The Specialty Food Association hosted 10 graduate students and two professors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Harrah College of Hospitality during the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show in February who sought prominent trends on the show floor. They identified:
• Animal Protein Alternatives, such as jackfruit dumplings, and plant-based versions of cheese and yogurt;
• Focus on Allergens, including edible cookie dough that meets top allergen needs, and a natural date spread for those with nut allergies;
• Single Serving Portions for Convenience, from individual fondue to granola bites, and pour-over coffee;
• Sustainability and Environmental Awareness, including packaging materials, production methods, and actual products (edible cutlery);
• Unexpected Flavors, ranging from gummies flavored with chile to oatmeal in toasted black sesame.
"It was great to experience the trends fueling innovation in food and beverage,” said Joseph Lema, Ph.D, professor/chair, food and beverage and event management for the college, in a statement. “The networking and engaging relationships between people, products, and business ideas is certainly inspiring to see first hand. It’s extra special since our students and faculty had the opportunity to connect with this specialty event that helps us develop new ideas along with innovative and cutting-edge research to inform our academics.”
The SFA 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show Junior Trendspotter Panel were Mallory Bali; Huying (Sophie) Zhang; Kyle Bledsoe; Yuang-Sheng (Ken) Chiu; Shaihong (Jade) Huang; Alaa (Michael) Huwaykim; Jihyun (Jennet) Kim; Yuanchi (Jerry) Li; Jehun (Hoon) Moon; and Whitney Mulaj. They were accompanied by Professor Seyhmus Baloglu, Ph.D., Professor/Chair and Assistant Dean Dr. Cervantes Lee, and Margaret Hausbeck, executive director of alumni engagement and career services.
A full Trendspotter Panel report from the Winter Fancy Food Show can be found here.
The next Fancy Food Show will be held from June 12-14 in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Related: SFA Announces Winter Show Trends; Top Cheese Trends to Watch in 2022.