NEW YORK—More than 2,400 domestic and international exhibitors from more than 80 countries debuted 180,000 specialty food and beverages products at the 56th Summer Fancy Food Show was held June 27-29 at the Javits Center.
Delectable temptations ranging from artisanal cheeses, savory snacks, frozen desserts, ethnic sauces and dark chocolate were on display. A panel of food experts perused the packed exhibit hall to identify the Top 5 food trends for 2010:
1. Great Vinegars—featuring innovative flavors that include Hibiscus, Walnut, Champagne, Peach Balsamic, Lime Rice, and Apple Ice Wine Vinegar.
2. Indian Products—tempting the palate with unexpected creations such as Curry Ketchup, Cashews & Cream Cooking Sauce, Tandoori Chicken Naanwich, and Tikka Masala Marinara.
3. Grains, Nuts & Seeds—featuring sweet and savory items like Flax Seed Crackers, Oat and Corn Cakes, Pumpkin Palooza Nut Confections, and Lentil Chips.
4. Squash, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato—these fall favorites find themselves showcased in Pumpkin Salsa, Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce, Sweet Potato Butter, Butternut Squash Tart, and Sweet Potato Chocolate.
5. Handcrafted Local Heritage Foods—tasty, classic variations of soups, pickles and sweets including Linekin Bay Lobster Corn Chowder, Brooklyn Pickles, Wild West Steak Rub and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Other emerging trends to be on the lookout for include fig products, including a cabernet wine and fig preserve; unusual teas infused with turmeric and cardamom; and specialty flavored honeys such as chestnut, lime, pine and raspberry.
The panel was comprised of Fran Carpentier, PARADE/parade.com; Faith Durand, Apartment Therapy: The Kitchn; Nancy Wall Hopkins, Better Homes & Gardens; Sara Moulton, chef, cookbook author and Good Morning America food personality; Rachel Mount, O Magazine; Kara Nielsen, Center for Culinary Development; Denise Purcell, Specialty Food Magazine; and Jenna Zimmerman, Food Network.
