The subject-matter experts who make up the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) Trendspotter Panel have compiled their list of top trends observed at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, specialty food’s premier product discovery event. Taking place June 29-July 1, 2025, the show featured thousands of products from nearly 2,500 exhibitors from across the world.
“There was so much for the food industry to be excited about at this year’s Fancy Food Show,” said Leana Salamah, SVP of Marketing & Communications at SFA. “Innovation, creativity, and incredible flavors were on full display from SFA members and international exhibitors. The Trendspotter Panel did a great job capturing some of the most compelling stories, products, and brands on the show floor. We’re excited to share this report and continue tracking these trends in the months to come.”
New and emerging trends
Korea Pops!
“Korean culture has dominated music culture, movies, beauty, and now, the food world,” said Jenn de la Vega. “Cookbooks like Umma by Nam Soon Ahn, Koreaworld by Deuki Hong & Matt Rodbard, as well as Soju Party! by Irene Yoo are paving the way for Korean foods and beverages on the shelf and in every home. Everyday enjoyments like the Trader Joe’s gimbap went viral in 2023, and consumers are currently craving the treats they see on TV, like tteokbokki, hotteok pancakes, soju, makgeolli, and hallabong citrus.”
Sustained and Evolving Trends
Pistachio Mania Breaks Out of the TikTok Orbit “Pistachio is everywhere. Inclusions in chocolate bars, nut butters, gelati, confectionary and savory,” said Stan Sagner. “As was Dubai Chocolate and its various incarnations: mini cones, spreads, flavored milk, Dubai ‘style’ birthday cake bars, Dubai ‘style’ S’mores, etc.” Abena Anim-Somuah pointed to SFA member Pistakio as “ahead of the curve” when it comes to “this decadent and delicious pistachio trend.”
- Pistakio Pistachio Spread in creamy and crunchy
- Agrimontana Crema di Pistacchi
- Galil – Leonessa Dubai Chocolate Cones
- MMM Rice Pudding Ice Cream in Pistachio
- Patislove Angel’s Hair Milk Chocolate Bar with Turkish Cotton Candy and Pistachio Cream
- Venchi Italian 1878 White Chocolate and Pistachio Paste Cream Bar
Gimme Some Sugar, from Candy to Spreads “Today’s consumers are not just craving sugar anymore, they are celebrating it,” said Patranya Bhoolsuwan. “Whether it’s from natural sources like honey and maple to bold indulgent flavors like dark chocolate and spiced confections, people long for sweets to sooth their desire for comfort and nostalgia. Gimme some sugar and we are happy!”
- Bomboloni Boss Frozen Bomboloni in Cream
- Caputo Wild Jurua 70% Bar by Luisa Abram
- BonBon Pippi Longstocking’s Gold Coins
- Bumbleberry Farms Avocado Blossom Honey
- Edensweets Spreadable Halva in Chocolate, Pistachio, and Coffee Cardamom
- Lakrids by Bülow Chocolate Licorice in Passionfruit, Salt and Caramel
- Maud Borup, Inc. Cotton Candy Chocolate
- Soom Chocolate Sea Salt Sesame Spread
Food trends show up first in specialty, because specialty manufacturers are particularly nimble and responsive to shifts in consumer behaviors and values. Amid uncertain economic forecasts, prominent conversations about wellness and “clean” ingredients, and other macro forces shaping consumer preferences, the trends of today are likely to evolve by late 2025 and into 2026.
The latest flavours, formats, and innovations in specialty food will be on display at Winter FancyFaire 2026, SFA’s new trade show experience, taking place January 11-13 in San Diego. Qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates, and media will come together to taste the future of food and get a first look at SFA’s announcement of the 2026 Trend of the Year. More details to come. For more information about Winter FancyFaire, visit the show website.
Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
