Consumers of all ages (especially those 24-35 years of age, mostly women) across all USA are embracing specialty foods this year, according to a new report from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). Needless to say, chocolate has always been popular. But now, chocolate has already triumphed over coffee as the top specialty food purchase.

For the time being, Chuao Chocolatier in San Diego County has won a sofi Gold award from the NASFT in the hot-beverage category for its Spicy Maya Hot Chocolate. The just-add-water hot chocolate drink is a blend of cinnamon, pasilla chile and cayenne pepper, giving a spicy finish to it. They all come together with a blend of premium 58 to 72 percent Venezuelan chocolate to make this particular beverage gourmet.

The progress of well-made artisan chocolate was unrelenting even during tough economic times, that’s why the emerging popularity of gourmet chocolate came as no surprise to Michael Antonorsi, president of Chuao. "We've been seeing the growth, and I was excited to see that chocolate was at the top of the list," he said. "Ever since we started we have always had this culinary approach to chocolate. Our mission is to arouse your senses - to take it to a much higher level than (just) sweets or candy."

“Economic challenges spell opportunity for the $70 billion specialty food industry,” said Ron Tanner, Vice President, Communications and Education for the NASFT. “Specialty foods like dark chocolate, artisanal cheeses and creative condiments have become an integral part of the culinary landscape and consumers continue to enjoy them.”

Chocolate reigns as the top specialty food purchases reported this year and olive oil and specialty oils come after it. Next come cheese, yogurt and kefir and then cold non-alcoholic beverages. Coffee ranks sixth. Farmers markets are ahead as a source for specialty food, but supermarkets still lead.

Again, chocolate is 2011's number 1 specialty food. So let me see that smile on your face, you little chocoholic you! 🙂

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Joanna Maligaya

Staff Writer/Content Developer at Chocolate University Online

Ever since she can remember, Joanna has always considered chocolate as the ultimate food for her soul. She believes in the saying, “9 out of 10 people love chocolate, and the 10th always lies.”

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