Best in show

From new plant-based items to indulgent European confections and bold functional beverages, innovation was on full display at the recent Grocery & Specialty Food West show in Vancouver. But don’t take our word for it; here, we’ve rounded up a few retailers to get their take on what trends and products stood out.

GIANCARLO TRIMARCHI

Partner, Vince’s Market

Most interesting products at the show? One product that stood out for me from Houweling’s Group was their extensive line of live herb and lettuce plants that live and grow at room temperature. The breadth of the selection was very appealing, as well as their ability to supply year round. The lineup from Nutjar was very interesting in that they have taken the basics of nut butters and really taken taste and texture to the next level. They have done this without compromising with additives. Very impressive product.

What trends stood out? A few of the trends that stood out to me was the move to sustainable packaging of CPG products and the increased availability of sustainable packaging options for in-store usage. I also saw a lot of innovation on natural packaged foods, with minimum processing as part of the value proposition. I feel like these are areas of our business that will move from a trend into the norm of our industry in the coming years.

What products will resonate with your customers? Any of the products I mentioned above I believe are what customers are looking for today and tomorrow. Customers are wanting to support natural products with sustainable packaging, so it is critical for both the supplier community and retailers alike to get behind these innovations and put them in front of our customers.

Any surprises? The energy at the show was amazing. There was definitely a buzz and excitement that I have not felt before at a trade show. Definitely a little of ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ tied in with the fact we really did work together so well as an industry during such a challenging period.

ERIN HIGDON

VP at Atlantic Grocery Distributors

What trends stood out to you from the show floor? New (to me) tasty offerings in plant-based offerings were a wonderful find. They’re not yet available on the East Coast. We’ll be watching for their entry to the Newfoundland marketplace.

What products will resonate with your customers? It was great to see offerings of sustainable, compostable packaging at the show. Product offerings to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact willresonate with environmentally-conscious Canadians.

Any surprises at the show? After a lengthy hiatus [due to COVID] to see our community together again sharing new products, information and ideas was inspiring.

JASON VESELY

Supervisor, Westlock Sobeys

Most interesting product? The Fan Tasty line of baking mixes carried by Tree of Life was one of the products that stood out the most. They’re health-based baked goods that taste just like the real thing and will attract more than the health-focused customer.

What trends stood out? Health conscious products being placed in a conventional offering. The progression of how these types of products have made their way from a health food customer to a mainstream customer makes perfect sense.

What products will resonate with your customers? COVID made people cook again, but cooking needs to be simplified or expedited for some. Throughout the show there was a great offering of not only loose ingredients but value-added items to make the sometimes daunting task of cooking easier. These types of products will resonate with our customers and their busy lives.

Did any stories stand out from the show floor? Not necessarily one story, but the amount of new startups that have emerged even through COVID is incredible. I believe it shows the strength of the industry.