Specialty Food Stores NAICS 4452

Dec 13, 2025 - Trump Scraps Tariffs on 200+ Foods

• President Trump has issued an executive order eliminating reciprocal tariffs on hundreds of food products, including coffee, tea, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, tropical fruits, fruit juices, and more, Grocery Dive reported in November. In all, more than 200 agricultural commodities are now exempt from the 10% global tariff and country-specific duties imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year. The White House said the exemptions result from the administration’s progress on various trade deals, including with countries that produce agricultural goods not commonly grown in the US. Trump’s move comes amid stubborn grocery inflation and growing consumer frustration with the high cost of living. The tariff rollback lowers costs and supply constraints for importers, which should travel through the supply chain to food distributors, retailers, and ultimately consumers.
• By 2030, households with users of GLP‑1 medications for weight loss are projected to account for 35% of all US food and beverage unit sales, according to a new report from consumer research firm Circana. As a result, a large share of shoppers will be buying less overall, but spending more on health‑forward, high‑value products. These consumers increasingly avoid sugary, high‑carb snacks and instead seek high‑protein, high‑fiber and functional foods. For specialty food stores, this shift creates risk and opportunity. Indulgent or carb‑heavy specialty items may see declining demand, while premium wellness‑oriented products, including protein‑enhanced snacks, functional beverages, and better‑for‑you prepared foods, could grow rapidly. GLP‑1 users are also more willing to pay premium prices for foods with added health benefits, aligning well with specialty retail margins.

• Shifting demographics, especially the rise of Gen Z and multicultural consumers, are reshaping seafood purchasing habits, Supermarket News reported in November. More than half of frequent seafood buyers are Gen Z or millennials, with many avoiding red meat and seeking ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare seafood options, according to FMI’s the Power of Seafood 2025 report. To capture this market, the report recommends grocery stores offer diverse, globally inspired recipes, emphasize ethical sourcing, and provide educational content through in-store demos and digital platforms. Because seafood’s perception as expensive remains a barrier, retailers must reframe its value by highlighting health benefits, versatility, and everyday accessibility. Tailored messaging and product assortments, along with tools like QR codes and knowledgeable staff, can build shopper confidence and loyalty. These strategies are essential for grocers aiming to grow seafood sales in a competitive, evolving market.
• Producer prices for specialty food stores rose 1.8% in September compared to a year ago, after falling 1.6% in the previous September-versus-September annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Producer prices have eased from their highs in 2024 even as consumer prices for food-at-home (grocery store or supermarket food purchases) increased 0.5% from August to September and were 2.7% higher than in September 2024, per the BLS. Meanwhile, employment by specialty food stores grew 0.8% year over year in August, while the average industry wage climbed 8.7% over the same period to a new high of $20.39 per hour, BLS data show.