How Scrappy Entrepreneurs Can Change the Food Industry

FabaButter is plant-based, and made with aquafaba, the water used to cook chickpeas. Courtesy of Fora

The world of specialty foods is booming.

The State of the Specialty Food Industry 2018 report, released on June 12, indicates that total sales—from consumers as well as retailers—totaled $140.3 billion in 2017, up 11 percent from 2015. On the retail side, the growth of specialty food sales also exceeded that of all food sales, up 12.9 percent compared to 1.4 percent. According to the report, 65 percent of consumers buy specialty food.