Organized by the Specialty Meals Affiliation, the Fancy Meals Present, is a extremely anticipated commerce present that brings collectively specialty meals corporations, patrons, and media retailers. With over 2000 distributors from all all over the world, the present affords a platform for showcasing new merchandise, partaking in discussions, and offering samples to attendees. In recent times, a notable cultural change has occurred amongst shoppers with many adopting a extra conscious method to their well-being. This shift has clearly led to a rise in non-alcoholic drinks, attention-grabbing meals packaging, and vegan options. This yr’s present additionally displays the rise of plant-based meals and the trade’s dedication to sustainability via meals restoration initiatives. Our attendance on the Fancy Meals Present helped us to remain knowledgeable about trade tendencies, make invaluable connections, and contribute to the continued development and success of the specialty meals sector. Right here’s what stood out to us.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Mocktails
The pure client packaged items trade has been on the frontline of the zero-alcohol revolution, catering to the wishes of the shoppers for cleaner labels, natural components, and complex style. The present flooring featured an abundance of high-quality mixers for mocktails in addition to alcohol-free ready-to-drink drinks. Manufacturers like Abstinence Spirits and For Bitter For Worse present options for individuals who determine to not eat any alcohol or favor low-alcohol choices. These manufacturers give attention to delivering intricate textures and flavors whereas additionally avoiding any potential dangers which are related to alcohol consumption. We’re predicting a continued rise in reputation right here!
Consideration-Grabbing Packaging
Standout packaging and well being advantages are important components for achievement within the present market. Manufacturers like The Saucy Women and 5 Stars have gained consideration with their attention-grabbing packaging, unique options, and components. It’s extra vital than ever for manufacturers to distinguish themselves and provide distinctive promoting factors to thrive on this aggressive setting. Exhibitors have change into extra selective of their commerce and advertising spending, realizing that passive methods are not efficient. To draw potential patrons, corporations put money into eye-catching nook cubicles, LED-backlit shows, pristine pattern packaging, neon lights, and attention-grabbing shows.
Meat Alternate options and Plant-Primarily based Meals
Plant-based meals proceed to dominate the market, and the Fancy Meals Present mirrored this development with a devoted “Plant-Packing District” showcasing meat options and plant-based modern options. Mushrooms performed a big position in lots of merchandise, equivalent to ready-to-drink mushroom broth and shiitake snack chips from Two River Mushrooms. Non-dairy cheese options, equivalent to American-style cheese that’s constituted of almond milk or Cashew Parm that’s shelf-stable, have been additionally on show. Prime Roots stood out with its line of sliceable deli meats constituted of koji. That is an Asian fungus that’s used within the manufacturing of miso and soy sauce.
The Summer season Fancy Meals Present 2023 concluded with a beneficiant donation of over 94,000 kilos of specialty meals to Metropolis Harvest. This can be a nonprofit group that distributes rescued meals to varied group applications in New York Metropolis. The Specialty Meals Affiliation (SFA) has been partnering with Metropolis Harvest for its meals restoration program since 1997, reflecting the trade’s dedication to sustainability and group service. Exhibitors on the present contributed surplus meals to designated containers or indicated their readiness for donation, additional emphasizing the trade’s dedication to minimizing waste and making a constructive affect.
