Specialty Food Stores NAICS 4452

Nov 13, 2025 - Holiday Thrift

• Economic pressures and tariffs are reshaping holiday food sales, with consumers prioritizing affordability and value, Supermarket News reported in November citing the latest data from Numerator. Nearly eight in 10 US consumers say they’ll consider the economy when shopping this holiday season, and more than a third (39%) plan to be more cautious with spending because of current economic conditions. Shoppers are increasingly turning to value retailers and private-label products, impacting traditional and specialty grocery store sales. Food categories like snacks, baking goods, and beverages are seeing shifts in demand as consumers seek budget-friendly options. Tariffs on imported goods, a key category for specialty food stores, are also affecting pricing and availability, prompting retailers to adjust sourcing strategies. To win over cautious holiday shoppers, food manufacturers and grocers must adapt by offering competitive pricing, promotions, and alternative product lines to maintain sales volume.
• 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.

• Retail price inflation and economic concerns are having an impact on sales of natural and organic products, according to a recent survey of retailers conducted by Supermarket News that included specialty and ethnic grocers. A majority of retailers (61%) surveyed reported their sales of natural and organic products increased during the past 12 months, including about 23% who said sales were up significantly. However, nearly a third (31%) reported natural and organic sales were flat, while 8% said sales were down compared with the preceding 12-month period. Among those who reported natural and organic sales gains, 59% credited the resilience of the natural/organic consumer, who tends to skew higher on income. Looking ahead, 11% of retailers said they expect sales of natural/organic products to decline slightly over the next 12 months, although none said they expect significant declines.
• In September, the Specialty Foods Association (SFA) joined the We Pay the Tariffs coalition of small businesses on Capitol Hill to advocate for small food businesses impacted by rising import tariffs. The groups met with House and Senate lawmakers to share firsthand accounts of how tariffs are straining specialty food makers. Their message to legislators was that tariffs on ingredients not produced domestically are driving up costs and threatening the viability of small importers and entrepreneurs, according to the SFA. The small business owners traveled to Washington, DC as the Supreme Court prepared to weigh the constitutionality of President Trump’s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs, which they contend are driving up costs for producers and ultimately US consumers.