One of the standout trends in food that emerged from the recent Summer Fancy Food Show is the resurgence of honey as a prominent flavor in various food and beverage products. While honey has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, it is now being featured in innovative ways by food and beverage makers. Companies such as Green Bee, Owl Creek Organics & Natural Flavors, and Klepper & Klepper showcased honey-infused products at the show, ranging from honey soda to honey spreads with unique flavors like lemon poppyseed and caffe mocha.
Traditionally, tinned fish products were limited to booths in Spanish and Portuguese pavilions at food shows. However, this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show saw an influx of exhibitors showcasing their tinned fish offerings across the show floor. Prompted by a surge in popularity fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, the tinned fish trend has gained momentum. Companies like Wildfish Cannery and Krill Arctic Foods presented their canned seafood products with revamped packaging and a focus on nutritional benefits, catering to consumers’ growing demand for convenient, protein-packed snacks.
Another trend that was evident at the Summer Fancy Food Show was the evolution of charcuterie boards, particularly in the realm of salami offerings. Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularizing charcuterie boards, prompting companies to innovate and introduce new flavors and ingredients to enhance the traditional cured meat platter. Exhibitors at the show showcased unique salami varieties such as black truffle-flavored salami and mezcal and salted lime-infused salami. Some companies are even experimenting with unconventional meats like elk, venison, and bison in their salami products to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Perfect Pairings: Snacks for Cocktails and Wine
Recognizing the importance of pairing snacks with alcoholic beverages, companies like Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery introduced specialized snack products designed to complement specific drinks. The Drinks Bakery offers a range of “drinks biscuits” that are crafted to be enjoyed with various alcoholic beverages, from non-alcoholic lagers to whisky highballs. On the other hand, Wine Chips produces thick-cut potato crisps that are tailored to accompany specific types of wine, such as sparkling wines like Champagne. These innovative snack options aim to enhance the overall drinking experience for consumers by providing perfect pairings for their favorite cocktails and wines.
The food industry is witnessing a dynamic shift towards innovative flavors, ingredients, and presentation styles as evidenced by the prevailing trends at the Summer Fancy Food Show. From the resurgence of honey as a prominent flavor to the reinvention of traditional food staples like tinned fish and charcuterie boards, food and beverage makers are continuously pushing boundaries to cater to evolving consumer preferences. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more creativity and experimentation in the culinary landscape, offering consumers a diverse and exciting array of food options to enjoy.