Exploring Food Fads at the Annual Summer Showcase in New York City
Specialty Food Trends Shine at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show
The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show showcased an array of innovative and exciting trends in the specialty food industry. With a focus on international flavors, wellness, and creativity, the event attracted a record number of attendees, reflecting the industry's enthusiasm for these trends.
One of the standout trends was the Korean Cuisine and Culture Influence. With a surge in demand for dishes like tteokbokki, hotteok pancakes, and hallabong citrus, brands are embracing Korean flavors to offer unique and bold experiences to consumers. This can be seen in products like Burlap & Barrel's Burlap & Barrel Ground Heirloom Mexican Chiles and Elevated Essentials spice blends, which are set to hit the market soon.
Global Flavors Expansion was another prominent trend, with a strong interest in a diverse range of flavors inspired by Asian, Indian, Caribbean, and African cuisines. Companies like Melissa's/World Variety Produce Inc. are capitalizing on this trend with products such as their Organic Snacks, Hot Pot, Shabu Shabu, and Pickle-Making Kits.
Innovative Seafood Products are also gaining traction, with brands creating novel offerings like Korean-inspired "Korea Pops" and creative tinned fish with unique flavor combinations. SaladSprinkles, a company known for its crunchy toppings, has joined the fray with its SaladSprinkles in Chili Crisp, Classic Herb, and Maple Sea Salt flavors.
Reinvention of Classic Treats was another notable trend, with traditional desserts and snacks being updated with modern twists to appeal to contemporary tastes. Melissa's/World Variety Produce Inc. has entered this space with their Dessert Syrups, created in partnership with Fabbri, a 105-year-old desserts, confections, and syrups maker.
Eye-Catching Packaging and Presentation was a trend that was hard to miss at the show. Brands like Fishwife and PortoMuiños stood out with their approachable, visually engaging seafood products, demonstrating the importance of attractive packaging in capturing consumers' attention.
Non-Alcoholic and Mood-Enhancing Ingredients were also a focus, with an increasing interest in beverages and foods that incorporate ingredients with mood-enhancing or health-conscious properties. Säti Soda, a company that uses organic monk fruit and green coffee beans, lion's mane, and vitamin C in their drinks, is proud to be one of the only certified-organic sugar-free energy drinks on the market.
The Republic of Tea showcased its All Day Earl Grey collection, Regenerative Organic Certified teas, S'mores tea, Tablespoon Matcha concentrate, and its Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale collaboration, all of which reflect the trend towards wellness and conscious consumption.
Coro Foods, a company that aims to revitalize the charcuterie industry, offers a woman's cake on charcuterie with its Coro Premium Salami in flavors like Molé, Lemongrass and Orange Cardamon.
Overall, the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show emphasized innovation, creativity, and the growing influence of international flavors, with record attendance showcasing robust industry enthusiasm for these trends. Products are now available or will be rolling out at select retailers across the country, with plans for full national distribution over the next year.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies might explore the use of AI in fashion-and-beauty industries, creating virtual fitting rooms and personalized cosmetics recommendations based on individual preferences and trends.
- Home-and-garden brands could leverage the latest technology to produce smart gardens, where AI or gadgets are used to ensure optimal growing conditions for various international plant species found in the specialty food, such as Korean citrus and Asian spices.
- Furthermore, the growth of artificial intelligence and technology could drive a new wave in the arts, allowing people to create their fashion designs or original artwork using AI tools and AI-generated art styles inspired by diverse world cultures like Korea, India, and Africa.
