Summer 2023 Fancy Food Recap
This week we attended the Specialty Food Association Fancy Food Show in NYC for the first time. We left very full and inspired after sampling so many innovative new products! Here are five trends which left us most excited:
1. Bring on the Spice: We saw an explosion of spice blends, meal prep kits, and spicy condiments. Asian Chili Crisp has already reached mainstream thanks to FLY BY JING, and we saw new interpretations such as Capitana’s Mexican chili crunch. We also tasted delicious spice blends from newcomers like PUR Spices and Inspired Indian Cooking that make Indian cuisine available to the home cook. Mike's Hot Honey highlighted creative brand collabs outside the condiment aisle with Utz Brands, Inc. and California Pizza Kitchen showing spice is here to stay!
2. Innovative Whole Food Products: We noticed many brands offering new ways to enjoy nutrient dense foods, hero-ing clean ingredients and high quality sourcing. We never knew that tomatoes could taste so sweet until we tried root foods co tomato chips, or that carrots could be a delicious chewy snack by Eat the Change. Popadelics mushroom chips proved addictive, and RIND Snacks introduced “Remix” snack mixes, adding nuts for protein and new flavors. Growee Foods offered vegetable-forward dips that let the fresh taste of ingredients like zucchini or red peppers shine through.
3. Foodservice Meets CPG: Iconic brick & mortar restaurants are expanding their reach by moving into CPG. Recognizable names like Carbone Fine Food, Garrett Popcorn Shops®, Magnolia Bakery, and Original CRUMBS Bakeshop sampled fan favorites at the show, showing they can bring their beloved products to a wider audience. An omnichannel strategy is now a non-negotiable for brands, letting consumers tap into familiar tastes beyond the confines of foodservice.
4. Sustainability as a Driving Force: With a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship, the show spotlighted the critical role of sustainability in our food system. In the new Upcycled Food Pavilion we sampled delicious cookies from Renewal Mill and plantain scoops from Barnana, PBC, showing the opportunities to save ingredients from landfill. Brands like Yolélé and Pitch Slam winner Jasberry highlighted regenerative organic farming practices, which not only restore ecosystems but also produce a tastier final product.
5. Packaging as Art: With greater competition than ever, it is hard for new brands to stand out on shelf. Some are betting on artistic and unique packaging to drive trial. Giada De Laurentiis shared this sentiment during her keynote and introduction of her brand Giadzy, which sells hand painted olive oil bottles and vintage inspired tins meant for display. Kosterina olive oils also come in minimalistic blue and white bottles that would beautify any countertop. Good Hair Day Pasta was another eye-catching design with its clever use of negative space.
