Gifts of Smoked Sockeye Salmon, Maine Wild Blueberry Treats, & Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Though Americans have reduced their spending on gifts overall, sales of food gifts grew to nearly $16 billion from 2004 to 2006, a 50% increase, according to an Associated Press report published on Boston.com. The figures come from the market research firm Packaged Facts. Approximately one out of three shoppers purchases food gifts during the winter holidays.

The Associated Press report says,

Researchers and shoppers say food has the same one-size-fits-all appeal as gift cards, but with the added allure of giving friends and family something they wouldn't normally buy for themselves.

While shopping for family in other parts of the country, people may not know what clothes or electronics to get, but food "is a universal gift," said Kenneth J. Sousa, who teaches e-marketing at Bryant University in Rhode Island.

Gifts of Gourmet BBQ Sauces & Rubs, Artisanal Oil & Vinegars, & Crafted Cheese

Successful companies offer uncommon products for which people are willing to pay both a premium price and the cost of shipping, said Domenick Celentano, who teaches entrepreneurial studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Basic foods are seldom shipped, but people are willing to pay both a premium price and the cost of shipping to send a Triple Chocolate Cheesecake or Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon.

If you’d like to read the AP report on Boston.com cited above go to: Shoppers' appetite for food gifts grows

To peruse some of the gourmet food gifts available from AmericanFeast.com go to: Great Food Gifts!