The recent Summer Fancy Food Show showcased a variety of emerging food trends that seem to harken back to the days of our cavemen ancestors. Among these trends, fish emerged as one of the hottest proteins on the market. Gone are the days of simple tuna salads – exhibitors at the show displayed an array of tinned fish products that showcased a wide range of flavors, seafood varieties, and trendy packaging. Thanks to the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, the popularity of tinned fish has skyrocketed, with companies like Wildfish Cannery and Krill Arctic Foods leading the way.
Another standout trend at the show was the resurgence of honey as a prominent flavor in both foods and drinks. While honey has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, it is now being rediscovered by food and beverage makers for its unique taste and purported health benefits. From honey soda from Green Bee to honey spreads from Owl Creek Organics & Natural Flavors, it’s clear that honey is making a comeback in a big way. Even Dutch licorice makers like Klepper & Klepper are incorporating honey into their products, adding a touch of sweetness to traditional treats.
Charcuterie boards have become a social media sensation, with users clamoring to create elaborate displays of cured meats, cheeses, and fruits. The Summer Fancy Food Show highlighted several new options for charcuterie lovers, particularly in the realm of salami. Tempesta Artisan Salumi introduced a black truffle-flavored salami, while Salt & Twine featured a mezcal and salted lime variety. However, exhibitors weren’t just focusing on innovative flavors – they also explored alternative meats for their charcuterie offerings. Brands like Driftless Provisions and Fossil Farms showcased salamis made from elk, venison, bison, lamb, and wagyu beef, catering to consumers looking for unique and exotic options.
No cocktail or glass of wine is complete without a delicious snack to accompany it. Recognizing the need for the perfect pairing, companies like Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery unveiled snacks specifically designed to complement alcoholic beverages. The Drinks Bakery, a Scottish company, offers “drinks biscuits” in flavors like parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and basil, designed to be enjoyed alongside a wide range of drinks, from nonalcoholic options to whisky highballs. Wine Chips, on the other hand, provides thick-cut potato chips in flavors like Sel Gris, perfect for savoring with sparkling wines like Champagne.
The Summer Fancy Food Show serves as a barometer for upcoming food and beverage trends, showcasing the latest innovations in flavor, packaging, and product offerings. This year’s event highlighted the growing popularity of ancient proteins like fish and innovative uses of classic ingredients like honey. Additionally, exhibitors presented new ways to elevate the charcuterie experience and enhance the art of food and drink pairing. As consumers become more adventurous in their culinary pursuits, these trends are likely to shape the future of the food industry and influence the way we eat and drink in the years to come.