The Food Categories Most Likely to Wow You In…

Natural Products Expo West has always provided a glimpse of what supermarket shelves will look like in the coming years. However, this year was different. After two years of pandemic-forced cancellations, this year’s natural and organic food show offered a glimpse at not only the future of supermarket shelves, but also of the right now.

Simply put, it was a buyer’s frenzy, and we anticipate retailers moving fast on trending categories and rushing some of the new products introduced at the show to store shelves as quickly as possible.

That’s quite a departure from the last two years, as retailers have rationalized SKUs, stopped sampling programs and focused on core products from core brands. Throughout the pandemic, new products have been minimized, but this year’s show signaled an immediate shift in priorities from retailers. They are ready to bring excitement back to store shelves, especially in these trending categories.

Saucing Up the Sauce Category

From global condiments to regional BBQ sauces, it was apparent at this year’s Natural Products Expo West that the sauce category is fertile ground for innovation, especially with an ingredient like honey. Not surprisingly, hot honeys were everywhere at the show, seeking to capitalize on the momentum this condiment has gained in the foodservice category.