Extra: Taking food for a test drive

Offering food samples at supermarkets prompts shoppers to spend more money, according to a study conducted by Kenny Herbst, a marketing professor at Wake Forest University.

Although the Wake Forest study focused exclusively on sampling at supermarkets, the results may be applicable to food producers who direct market to consumers at farmers' markets or other venues.

Here are some highlights of the survey:

10 percent increase in time customers surveyed spent in stores where they are offered food samples.
28 average percent sales increase for a product during the three weeks following a food demonstration at a supermarket (compared to the three weeks prior). Research suggests that sales continue to increase up to five months following a food sampling event.
34 percentage increase in spending by supermarket shoppers offered food samples.
86 percent of shoppers surveyed who said they like to shop in a store where they can try foods before buying.

The above facts are reprinted from the American Farm Bureau Federation's FoodieNews, an electronic newsletter packed with the latest information and opinions on food trends in the United States. Read more FoodieNews or subscribe.