Specialty Gourmet Coffee

Specialty gourmet coffee is a very hot commodity in today's market. The consumption of gourmet coffee has steadily grown with consumers enjoying the more sophisticated tastes of gourmet coffee beans.

Specialty gourmet coffee, sometimes called premium coffee, is exceptional coffee beans grown only in ideal coffee-producing climates. These coffee beans have unique characteristics because of the soil they grow in which produce very distinctive flavors.

Gourmet coffee has a more balanced flavor and richer taste than the standard mass-produced coffee. Gourmet coffee beans go through a rigorous process of certification that is stricter to help keep the quality high.

In the 1974 issue of the "Tea & Coffee Trade Journal", Erna Knutsen first used the term 'specialty coffee' to describe these unique coffee beans that are produced in special microclimates with these distinctive, exceptional flavors.

In 1982 the Specialty Coffee Association of America was created by coffee professionals to help set quality standards for the specialty coffee trade.

Since the 1990's the growing popularity of the coffee houses and specialty gourmet coffee retailers, have made gourmet coffee one of the fastest growing food services markets in the world. In the United States alone, it nets approximately $8.5 billion a year.

Some have compared specialty gourmet coffee to wine. The aromas and flavors have similarities in how the consumer connects with the two beverages. The characteristics of gourmet coffee however, are more even complex than wine. The coffee bean is more dependent on altitudes, climate and soil variation than with the grapes used for wine.

The history and tradition of the specialty coffee grower makes this a very complex beverage. So pour yourself a cup of your favorite specialty gourmet coffee, sit back and enjoy, you deserve it.

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Choosing the Right Target Market for Your Specialty Food Product

Almost before you do anything else in creating your business and selling your food products, you need to identify WHO your target market, or your audience, is. Ask ten business people the question "who is your target market?" and eight of them will say something to the effect of "everyone can use my product or service." That answer makes me want to scream because it indicates that either they really don't know what they're offering OR they're (pick one) too lazy, greedy or fearful to create a useful client profile.

Everyone is NOT your target market and you need to choose who IS before you start making a lot of your other business building decisions. This is one of the benefits of running your own company. YOU get to decide with WHOM you want to work and sell to. Pricing, what your packaging will look like, the design of your logo, web site and marketing materials all depend on who your buyer(s) are.

Think, for example, how Mercedes markets its cars vs. how Chevy markets its trucks. Very different target audiences. Your product is no different. Is this an item that you see on your average grocery store shelf or is it a better fit for high-end gourmet specialty markets? Is your product gluten-free, sugar-free, or otherwise a good fit for a group of "special needs" consumers? Nothing is wrong or better about any of the answers you come up with; it's a matter of creating a niche for yourself.

When I started my company, I decided to focus on serving the needs of business clients. Sure, I had a great-tasting cookie, but again, it wasn't my intention to become "the next Mrs. Fields." My goal was to work directly with business people who wanted to show appreciation for their clients or members. My definition of business clients was primarily those in the corporate world, although I also included associations and not-for-profit organizations. I was creating a gifting product, more than a common food item.

With that information, I could choose packaging that fit the needs and would be attractive to that audience. I could create a web site that would speak to them in a language they could relate to. I could write copy for and design marketing materials that made them comfortable with my company and confident that I would serve their needs.

Think what would have happened if I'd made all those decisions BEFORE I knew to whom I was talking! Let's say your favorite colors are pink and purple, so you decide to create packaging in those colors. You use a funky typeface for the logo and wording. You design a cute cartoon character as your "mascot." And you write a brochure highlighting the taste and nutritional benefits of your product. Then you send those brochures out to construction companies to encourage them to buy your product for holiday gifts to their clients. Um, putting all those elements together is not likely to work.

But, if your target audience is moms of toddlers and you're promoting your product as great for birthday parties, then you have a much better match and are more likely to succeed.

Even your pricing will be affected by the target audience, and we'll talk about that in more detail in another article. But suffice it to say that if you want to sell your food product to a grocery store, such as Publix, Kroger or Safeway, your pricing model is going to be different than if you are selling directly to the end user.

Do you see why and how deciding on the target market has to be first?

Now, I hear you, sitting there saying, but EVERYONE loves my hot sauce, granola, green onion chips. I can't narrow it down to one target market. Yes, you can and you must, if you want to succeed. You don't necessarily have to make it as narrow as saying women with blond hair, between the ages of 25-35 who go to spin class three times a week and drive BMWs.

So, think about how you see your product being used. If your product is a steak sauce, then obviously meat-eaters is a good start in the narrowing process. That vegetarians might possibly use it on potatoes is fine, but you are not going to focus on them. Keep going. Do you see men who consider themselves "grill-masters" buying this product? Where would they purchase it - at Wal-Mart or from a Williams-Sonoma catalog?

Confession time! Had I known better, I would have narrowed down my targeting even further and chosen one or two specific industries on which to focus. Doing this would have allowed me to even more specifically customize my marketing efforts for them, which in turn would build the business faster. As it turned out down the road, some of those industries kind of identified themselves when I started seeing more and more clients coming from them. And even then, I didn't start niche marketing to them right away. Geez, I was a slow-learner. Learn from my mistakes, and narrow down your target market!

At the urging of friends and family, Lori Saitz took a family recipe for a butter/sugar cookie, navigated through a maze of confusing regulations and well-intentioned advice, and built the company Zen Rabbit, http://www.ZenRabbit.com. The business is now known worldwide for its all-natural Gratitude Cookies and Zen Crunch. In addition to running Zen Rabbit, Lori coaches, leads mastermind groups and presents seminars for new food product entrepreneurs. As the editor of inbox magazine Food Biz Life, she shares weekly articles on producing, marketing and selling a food product to a grocery store, gourmet specialty store, or other target audience. Sign up for a free subscription at http://www.FoodBizLife.com.

Mangiare E Bere in Abbondanza - Browse Wine and Food Specialty Shops in RI's Little Italy

The gateway arch with La Pigna (The Pine Cone) suspended from its center, overlooking Atwells Avenue, greets visitors from near and far. This traditional Italian symbol of welcome, abundance, and quality has become synonymous with Federal Hill, one of Providence's neighborhoods best known for its Italian-American community and predominant restaurants, wine, and food specialty shops. During the first two decades of the 20th century, an influx of Italian-Americans immigrated into the area, making it the city's informal "Little Italy." During the 34-year period from 1898 to 1932, more than 54,000 Italian immigrants arrived at the port of Providence with the majority of them settling on Federal Hill, a 300 acre land mass that stands high above Rhode Island's capital city.

Though the population of Federal Hill is more diverse today, it still remains a traditional center for the city's Italian-American community. Providence's annual Columbus Day parade marches along Atwells Avenue. Let's pick up the pace and loosen our belt for a tour of wine and food specialty shops within walking distance along and off of Atwells Avenue.

Scialo Bros. Bakery (257 Atwells Avenue): In 1916, when Luigi Scialo and his brother arrived from the Italian province of Pomigliano d'Arco, they established the bakery in the heart of an Italian neighborhood. In the 1920's Luigi became the sole proprietor and ran the business with the help of his family for the next seven decades until his death in 1993 at the age of 103. Since 1993, the Scialo Bakery tradition has been carried on by Luigi's daughters, Lois (Scialo) Ellis and Carol (Scialo) Gaeta. All products are made from scratch on the premises in brick ovens that date back to the 1920's. They do not buy any frozen or pre-prepared breads or desserts.

Gasbarro's Wines (361 Atwells Avenue): Established in 1898 by Antonio Gasbarro as Gasbarro's Liquors on Knight Street in the capital city, he moved the operation down the road to 481 Atwells Avenue where it prevailed for 70 years. During Prohibition, Gasbarro's was a malt and hop merchant as well as a retailer of wine making equipment. Progressing from selling whiskey and bourbon out of the barrel and a half dozen homemade wines, today the store has 2,300 products to sell, including 1,800 different brands of wine. Complimenting their Italian wine selection of over 900 labels, more than 450 Californian wines are featured, constituting over 80 % of their sales. A highway relocation project in 1973 forced the store to move a few blocks to its present location. Now In its fourth generation of proprietors, since 2009, the store front includes a new tasting area. The "Table for Ten" experience provides a private setting for wine education after store hours, and is customized to fit tastes and budget.

Antonelli's Poultry (62 De Pasquale Avenue) - The only store that kills and processes poultry while the customer waits, this 148-year old butcher shop is not for the squeamish. "Fresh" is the operative word when it comes to eggs, rabbits, and fowl - chickens, ducks, partridges, and geese. You can go into the back room and check out the live rabbits in their cages or poultry in their coops. Should you choose a bird for slaughter, the butchers will make a quick slice through the neck, drain the blood, and steep it in hot water, and pluck while you take a gander.

Costantino's Venda Ravioli (265 Atwells Avenue) - Offering more than 150 kinds of fresh and frozen pasta in the Old World tradition since the 1930s: jumbo stuffed shells, manicotti, tri-colored egg noodles, tortellini, tortelloni, agnolotti, angel hair and lobster ravioli; Italian meats and gourmet food too! Originally a tiny storefront, Venda Ravioli was purchased in 1972 by Alan Costantino. Over the past three decades, the operation has quadrupled in size, necessitating a move to its current location in 2001, and flourishing as one of the most respected Italian food emporiums in the Northeast. The glassed-in, state-of-the-art kitchen with its marble counter affords guests a glimpse of Chef Salvatore Cefaliello and his staff in action. The cafe offers 30 seats inside, 6 at the espresso bar, and 40 outdoors during warm weather. Their website features an on-line store.

Tony's Colonial Market (311 Atwells Avenue) - Since 1952, Tony's has provided discriminate shoppers with the finest imported and domestic Italian foods. Quality meats and cheeses, imported olive oils and vinegars, gourmet pasta products, antipasti, porcini mushrooms, Italian candies and confections, and freshly prepared foods can be purchased at their market or on-line. A cheesy fact - Tony's accepted delivery of a 610-lb. provolone in October 2000!

Pastiche (92 Spruce Street) - In 1983, Eileen Collins and Brandt Heckert started making desserts for local restaurants. Their dedication to "provide quality and consistency" is the heart and soul of their small shop. All desserts are made "in house" from scratch which you can nibble inside the intimate European style café. The building was erected in 1875 and seats 40 people. I can attest to the interior's cramped quarters as it's usually packed for desserts to go by the slice or whole. Then there are those of us who enjoy our desserts with a cup of tea or cappuccino by the warmth of the fireplace.

A digital or virtual tour of wine and food specialty shops along Atwells Avenue in the Federal Hill district of Providence is a cultural and culinary experience worth expanding your horizon and waistline. From points north of RI, take Route 95 South to Exit 21 (Atwells Avenue). From points south of RI, take Route 95 North to Exit 21 (Broadway). At the second light, take a left over the bridge on Atwells Avenue. A vast assortment of fine wines, breads, pastries, gourmet foods, meats, candies, confections, and decadent desserts is one mangiare e bere in abbondanza smothered with hospitality.

Eva Pasco - Author
UNDERLYING NOTES (238 pgs)

A Midlife Journey of Self-Discovery: Winding past Rhode Island's affluent coastal communities, prominent landmarks, cherished institutions, and olive oil spills of the underworld.

FREE EXCERPT (Chapters 1-3)/Convenient Ordering: eBook or Print

http://www.booklocker.com/books/4431.html

Business Christmas Gift Ideas: Why Specialty Food Is The Perfect Business Christmas Gift

Many people wouldn't guess, but some of the best business Christmas gift ideas are those which are edible. Bosses, employees and small and large businesses alike are often saddled with meaningless and useless gifts at the holiday time. However, food gifts always prove to be a big hit at company gift exchanges and parties, for boss's gifts, and at other business holiday functions.

If you're racking your brain trying to come up with business Christmas gift ideas, specialty foods are always a welcome gift. After all, who doesn't eat?

Depending on the recipient's likes and dislikes, you can personalize the gift enough so they think you put a lot of thought into it. And you don't have to know the person that well to get it right. For instance, if someone is a coffee and chocolate lover (as many of us are!), consider a gourmet coffee-infused chocolate candy gift. It's different enough to be special, yet special enough to be different!

If the recipient tends to be more of risk taker or enjoys trying new things, specialty hot sauces or a new set of spices will do the trick. Environmentalists will enjoy organic and fair trade food gifts, while diabetics will enjoy a special sugar-free artisan treat they can't get at the regular grocery store. And let's not forget our gluten-free friends! Many specialty food producers cater to those with special dietary restrictions.

Since artisan food producers normally specialize in a single line of products, their products are usually handmade, of a higher quality with fresher ingredients, and not churned out by a factory.

Another great example of business Christmas gift ideas are hampers. These can contain elements of gourmet food, special beverages, and baked goods. These are not only a hit at company functions, but also a hit with the families of your co-workers you are giving them to. Hampers can be decorated on the outside with whatever colors you see fit, and can include ribbon and lace. Wicker basket hampers are often a great idea, and give the gift more of a classy and thought out feel.

Gourmet and specialty food business Christmas gift ideas can range from savory to sweet, and from fancy delicacies to special cookies. Examples include things like hard-to-find specialty sea salts and truffle oils to rum pralines and nut brittles.

If you want to see looks of genuine delight on the faces of your boss and co-workers (or maybe even get a raise!), get gourmet business Christmas gifts prepared by local artisan food producers - they are always a welcome gift.

Vivica Fredericks is a foodie who enjoys writing about new artisan foods almost as much as she does tasting them. Her latest passion is the gourmet marshmallows she found online at specialty artisan food market http://fooducopia.com.

Specialty Food

If your quest for gourmet specialty food you are bound to come across several stores in the market and numerous websites on the internet. But the question that stands firm despite its popularity is as what exactly is the specialty gourmet food? Well the answer is relatively simple. I personally believe that everything and anything can be categorized as a specialty food. It depends on personal requirement and taste. But if you are one of the millions on the lookout for a "particular" food item then that is where the going gets tough and the definition is altered to become different from that of the regular food items that are easily available at the local stores. In fact owing to the endless food options at your disposal there are several dishes for each individual, but when it comes to the personal taste, it varies from individual to individual. Hence several specialty foods are available for all you gourmet food lovers out there.

The foods that fall in the resultant category can be safely labeled as a specialty gourmet food. Every category is sub divided into a variety of foods that can be chosen from; say for instance organic food is available in the form of organic fruit, organic coffee, organic tea and organic meat. Usually all these food items are accessible easily both in the market and can also on the internet. If some food item is unavailable at a certain place it should be kept in mind that there are several small supermarkets that centre on the provision of specialty gourmet foods.

Further still internet has made it possible to place orders online for quick and prompt delivery. Still if a specialty food item is unavailable then ask your local shop if they can place for the respective specialty food items in order to meet up with your demand. Some of the main gourmet specialty foods have been briefly discussed in the following paragraphs.

Gourmet meat, a specialty food, is appreciated by gourmet meat lovers all over the world. It is a focus of numerous dishes and can be eaten on its own too. It is most consumed as appetizer and is readily available in the dishes that make up your meals daily. You can consume it as per you wishes, for instance you can eat it raw, cooked, smoked, grilled, semi cooked and barbecued. Special care should be taken to avoid consuming raw meat that is supposed to be cooked further. Some of the dishes for which the gourmet meat acts as an ingredient are different spreads, salads, soups to name a few.

Other specialty foods include food items such as gourmet cheeses, seasonings, and sauces which add flavor and zest to all the meals that they are added to and mixed with. The gourmet cheese makes a popular choice for all kinds of business occasions ranging from conferences and meetings to office parties. There help in adding variety to all types of meals. They themselves are available in a wide variety and selecting a particular kind is totally dependent upon personal choice and preference. Then come the gourmet seasonings that are the best way of adding a kick to just about any dish. They also come in a variety of choices and as any specialty food lover would agree on, that the gourmet seasoning acts as an icing on the cake, and certainly make even the plainest dish special and mouthwatering.

Likewise the gourmet sauces are used with a similar purpose as well, to add zest and flavor to all kinds of food ranging from beef and chicken to lamb and pork. The respective sauces, having been manufactured with the finest ingredients, enhance the superior flavor and taste of your respective dish. Opting for a hot sauce may not be such a bad idea after all. Numerous sauces are available at your disposal and the selection of a particular one yet again is a matter of personal choice. In regards of sweets, sweet specialty gourmet food can be utilized for bribing your little one who refuses to eat their food. They can be tempted with some candy that is bound to bring a mouth watering response. Some of the gourmet specialty delights that can be used to lure them includes gourmet chocolates, gourmet salt water taffy and gourmet cookies.

To sum it up, regardless of the existent specialty foods you can throw together several gourmet foods to come up with your very own specialty gourmet food. So Bon Appetite!

Specialty Food

Pogotowie & Specialty Food gifts

We all love giving unique gifts that you will enjoy the recipient; However, it is sometimes difficult to come up with a gift that someone has never obtained before. Do you want to be something that you remember forever and appreciate the thought you put into it. Whatever the occasion, gift baskets and specialty food always make the perfect gift.

The food is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions. This reason alone, because the tendency to give gift baskets and gifts of food has been booming in recent years and now there are a lot more choices and options available then we never were before.

If you need a thank-you gift for employees or neighbors thoughtful, productive corporate gifts for your customers of inestimable value, get well ideas for family and friends, or a gift for an upcoming vacation, gift baskets and food gifts will cover all your gift needs.

Gourmet and specialty food gift baskets have branched out to include many more choices now that contain exotic and delicious foods. The wonderful gift baskets and food gifts that you can find online examples of gourmet gift basket, gift boxes and baskets themed and holiday themed baskets.

Gourmet food gift baskets come in a wide range of prices, so no matter how much you spend you will not have any trouble finding one that you like. The best place to find a gourmet food gift basket to send of course is online.

Online Shopping gets surprise your friends, clients and family with a lovely gift basket easier than ever. All you need to do is select the specialty food gift basket or gift that you want to send and the company selling it will pack and send it to you.

Gift basket and specialty food gift suppliers offer a variety of gift baskets and boxes containing cookies, wine, honey, coffee, pasta and sauces. For a unique gift, try Burning the asphalt gift basket "One hot Night" that presents a sampling of hot sauces, sauces and hot chocolate.

"Autumn Festival" is the perfect gift basket for the Thanksgiving holiday. This basket is full of goodies, including muffins, scones, Crumb cakes, cookies, krispie treat, mix of hot cider, hot chocolate, teas, apple butter and a jar of honey.

A great gift that puts a smile on the faces of many is the "Pearson's favorite". This gift is a pound of signature roasted and salted sea pecans in Tin Platinum bella and Pecans soggy chocolate is a small pond Platinum. This is an excellent gift box for any executive or men in your family.

A special wine gift basket is perfect for any occasion, especially wedding and anniversaries. Within "basket of wine" recipients will find treats make their taste buds dance like Linn Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wine, wine fortified biscuits, smoked salmon Pate, Maple and hickory smoked cheese, butter toffee almond and sourdough snack chips mix.

As you can see, there are all kinds of gift baskets and specialty food gifts that your friends, family and clients will enjoy.

Special foods are available everywhere on this planet. When it comes to finding the best specialty food products, the gourmet foods directory is the best place to look for. You can find specialty food store in your area with a few clicks of the mouse through the specialty foods directory. For more information http://foodsoftheweb.com , visit

Spruce Your Dinner Party With Specialty Gourmet Foods

One best way to come together as a family or with your friends is by throwing a party. This is because of the fun and thrills that you are bound to get.

Dinner parties have become so common in the current community thus if you are planning one you need to ensure that it is the bomb and that every person attending the event is fully satisfied. There are many ways in which you can dapper this event, this can include great entertainment, unique setting and theme and so on but one thing that pimps a dinner event is dinner.

You have to ensure that the type of food that you are lining up for your guest is fresh and worth to reckon all through. There are many types of foods that you can offer during this event but non can match the satisfaction of gourmet food mixes. This is because the food is beautifully cooked and packed which is imperative in boosting appetite.

Gourmet foods are with no doubt the desire and love and most people irrespective of social of social status in the society and most of them strive to have a meal of this type. Your dinner party will be one to remember if you ensure that your guests are treated to gourmet food mixes.

One significant thing about this type of food is that there are many other varieties that you get from it as long as you know how to prepare it. In case you have minimal information on preparation of gourmet foods, then it is advisable that you seek the services of a local chef. Ingredients of this food are easily available in the local grocery shops or food shops at affordable prices.

One way to spruce your dinner party is to have Specialty gourmet foods. You can also add some flavor to it with Gourmet Food Mixes.