One more sign that the economy is picking up steam is coming from an aisle at the local grocery story.
U.S. specialty food sales sizzled last year in what industry experts believe is a sign consumers are regaining confidence and opening their wallets.
The specialty food and drink business picked up by 7.7 percent in 2010, representing more than $70 billion in sales, according to new research released last week by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade. The category encompasses a broad range of non-brand-name food and drink items, from cheeses, breads and yogurt to salsa, relishes and coffee.
In 2009, specialty food and drink sales rose by only 4.5 percent. The increase last year shows consumers are now comfortable spending a bit more money on quality products, said NASFT spokesman Ron Tanner.
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