Salad Bowl Branding, and America's New Tastemakers, Covered by MediaPost

"The U.S. isn't a melting pot, and hasn't been for years. It's more like a salad bowl of diverse ethnicities, with ingredients that get tossed together but retain their individuality. And these flavors are influencing everything else.

First, these tastemakers put new flavors and products--from yellow rice to wasabi peas to San Marzano tomatoes--on the map. Then mainstream Americans, already familiar with concepts like Tex-Mex and Pan-Asian, are eager to try them too. Ethnic and specialty foods now account for one out of every seven grocery dollars, and 73% of consumers reported purchasing specialty foods in 2007, compared to 64% in 2006, he says. And in the last two years, sales of specialty foods have risen 17%, far outpacing other food sales."

The above quote is from a recent interview with MediaPost (PDF of article located here) where we discussed the Salad Bowl Branding concept--as well as how America's array of cultural niches have given rise to the nation's new tastemakers.

Fact is, America is witnessing an unprecedented period of growth, with opportunities for innovation in specialty foods at an all-time high due to the mainstream's demand and adoption of new offerings. Again, the article is located right here--and if you're looking for more information on Salad Bowl Branding please check out these FAQs.