Emerging food trends seem to be taking a step back in time, reminiscent of the caveman diet: fish is the hottest protein, honey is the flavor of the moment, and game meat is making its way onto charcuterie boards.
These trends were highlighted at the Summer Fancy Food Show, a trade event hosted by the Specialty Food Association, known for showcasing upcoming flavors, foods, and beverages that will soon dominate menus and grocery store shelves. This annual show returned to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, running from Sunday to Tuesday.
Over 2,400 companies exhibited their products to attendees, including restaurant operators, specialty food retailers, and trendspotters. Past trends from this show, like yuzu, mushrooms, and sophisticated alcohol substitutes, are now popular with mainstream consumers.
The show has also served as a launching pad for small brands aiming for a broader audience. Companies like Honest Tea, Ben & Jerry’s, and Tate’s Bake Shop participated in their early days before becoming well-known consumer brands now owned by major industry players.
Here are some highlights from this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show:
Honey as a Flavor
While honey has been a staple for thousands of years, it’s now emerging as a key flavor in foods and beverages. The SFA’s trendspotters highlighted honey for its health benefits. Honey starred in both food and drinks, with Green Bee showcasing honey soda, including a Honeycomb Cider flavor. Owl Creek Organics & Natural Flavors displayed honey spreads in flavors like caffe mocha and lemon poppyseed. Dutch company Klepper & Klepper used honey to flavor their licorice.
Tinned Fish
Once primarily found in the Spanish and Portuguese pavilions, tinned fish products were prevalent across the show floor this year. TikTok fueled the trend last year, boosting sales of canned sardines. Now, specialty food companies are innovating with more flavors, varied seafood, and trendier packaging. Wildfish Cannery, an Alaska-based company, introduced a retro design for its sockeye salmon. Krill Arctic Foods showcased canned krill meat, emphasizing its nutritional benefits.
Fish to Go
Exhibitors presented new ways to enjoy fish on the go, catering to consumers’ desire for convenience and protein-rich diets. The association identified “satisfying snacks” as a notable trend. Acme Smoked Fish introduced Lox in a Box snack kit, available with cream cheese or avocado. Legend of Master International offered Kani fish cake sticks, designed to be eaten like string cheese or used in cooking.
Upgraded Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards have gained popularity on social media, where users showcase elaborate displays of preserved meats, cheeses, and fruits. Companies at the show presented new options to enhance charcuterie, especially salami. Tempesta Artisan Salumi offered black truffle-flavored salami, while Salt & Twine included a mezcal and salted lime flavor. Beyond pork, Driftless Provisions’ salami featured elk, venison, and bison, while Fossil Farms’ lineup included lamb and wagyu beef.
Pairing Snacks
For those who enjoy snacks with their drinks, Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery presented their products designed to pair with specific alcoholic beverages. The Drinks Bakery, a Scottish company, sells “drinks biscuits” such as parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and basil biscuits, which pair with around 20 different drinks. Wine Chips offers thick-cut potato chips tailored for wine pairing, like the Sel Gris flavor, intended to complement sparkling wines like Champagne.
