The Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show took place at the Javits Center in Manhattan, showcasing a vast array of products from top brands. The event, which attracts industry buyers and suppliers, offers a glimpse into what grocery shoppers can expect to see on supermarket shelves in the coming months.
Adaptogens, ingredients marketed for their stress-relieving properties, were well-represented at the show. Brands like Curious Elixirs and Brēz showcased their products, but experts noted that consumers often struggle to understand what adaptogens are and how they work.
The industry is split on how to communicate adaptogens within nonalcoholic beverages, with some brands opting for more transparent labeling. Others, such as mocktail brands, cite concerns about understudied interferences with other substances.
Restaurant brands also made a significant appearance at the show, with many using their namesake products to capitalize on their social media fame. Michael Cacace’s sauce and Zucker’s frozen bagels were among the new offerings. The trend of restaurant brands entering the consumer market is driven by financial struggles in the service industry and consumers’ desire for affordable options.
Gut health and wellness also dominated the show floor, with products touted as “gut-healthy” and “protein-packed.” The cultural conversation around gut health has led to a surge in demand for fermented foods like kefir and kimchi, as well as packaged snacks claiming to support digestive health.
As consumers increasingly prioritize their well-being, the consumer food industry is responding by offering products tailored to specific dietary needs. From canned water with beer-inspired packaging to savory oatmeal and rosemary sea salt granola, the show offered a glimpse into where the industry is headed in terms of trends and innovation.
Source: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/summer-fancy-food-show-2025