They demonstrate a below-average interest in specialty foods. These are unlikely to offer opportunities for the specialty food industry. Price is the most important purchasing criterion and time is a luxury item. Opportunities for the future Specialty food products cut across most traditional food categories. Although a few have been singled out as showing strong growth, the real opportu-nities exist outside such divisions.
Specialty foods are a growing part of the Canadian food industry.
Their growth can be traced to recent changes in consumer trends. Canadian specialty food manufacturers are aware of these trends and have begun developing products that satisfy consumer demand. For continued growth, manufacturers must develop a knowledge and understanding of their consumers and the trends that affect their preferences. Research on the Canadian consumer of specialty foods is needed. Canadian manufacturers must continue to develop unique, good-tasting, healthy and convenient products that meet the demands of today's consumer.