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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 10thand 20th September 2007, 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 that 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 that
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 that potential issues which can arise when sourcing
overseas are nipped in the bud."
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