Ethnic Retailers leading the way
Oriental communities have a strong affiliation to their cuisine and tend to feel more comfortable with ethnic specific outlets than mainstream retailers, according to latest research commissioned by the organisers of World Food Market 2007 and carried out by Ethnic Focus.
 The research, which questioned 500 members of the Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian communities between 10th and 20th September, revealed that the communities who make up this group spend at least 30% of their disposable income on Oriental food.
For 85% of those questioned, ethnic supermarkets are the main source of purchases with sauces, noodles, rice, oils, tinned and preserved food essential components.
The research also shows the Oriental food market is in a rapid growth stage with 70% of respondents predicting an increase in take up of their food. This is supported by a separate survey (STRCBus 2007) in which 36% of the UK population indicate Chinese as their favourite meal.
World Food Market Show Director Jon Irwin comments: "The Oriental food sector is likely to experience inward growth as well as sustained interest from the general population with almost four out of 10 UK consumers indicating Chinese as their favourite cuisine. To help both ethnic and mainstream retailers cater for this demand and ensure they provide the range of offerings that their customers are looking for, we have invested heavily in developing the Oriental section of the show."
World Food Market opens its doors at ExCeL, London, on November 21st-22nd with a large Oriental representation. Ming Foods, for example, will be exhibiting Chinese pancakes, including crispy duck and Peking varieties, as well as a selection of innovative pastries, while BHJ UK Food is launching a new range of branded Pork Spareribs targeted at Chinese and ethnic customers. In addition, Indonesian Embassy, Sri Lankan Embassy and Vietnamese Embassy will all have pavilions.
Jon concludes: "Events like World Food Market provide a space for retailers, producers and distributors to see and learn about the diverse range of products which are available. And more importantly discuss volumes and supplies, so potential issues which can arise when sourcing overseas are nipped in the bud."
For further information or to register for your free ticket visit:
www.worldfoodmarket.co.uk
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