Omaha, NE - Food gifts that provide practicality, value and the opportunity to be shared with others are topping the list of hottest gifts for the 2011 holiday season. Omaha Steaks, named the largest direct gourmet food company in America by Multichannel Merchant, is at the forefront of this food gifting trend, which food industry experts say is energizing the nearly $20 billion specialty food gift market and positioning it for a larger share of the more than $120 billion that Americans spend annually on gifts.

According to Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, the trend in consumer food gifts is being driven by many factors including the desire of consumers to simplify their gift decisions, while giving gifts that are unique, personal, indulgent, convenient, fun to share and sure to please.

Omaha Steaks, a nearly 100-year old, family-owned company based in Omaha, Nebraska, has been offering gift packages of steaks and assorted gourmet foods for five generations. The variety in gift packages available, the direct delivery to the gift recipient and ease of shopping by phone, online or in Omaha Steaks stores make the company popular with holiday shoppers nationwide

In response to consumer demand for practical gifts that can be shared with family and friends, Omaha Steaks is offering a special package for the 2011 holiday season called the Ideal Gift Assortment. This package includes filet mignons, top sirloins, pork chops, Omaha Steaks burgers, stuffed baked potatoes and a chocolate cake for $59.99. To sweeten the deal for consumers, a free cutlery set and cutting board also are included with every order.

"At Omaha Steaks, we understand that giving a gift of food is as much about the experience as it is the product," said Omaha Steaks Senior Vice President Todd Simon. "Food gifts provide an experience, an occasion and a reason to celebrate with family and friends. That is what makes the holidays special and why gourmet food has earned a solid reputation as the perfect gift."