Discover the Exciting 2025 Summer Food Show Trends: Korea Pops, Seafood Sensations, and More, According to Specialty Food Association Experts!

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) recently highlighted intriguing food trends observed at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, a key event for food enthusiasts. This year’s show, which took place from June 29 to July 1, featured thousands of products from nearly 2,500 global exhibitors.

Leana Salamah from SFA noted, “Innovation and creativity were on full display this year.” She commended the Trendspotter Panel for capturing the most exciting stories and products during the event.

Key Food Trends

Korean Cuisine on the Rise

Korean culture is making waves, especially in food. Jenn de la Vega pointed out that cookbooks like Umma and Koreaworld are fueling interest in Korean dishes. Foods like tteokbokki and soju are now widely sought after. Popular items at the show included:

• Gamsa Foods’ Korean-inspired Savory Oatmeal
• DORO Foods’ Sauces and Noodle Kits
• Mikkuya Namwon’s Loach Soup

Seafood Snacks are Gaining Popularity

Seafood snacks are increasingly appealing, thanks to a growing demand for protein and healthier choices. Patranya Bhoolsuwan highlighted Fable Fish, which offers salmon jerky with 31 grams of protein per serving. Other notable products included:

• Onboard Tuna Bites
• Prime Shrimp Burgers

Innovative Ingredient Replacements

Food creativity is pushing the boundaries of traditional ingredients. Jeannie Houchins emphasized the rise of unusual items like cupuaçu and quinoa milk, which are changing culinary landscapes. Notable products include:

• Figa Foods’ Cupuaçu Bar
• Farmer Foodie’s Cashew Parmesan

Ongoing Trends

Pistachio Popularity

Pistachios are everywhere—from chocolates to gelato. Stan Sagner mentioned how brands like Pistakio are tapping into this trend. Popular items featured include:

• Agrimontana’s Pistachio Cream
• MMM’s Pistachio Rice Pudding Ice Cream

A Sweet Shift in Preferences

Consumers today are looking for comforting sweets. Bhoolsuwan noted a surge in demand for indulgent flavors from natural sources. Exciting products include:

• Frozen Bomboloni filled with Cream
• Spreads like Edensweets’ Halva in Chocolate and Pistachio

Global Flavors Made Easy

There’s a movement towards convenience foods that bring global flavors to the kitchen. Melanie Bartelme highlighted ready-to-eat snacks and meal kits that make international cuisine accessible. Noteworthy offerings include:

• Banyan Thai Ready-to-Eat Curry Sauce
• Sous Casa Frozen Burritos

What’s Next?

Food trends often originate in specialty markets, reflecting changing consumer preferences. As we move toward late 2025 and into 2026, these trends are likely to evolve. New flavors and products will be showcased at SFA’s upcoming Winter FancyFaire in January 2026.

For a deeper understanding of these trends and their impact on consumer behavior, explore insights from the SFA’s Trendspotter Panel. They include experts like James Beard award-winning writers, food industry analysts, and culinary professors, all aligned to provide a holistic view of food innovation.

In today’s fast-evolving food landscape, being aware of these trends can help consumers make informed choices about what they eat and how they experience flavors from across the globe.

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