can not buy at a local grocery store.  Therefore, consumers perceive these products as specialty food items.

The biggest asset of gourmet items is that they are not readily available everywhere.  However, the perception attached to gourmet items encourages consumers to seek them out.  By choosing your gourmet items carefully, you can drive this consumer to your front door. For instance, I have traveled out of my way to visit a store that sells a particular spice blend that I love. How did I come across this spice blend? It was given to me in a gourmet gift basket.

Gourmet Cooking Goodies – A tisket a tasket I love my spice and oil basket!

As mentioned, I received a gift basket that contained several spice mixes, herb-infused cooking oil, bread dipping oils and a delicious Tandoori bbq grilling sauce. Now I can’t live without these great gourmet items and I frequent the shop often when I run out. This shop made multiple sales off of one gourmet gift basket.  Oils, herbs and sauces are a great way to dabble in the gourmet food market.  They have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration.

Making Your Own Gourmet Items Without All The Work

To ensure repeat business, customers need to know where to pick up more of those delectable gourmet items.  That is where private label gourmet foods set you apart from the rest.  Wholesale gourmet food vendors often have private label services.  That’s right! They will put your name on their product.  So when the customer runs out of that special dipping sauce, they will know exactly where to go – your store. As you are deciding which vendors to use, keep this in mind: branding gourmet foods items can increase your repeat sales.

Gourmet Baskets Healthy, Organic, Natural And Oh So Yummy

The natural, organic and healthy gourmet food market is one of the most popular niche markets you can use to boost sales. Everyone seems to be on a health kick.  Targeting this rising consumer group can help you gain market share.  For example, pack a basket with healthy snack items such as freeze-dried fruits, soy nuts, all natural wheat crackers, and gourmet jams then name it the Naturally Good Snack Basket. Target the consumer group by displaying this basket and promoting it in your advertising campaign. Selecting gourmet food items that capitalize on a rising trend gives you an advantage over your competitors.

Special Dietary Needs Items for Gift Baskets

Specialty gourmet food baskets that are dietary based offer a gift to those who may not be able to enjoy a common gift basket. Those with special dietary needs are often left out; this is a market you can easily cater to successfully. Examples of specialty diet concerns are gluten free items, sugar-free items, Kosher items, low sodium, gluten-free and vegetarian items. Offering these items reaches a segment of consumers often forgotten about with common gift baskets.

Men and Gourmet Baskets

Men are especially fond of receiving gourmet food baskets. For a manly gourmet basket, you need hardy items with robust flavor. So when a guy friend broke his leg, I wanted to send a manly gourmet basket. The first place I turned was my oil and herb shop. I asked the shop if they could do a basket with beef jerky, summer sausages, chutney’s and even some barbecue sauces. They did indeed! He raved about that basket for days and said that it was one of the best gifts he’d received.

Gourmet Food — Do It Your Way

You can sell gourmet items individually, in groups or in gift baskets.  Be sure to display them in all these ways so they appeal to your customers needs. Gourmet foods and baskets are a relatively low cost way to add flavor and luxury to your gift basket selection.  What a tasty way to increase your business.

You can find many wonderful gourmet food vendors at FG market.  Below is a sneak peek of the many unique and tasty gourmet food items you should consider.

We all know the boring stuff about healthy foods. That is, the foods put into the body are responsible for providing vitamins and other healthy benefits. However, healthy snacks shouldn’t be boring at all! That’s why freeze-dried fruits from Crispy Green are so popular. These treats are tasty and fun without the guilt but with all of the flavor.

Your customers interested in healthy snacks do not need to be convinced to eat them. They already want them but even health-conscious consumers aren’t willing to sacrifice much by way of taste. Quality may be a few cents more, but there is perceived value in better taste and nutritional benefits–i.e. “it’s worth it.” This leaves you in anything but a pickle because you know where to go for great tasting healthy snacks like crisp apple snacks, bananas, peaches, pineapples, pears and other freeze-dried fruits.

Freeze-dried fruits retain the same flavor as fresh fruit. True, the moisture is removed to less than one percent but that’s a good thing because it makes the fruit chips easier to store. Crispy Green packages their freeze-dried fruit inside a uv-protected, moisture-free bag that allows the fruit to be stored for years. However, don’t expect to see these foods on your shelves for long. These are the types of healthy gourmet foods that will fly off of the shelves.

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, why not get started on the tasty apples and keep the doctor as far away as possible? …click here to read Wow! Healthy Snacks That Are Actually Worth Eating!…

One of the best things about living in the south is Southern food. Even the mention of many southern-style gourmet foods is enough to make the mouth water. Our meats are no different. That’s why when you look to Broadbent Hams for country hams you know that you’re getting quality meat with even better flavor.

While the idea of customers salivating in your store may not seem appealing, it definitely moves some gourmet gift baskets. Filled to the brim with gourmet foods, these gift baskets take snacking to a whole new level of “yum.” When filled with summer sausages, country hams, and other meats from Broadbent Hams, the only words you’re liable to hear from customers are “mmm” and “yummy” as they make their way to the register.

Wondering what Broadbent Hams has that is so special? One visit to the website is enough to make you want to take a break and run out to your local country kitchen buffet. Nitrite free “all natural” bacons, cooked country hams, smoked turkey breast and hams, summer sausages and cheeses, beaten biscuits–regulars on any southern menu but equally tasty no matter where they’re served. There are even desserts and toppings when the sweet tooth starts to ache. (How close is it to lunchtime?)

Gift baskets are excellent unique gift ideas for friends and family. What really stands out, though, is a gift basket with …click here to read Want Unique Foods for Your Gourmet Gift Baskets?…

Summertime Sizzles with Gourmet Food Gift Baskets

Instead of the expected bottle of wine or chips and dip, encourage your customers to give gourmet food gifts at all those backyard barbeques and family reunions this summer. Gourmet food gift baskets with a little different twist make great hostess gifts this time of year and having your store fully stocked is sure to boost your summertime sales with some unique items your customers will love to give (and keep!).

A gourmet food gift basket can include popular items, like hot sauces, hot pepper jelly, dried fruits, barbeque sauces, drink mixes and rim dippers. But the old stand-bys are still welcome additions, like salsa, jam and jellies. Make it easy for customers by offering a variety of gift basket sizes or gift sets of specialty gourmet items. Barbeque grilling tools, an oven mitt and gourmet sauces make a thoughtful gift for an avid griller. Tie a red bandanna to the basket to give it that summertime sizzle.

Show your customers a variety of products and package them in fun and creative ways that capture their attention as soon as they walk in the door. Find lots of gourmet food vendors with an abundant of unique product choices at FGmarket.com

With Southwest cooking all the rage, try a Midwest take on the Southwest. Try some of Pepper Creek Farm’s pepper jelly, drink mixes and salsas. A family-run company in Lawton, Oklahoma, Pepper Creek does things the old-fashioned way – small batches, homegrown ingredients and family recipes. Their gourmet food offerings include jellies, like Green Chile Pepper Jelly, Mint Pepper Jelly and Red Bell Pepper Jelly, as well as an array of barbeque sauces, like Hickory Maple and Honey Mesquite. Their variety of dip mixes are sure to please any hostess with a ready-made spice blend for a quick dip or topping. Choose from Dilly Dip Mix, Jalapeno Cilantro, Spinach and Toasted Onion, just to name a few. These beat the standard cheese and pre-packaged dips and are a hit with family and friends.
Pepper Creek’s drink mixes are a must for a summertime gourmet food basket. Flavors range from Chocolate Martini to Pomegranate to Watermelon, and they also have rim dippers to go with them for that extra special touch. A drink mix, rim dipper, cocktail napkins, fresh lemons and limes make a great gourmet food gift basket.

Cibolo Junction Food & Spice Company has some great offerings of gourmet food in the Southwest genre. They pride themselves on offering the highest quality New Mexico food products, like Mango Papaya Salsa and Raspberry Peach Salsa, which are popular, sweeter alternatives to hot sauces. But they excel at those, too. Along with their hot sauces like North of the Border Smokey Joe’s Chipotle Salsa and Scorch-Way Hot – Salsa, their Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly and Margarita Marmalade are a welcome addition to a Southwest gourmet food basket.
Pair Cibolo Junction’s salsas with some tortilla chips, a margarita mix, fresh limes and margarita glasses for a “thank you” gift that’s sure to impress at your next summer party.

Also in the Southwest genre, but from the Napa Valley, are award-winning hot sauces, dessert sauces and drink mixes from Dave’s Gourmet. Their Hurtin’ Habanero Honey Mustard is a five-time world winner, and they offer a variety of gourmet salts that are a hit with cooks everywhere. Their dessert sauces include Apple Pie & Ice Cream, Gingerbread Cream and Chocolate Orange Spice, which add that gourmet touch to a cold bowl of ice cream (or just a spoonful out of the jar!). Their drink mixes offer a welcome change from the standard beer and wine served at many backyard get-togethers. With flavors like Mango Margarita, Insane Mary, and Dave’s Original Bloody Mary, these are sure to be a hit on the hot days of summer.
Instead of welcoming new neighbors with a store-bought apple pie, line a basket with a red and white checked napkin and include a jar of Apple Pie & Ice Cream dessert sauce and a half-gallon of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. What a welcome!

Comfort Foods, Inc. specializes in authentic flavors of the Southwest, as well as the elegance and gourmet taste of fine dining. Choose from dip mixes, spices and seasonings, salsas and sauces, bread and dessert mixes, and soup mixes. Creamy Potato and Green Chile Soup paired with Jalapeno Beer Bread makes an easy and comforting meal. And dips such as Cilantro Lime Dip and Peach Salsa add a new twist to tortilla chips. Their gourmet selections include Tuscany Peasant soup, White Cheddar Asparagus soup, Asiago Parmesan dip, Sun-dried Tomato dip, and Cherry Vanilla Scones mix. Any of these are sure to catch customers’ eyes when assembled in a gourmet food gift basket.

A gourmet food gift should include a variety of flavors and textures, so for a sweet addition, pair some of Orchard Crest Farms’ hand-dipped chocolate dried fruits, hazelnuts, full fruit preserves and luscious syrups with some southwestern items. They use choice Oregon fruits at their peak, like blueberries, strawberries, Dried Royal Anne Cherries and cranberries. Their fruit preserves and syrups are made from fresh ripe Oregon fruits and berries, and their homemade trail mixes and snacks are made from time-honored traditional recipes. For a twist on an old favorite, try their specialty Hazelnut Toffee for that extra crunch.
Prepare a brunch gourmet food basket with a good quality pancake mix, English muffins, and several syrups and preserves. A pint of fresh blueberries or blackberries will round out this gourmet gift basket.
By offering your customers a wide variety of gourmet food items and showing them how to package them for the ultimate “Wow!” factor, you can increase customer service and satisfaction this summer.
Browse through the Gourmet Food vendors you’ll find on FGmarket.com for fun & unique gourmet food products that can spark your creativity and ignite your sales for gourmet baskets and foods this summer and throughout the year.

Contributor: Jill Evans