Top 10 Trends in Specialty Food Summer 2014 Specialty foods set innovation standards. See what’s hot in this hottest food category – growing at 4X the mass market. By Rayanne Zackery, Vice President, MSLGROUP
1. Gluten-Free Rules Innovation and Sales Gluten-free products top 2014 new product innovations and dollars spent. It’s no surprise the Summer Fancy Food Show exhibited hundreds of gluten-free products.
2. Nut & Seed Butters are spreading fast Holy hazelnuts! Sales of nut and seed butters rose 51% between 2011-2013. Hazelnuts are a leading ingredient.
3. Breakfast is a hand-held experience From bars to burritos, to-go breakfast items are bourgeoning. Cereal bowl not required.
4. pick one product claim. make it local. Focus new products on one claim to stand out. Retailers report “local” products show the greatest growth potential.
5. subscribe for groceries Shop for groceries at the mailbox. On the rise are subscription-based mail and home delivery services.
6. Bacon sizzling 6. Bacon stillstill sizzling Though its sizzle may smolder soon, bacon remains a best-selling flavor and ingredient.
7. popcorn satisfies top 2 cravings From baked snacks to chocolate bar inclusions, popcorn innovations offer “health” and “indulgence”: 2 of the top 4 product growth opportunities.
8. fitness foods and beverages get creative Low-calorie, weight loss and nutritious products fit consumer demand with creativity, such as oatmeal drinks, flower water and jalapeno edamame.
9. maple mania outside the syrup bottle Maple flavor is the craze and offers tons of flavor possibilities. Think Maple Cotton Candy and Maple Sweet & Sour Mix.
10. spirits spill from drinks to food Confectioners, distillers and wine makers are pairing to infuse and flavor foods. Cheers to Bourbon Nib Brittle (Gold Award) and Lavender Chablis Ice Cream.
Trends observed at Summer Fancy Food Show 2014 and the Specialty Food Association’s State of the Specialty Food industry report
MSLGROUP is a global communication and engagement agency that offers a full array of specialized services to hundreds of food and beverage brands and companies around the world. MSLGROUP.com