Korean Cuisine and Seafood Snacks Highlight 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show Trends

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has released its list of top food trends observed at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, held from June 29 to July 1. The event featured nearly 2,500 exhibitors showcasing thousands of products. The SFA's Trendspotter Panel highlighted several key trends, including the rise of Korean cuisine, seafood snacks, and ingredient replacements.

Korean cuisine continues to gain popularity, with products such as Gamsa Foods Inc.'s Korean-inspired savory oatmeal and Otoki K Pop Star's Secret Noodles drawing attention. The panel noted the influence of Korean culture on various sectors, including food, with items like Trader Joe's gimbap and traditional dishes such as tteokbokki and hotteok pancakes gaining traction.

Seafood snacks are also on the rise, driven by consumer interest in protein-rich foods and convenience. Products like Fable Fish salmon jerky, which offers 31 grams of protein per serving, and Blue Circle Salmon Breakfast Links were among the highlighted items. This trend aligns with broader dietary shifts and the Wellness 3.0 movement.

The panel also observed a trend towards ingredient replacements, with new products like Figa Foods' 63% cupuaçu bar and Goldholly's yaupon supertea. These innovations reflect a growing interest in diverse and bold flavors, as well as a focus on sustainability and health.

Pistachio-based products are gaining momentum, with items such as Pistakio's pistachio spread and Agrimontana's Crema di Pistacchi noted for their popularity. The trend extends to a variety of applications, including chocolate bars and nut butters.

The demand for sugar and sweet products remains strong, with consumers seeking both natural sources and indulgent flavors. Products like Bomboloni Boss's frozen bomboloni and Bumbleberry Farms' avocado blossom honey were highlighted as examples of this trend.

Convenience and global flavors continue to be significant drivers in the specialty food sector. Ready-to-eat snacks, meal kits, and sauces, such as Banyan Thai's ready-to-eat curry sauce and Doosra's Indian snack mix, are making international cuisine more accessible to consumers.

Chili-based products are maintaining their popularity, with items like Djablo Filipino hot sauces and Hot N' Saucy's carrot and chipotle sauces offering diverse flavor profiles without overwhelming heat.

The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show trends indicate a continued interest in diverse, convenient, and health-conscious food options. The next major industry event, Winter FancyFaire 2026, is scheduled for January 11-13 in San Diego, where further developments in specialty food trends are expected to be showcased.