New York City – If you asked 100 attendees at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show what the hottest trends are this year, you’d get a myriad of different answers.
That’s what happens when producers from across the specialty food ecosystem come together to display their wares. The exhibit ran from June 23-25 at the Javits Center.
That said, here are three notable trends uncovered on the New York show floor that could impact the specialty food industry in the year ahead.
Honey has become ubiquitous
When it comes to sweeteners, honey seems to be taking center stage, and that was on full display at the Summer Fancy Food Show.
Savannah Bee was one of several American producers showcasing their products at the show, offering a full line of gourmet honey.
Various companies also sold Manuka honey, produced by bees that feed exclusively on the tea tree, a plant native to Australia and New Zealand, and which is said to have natural antibacterial properties.
Additionally, honey-infused beverages were on display at the show, notable examples being Bee’s Water and honeyB Sparkling Honey Drinks from Bee’s Beverages Corporation, which use natural ingredients instead of sugar and other sweeteners.
“Spicy” gets even hotter
Hot sauce was just that hot at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show. TRUFF was handing out samples of its Jalapeño Lime Hot Sauce, a product that aligns with growing consumer demand for spicy, Latin-inspired flavors.
HEATONIST, a hot sauce maker featured on the interview program “Hot Ones,” also exhibited their products, including “Everything Bagel Hot Sauce,” which enhances all kinds of dishes from grilled chicken to hot dogs.
Honey also linked to this trend: Mike’s Hot Honey and AR’s Hot Southern Honey both unveiled samples of products that perfectly captured the characteristics of the swishy trend.
Healthier, better snacks
Replacing traditional snack foods with healthier alternatives has been a consumer trend for some time now, and many companies are capitalizing on this desire with their products.
CauliPuffs makes corn, rice and cauliflower puffed snacks that are baked, not fried. The non-GMO, gluten-free products are made with avocado oil and come in five varieties, including two that are vegan.
Cassava Co.’s snack yuca balls are another product showcased in New York City that aims to satisfy this consumer desire. Gluten-free, preservative-free, and GMO-free, the baked goods come in both sweet and savory versions.
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