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 around the globe, the present provides a platform for showcasing new merchandise, partaking in discussions, and offering samples to attendees. In recent times, a notable cultural change has occurred amongst customers 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 by way of meals restoration initiatives. Our attendance on the Fancy Meals Present helped us to remain knowledgeable about trade developments, make beneficial 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 shopper packaged items trade has been on the frontline of the zero-alcohol revolution, catering to the wishes of the customers for cleaner labels, natural components, and complicated style. The present ground 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 many who determine to not eat any alcohol or choose low-alcohol choices. These manufacturers deal with delivering intricate textures and flavors whereas additionally avoiding any potential dangers which might be related to alcohol consumption. We’re predicting a continued rise in recognition 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 supply distinctive promoting factors to thrive on this aggressive atmosphere. Exhibitors have grow to be extra selective of their commerce and advertising spending, realizing that passive methods are now 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 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 major position in lots of merchandise, resembling ready-to-drink mushroom broth and shiitake snack chips from Two River Mushrooms. Non-dairy cheese options, resembling American-style cheese that’s made out 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 made out 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. It is a nonprofit group that distributes rescued meals to varied group packages 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 optimistic influence.
