With over 1400 exhibitors and 80,000 products to see, the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco was no doubt the event to attend if you want to discover what the next big food and beverage trends are. Not only will you taste local products, but you will taste culinary innovations from around the world. Vendors provided an inside view of the exciting products they have to offer while buyers and industry professionals perused and sought out products of interest. Symrise was also in attendance to be on top of the hottest beverage and food trends as well as whom these products are targeting. Based on our observation, many of the products are definitely keeping Millennials, the fastest growing consumer segment, in mind. Whether it’s on-the-go, healthier options, guiltless indulgence or just adding a little zing, there were plenty of food and beverages options to satisfy all of these needs.
What’s New and What’s Hot display area found before entering the large exhibition was swarming with interest and curiosity as many moved along to get a first-hand look at the exclusive new trends and products being presented. The products varied from condiments to beverages to desserts - no category was left out. Many offerings were in line with the trends we see happening today –indulgence, naturalness, artisanal products, snacking smarter.
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As the Better for You trend gains momentum, there were quite a few companies that stood out in this space. Saffron Road, Chickbean Crisps, a healthier alternative allows for smarter snacking. The crisps are made from milled chick peas and filled with real vegetables – lentils, sweet potatoes and green peas. Living Intentions introduced Activated Superfood Popcorn containing Turmeric and live probiotics with flavors ranging from Tandori Turmeric to Berry Smoothie.
Other stand outs included Everton Toffee with their small batch Butter Toffee Pretzels. The combination of sweet and salty made for an enticing experience. Fever Tree showcased their premium line of Cocktail Mixers with emphasis on high quality natural ingredients. Some flavors include Mediterranean and Indian Tonic, Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer. Endangered Species Chocolate introduced their specialty chocolate which was delicious and with a purpose – providing support to at Risk Animals. Wild Tonic’s, Jun Kombucha, a relative of Kombucha, is a naturally fermented tea made with honey instead of sugar with exciting flavors such as Blueberry Basil, Cilantro Ginger Lime and Rosemary Lemon.
Another highlight of the show for us was Incubator Alley which featured new brands and start-ups from around the country. Two incubators, Food Innovation Center, part of Oregon State University and La Cocina are committed to supporting small businesses in different ways.
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Food Innovation Center aids professionals in solving local and national food challenges while La Cocina supports 33 small food businesses led by women and minorities. Some of the businesses showcased included Fire Brew drinking tonic, Eggurt, a cultured egg white beverage and Don Bugito’s edible insects.
The Winter Fancy Food Show has something for everyone. With so many creative and innovative products, we hope you will gain new insights and inspiration and explore them with your brands.
