The Specialty Food Association hosted eight graduate students and two professors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, during the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show.
Featuring more than 1,100 companies and thousands of products from around the world, the Show ran from January 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Junior Trendspotters identified the following trends and products from the Show that tie into them:
1. Environmentally friendly–Examples include Caviarium manmade caviar, Clipper Teas Organic Herbal & Green Tea Selection, and Nobeltree Coffee.
2. Health in balance–Auga organic soup, OBA Organic Baked Apples snacks, Root Foods Six Mix Chips, Tatu Protein Water, and Wonder Monday Cheesecake.
3. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Culture–Liqueurs & Gins Bull Terrier Herb Liqueur, Prima Pavé Rosé Brut, and Terra Incognita Kava.
4. Broader Plant Based–7th Heaven plant-based milk chocolate, Konscious Foods plant based sushi, Milkadamia Unsweetened latte da, and Seed Ranch Flavor Co. vegan Mac & Cheese.
5. Global Pantry–Bravado Spice Co. hot sauces, Khalsa Salsa Indian fusion salsa, Maazah Afghan-style chutney, and Xinca Salvadoran pupusas.
The following grad students comprised the panel that was guided by Professors Joseph Lema, Ph.D. and Seyhmus Baloglu, Ph.D., Chair:
• Carrie (Yunxuan) Zhang
• Ken (Yuang-Sheng) Chiu
• Angelika Bazarnik
• Crystal (Yuze) Ji
• Dennis Baloglu
• Shatha Alhujuri
• Sooyeon Lee
• Michael Bertetto
"The Winter Fancy Food Show provides an immersive learning experience for UNLV hospitality students and faculty to inform our research and teaching. It is always inspiring to network with the unique entrepreneurs and organizations who are so passionate about their products and efforts that are related to the multiple facets of food and associated activities,” said Joseph Lema, Ph.D, Professor/Chair, Food & Beverage and Event Management. “With rapidly changing consumer trends innovation is at the forefront and having the opportunity to experience it firsthand makes it an even more impactful learning experience. We appreciate partnering with the Specialty Food Association as well as having this large-scale event in Las Vegas.”
Related: Trendspotters Scout Out Innovations at the Show; 10 Winter Show Trends From SFA's Trendspotters.