- Author: Eva Meszaros
- Categories: Trends and Statistics; Food Trends
- Source: Specialty Food News
Exotic and omnipresent ingredients, on-the-go convenience, and alcohol infusions are on the up and up. The 61st annual Summer Fancy Food Show drew to a close yesterday, but before the final day wrapped, the show’s Trendspotter Panel identified five emerging trends of note.
The big five were revealed Tuesday afternoon at the News & Solution Center in a presentation by the Specialty Food Association’s Denise Purcell, head of content, and Louise Kramer, communications director. Here’s what to look out for in the specialty food world:
Gazpacho to Go. Soups in a bottle were all over the show, but virtually all had a gazpacho recipe among the options. Products spotted: Bodega & Co. Mucho Gazpacho; Gina Cucina Watermelon Habanero Gazpacho; The Splendid Spoon Market Gazpacho; Tio Gazpacho’s Gazpacho del Sol.
Can’t Beat Beets. New products are transforming the once marginal canned veg to an all-star specialty ingredient. Products spotted: Eat Well Embrace Life Beet Hummus; Gringo Jack’s Beet, Orange & Quinoa Salsa; Health-Ade Beet Kombucha; Love Beets Beet-Blueberry Bar.
Flower Power. Herbs and botanicals have had their moment in the spotlight; next up: florals. Products spotted: Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower & Rose Lemonade; Masala Pop Saffron Rose Popcorn; Rogue Creamery La-Di-Da Lavender Cheese; Vosges Haut-Chocolat Blood Orange Hibiscus Caramel Marshmallows.
Cocktail Culture. Spirits, wine, and beer are inspiring flavors and ingredient pairings across a variety of categories. Products spotted: Bissell Maple Farm’s Pappy & Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Syrup; Brooklyn Brine Co. Hop-Pickles; Colonel Pabst All Malt Amber-Lager Worcestershire Sauce; LA Creamery The Manhattan.
Maize Craze. Corn is ever-present in the industry, but specialty producers are getting creative with the commodity. Products spotted: Kiddylicious Sweetcorn Rice Rounds; Off the Cob Sweet Corn Tortilla Chips; Pipsnacks Pipcorn; Pop Art Snacks Tandoori Yogurt Popcorn.
Other emerging and ongoing trends to watch:
- Jerky and other meat snacks
- Compound butters
- Vegetables as ingredients
- Intensely flavored ice creams and frozen desserts
- Ginger treats and beverages