The food industry is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging each year. At the Summer Fancy Food Show, hosted by the Specialty Food Association, hundreds of companies showcase their latest products and flavors. This year, some of the standout trends include a renewed focus on ancient ingredients like honey, as well as a growing interest in tinned fish and game meat.
In recent years, honey has been gaining popularity as a versatile and healthy ingredient. At the show, honey was featured in a variety of products, from soda to spreads. Green Bee introduced a Honeycomb Cider flavor, while Owl Creek Organics & Natural Flavors showcased honey spreads in flavors like caffe mocha and lemon poppyseed. Even Dutch company Klepper & Klepper incorporated honey into their licorice, demonstrating the diverse ways this ancient ingredient can be used in modern cuisine.
Traditionally, tinned fish was relegated to booths in the Spanish and Portuguese pavilions. However, this year, exhibitors across the show floor featured tinned fish products in response to a growing consumer demand. The popularity of canned sardines on platforms like TikTok has translated into increased sales, prompting specialty food companies to innovate with new flavors and packaging.
Companies like Wildfish Cannery and Krill Arctic Foods showcased their canned seafood products, offering consumers a variety of options beyond the typical canned tuna. From different seafood varieties to unique packaging designs, the tinned fish trend is evolving to meet the needs of modern consumers who prioritize convenience and nutrition.
Social media has contributed to the popularity of charcuterie boards, with users sharing elaborate displays of preserved meats, cheeses, and fruits. At the Summer Fancy Food Show, exhibitors showcased new options to elevate the charcuterie experience, particularly focusing on salami. Tempesta Artisan Salumi introduced a black truffle-flavored salami, while Salt & Twine offered a mezcal and salted lime variety.
In addition to experimenting with flavors, some companies are exploring alternative meats for their cured meat products. Driftless Provisions and Fossil Farms incorporated elk, venison, and bison into their salami lineup, providing consumers with a wider range of options to choose from.
A cocktail or glass of wine is incomplete without a delicious snack to accompany it. Recognizing the need for curated pairings, companies like Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery introduced snacks specifically designed to complement alcoholic beverages. The Drinks Bakery offers “drinks biscuits” that can be enjoyed with a variety of drinks, from nonalcoholic lagers to whisky highballs. On the other hand, Wine Chips produces thick-cut potato chips, like their Sel Gris flavor, meant to be paired with sparkling wines like Champagne.
As the food industry continues to evolve, these emerging trends reflect a shift towards innovative flavors, ancient ingredients, and unique pairings. The Summer Fancy Food Show serves as a platform for companies to showcase their latest products and connect with trendsetters in the culinary world. With a focus on quality, creativity, and consumer preferences, the future of food looks promising and tastier than ever before.