Top 10 Trends in Specialty Food: Summer 2014

MSLGROUP 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 6. BACON STILL SIZZLING Though its sizzle may smolder soon, bacon remains a best-selling flavor and ingredient. 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. 1. POPCORN SATISFIES TOP 2 CRAVINGS From baked snacks to chocolate bar 2. NUT & SEED BUTTERS ARE SPREADING FAST inclusions, popcorn innovations offer "health" and "indulgence": 2 of the top 4 product growth opportunities. Holy hazelnuts! Sales of nut and seed butters rose 51% between 2011-2013. Hazelnuts are a leading ingredient. 8. FITNESS FOODS AND BEVERAGES GET CREATIVE 3. BREAKFAST IS A HAND-HELD EXPERIENCE Low-calorie, weight loss and nutritious products fit consumer demand with creativity, such as oatmeal drinks, flower water and jalapeno edamame. From bars to burritos, to-go breakfast items are bourgeoning. Cereal bowl not required. 9. MAPLE MANIA OUTSIDE THE SYRUP BOTTLE MAPLE 4. PICK ONE PRODUCT CLAIM. MAKE IT LOCAL. Maple flavor is the craze and offers tons Focus new products on one claim to stand out. Retailers report "local" products show the of flavor possibilities. Think Maple Cotton Candy and Maple Sweet & Sour Mix. greatest growth potential. 10. SPIRITS SPILL FROM DRINKS TO FOOD 5. SUBSCRIBE FOR GROCERIES Confectioners, distillers and wine makers Shop for groceries at the mailbox. On the rise are subscription-based mail are pairing to infuse and flavor foods. Cheers to Bourbon Nib Brittle (Gold Award) and and home delivery services. 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