At the start of the new year, INFRA Category Managers begin their excursions to food shows looking for the newest innovations and trends in natural foods. Both the Winter Fancy Food and the KeHE Summer Show provide the chance to connect with brand partners while establishing new producer relationships and networking; not to mention the chance to attend well-curated educational seminars and panel discussions. Though major, long-established brands are perpetual exhibitors, the shows also provide avenues for small and start-up companies looking to connect with retailers and build distribution.
The Winter Fancy Food Show, held in Las Vegas, has grown to become the leading marketplace for specialty products from around the world and covers every kind of food you could desire: cheese, charcuterie, fruits, beverages, sauces and condiments, and decadent desserts. Exploring Winter Fancy Foods is a treat unlike any other. It provided us the opportunity to stumble upon hidden gems like Westgold butter, Fattorie Cremona cheese, Alef Sausage Inc, Joyfull Bakery crackers, and Sweet Craft Dolceria. Though many brands at the Fancy Food Show are not widely available in KeHE distribution, being able to connect and network with these brands is vital towards future success and partnership.
INFRA Staff at the Winter Fancy Food Show
Some notable trends called out by the Specialty Food Association “trendspotters” were yuzu flavored foods, plant-based comfort foods, and non-alcoholic innovations. Amongst these noticeable trends were products like Moshi yuzu sparkling drinks, Aki Foods plant-based pork tonkotsu, and truffle koji pate from a collaboration between Prime Roots and Three Little Pigs. While new-to-market trends offered excitement, the show also featured well-known and loved essentials – premier charcuterie meats, world-renowned cheeses, and award-winning chocolates & confectioneries.
In contrast, KeHE’s Summer Show is less focused on gourmet brands. Most brands are already in distribution for INFRA members currently, or in the very near future. Category Managers are able to connect with partner brands to discuss and collaborate. And of course, take some time to sample new items and provide retailer-focused feedback.
While the trends between both shows varied slightly, we still saw heavy hitters in the non-alcoholic beverages category, charcuterie & accoutrements, plant-based innovations, and international flavors (remember the yuzu flavor from Fancy Food). Brands and products such as Actual Veggies plant-based burgers, Hiyo beverages, Mela watermelon water, and Heritage Kulfi ice cream. One particularly prominent trend was values-based product attributes. While organic and non-GMO are widely known and popular, conversations around regenerative organic, sustainability, upcycling, and animal welfare have begun to center themselves more and more in brand messaging. Check out some of these items featured in our product spotlights!