NEW YORK, NY – The food industry is seeing a resurgence of primitive-inspired culinary trends, with a focus on fish, honey, and game meat taking the spotlight. The Summer Fancy Food Show, hosted by the Specialty Food Association, showcased a myriad of innovative flavors and products that are poised to influence menus and supermarket shelves in the coming months. This annual event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, featured over 2,400 exhibitors, catering to a diverse audience of industry professionals, trendspotters, and food enthusiasts.
Attendees at the Summer Fancy Food Show had the opportunity to explore a wide range of food and beverage offerings, with a particular spotlight on emerging trends such as yuzu, mushrooms, and artisanal alcohol substitutes. Additionally, the event has served as a launchpad for many small brands that have gone on to achieve widespread recognition among consumers, including Honest Tea, Ben & Jerry’s, and Tate’s Bake Shop.
One standout trend from this year’s show is the growing popularity of honey as a featured ingredient in various food and beverage products. Green Bee showcased its honey-based soda, while Owl Creek Organics presented a range of honey spreads in enticing flavors like caffe mocha and lemon poppyseed. Another notable trend is the increasing prominence of tinned fish, with exhibitors showcasing a variety of seafood products in innovative packaging and unique flavors.
In response to consumers’ growing interest in convenient and protein-rich snack options, exhibitors at the show unveiled new ways to enjoy fish on the go. Companies like Acme Smoked Fish showcased their Lox in a Box snack kits, while Legend of Master International featured Kani fish cake sticks designed for snacking or cooking. The popularity of charcuterie boards also continues to rise, with exhibitors introducing new salami flavors and innovative meat blends to cater to evolving consumer tastes.
Moreover, the show highlighted the importance of pairing snacks with alcoholic beverages, with companies like Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery offering products specifically crafted to complement different drinks. Wine Chips, for instance, unveiled thick-cut potato chips designed to be enjoyed alongside sparkling wines, while The Drinks Bakery introduced a range of biscuits tailored to pair with various alcoholic beverages.
Overall, the Summer Fancy Food Show serves as a premier platform for industry professionals and food enthusiasts to discover the latest culinary trends and innovations that will shape the future of the food and beverage landscape. From unique honey-infused products to inventive snack pairings, the event showcases the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the food industry.