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

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