Summer Fancy Food Show – An Exciting Showcase of Specialty Foods in NYC

The recent Summer Fancy Food Show by the Specialty Food Association (SFA) was a resounding success.  The sold-out press and trade event was held at Javits Center for three days from Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, June 27 where the finest specialty foods were showcased from around the globe. 

The SFA produces the Fancy Food Shows and presents the coveted annual sofi Awards for excellence in the area of specialty foods. It’s an important source of industry information, educational events, along with in-person and online networking opportunities for all members including the SFA Product Marketplace, a product discovery platform. SFA produces yearly research reports including “State of the Specialty Food Industry” and “Today’s Specialty Food Consumer.”

WAT was delighted to attend the Summer Fancy Food Show and excited to learn about popular foods, ones that are trending, and new items on the market. It was hard to select favorites with so many fine choices. Here are just a few of the tasty items we enjoyed.

Side Project Jerky – This beef jerky provides a unique eating experience. The jerky is crafted by chefs that wanted to have their own side project.  The flavorful portable snack is high in protein and comes in tasty flavors such as Pho, Cowboy, Mongolian, and Cheesesteak. 

Café Mexicano There’s a rich new coffee in town and you’ll want to stock up! Café Mexicano has bold flavors with a line of 100% Arabica coffee that is grown, harvested and roasted in Mexico.  Varieties include medium roast, Veracruz Reserve; medium-dark roast, Chiapas Reserve; dark roast, Espresso, and more. Café Mexicano is brought to you by the same company that produces Briannas salad dressings. 

Hoff & PepperThe hot sauce company was started by husband and wife team Aaron and Michelle Hoffman in 2015. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the peppers come from L & D Swafford Farms based just 45 minutes from the Hoff & Pepper facility.  These farm-fresh peppers make the sauce varieties that include Hot Sauce, Mean Green, and Smoken Ghost.

American Vinegar WorksThe company specializes in small batch vinegars that have been slowly fermented from American ciders, beers, wines and rice wines.  The vinegars are barrel aged.  Some of their many varieties include Hot Vinegar, Beer Malt Vinegar, Honey Wine Vinegar and Chardonnay Vinegar. Perk up your next meal with American Vinegar Works products.

Just BagelsThere’s nothing better than a New York style bagel and you can easily buy them by selecting the brand “Just Bagels.” The company, based in Bronx, NY is known for their fine, old-fashioned water bagels.  They are made and shipped on the same day and come in all your favorite varieties such as Cinnamon Raisin, Plain, Sesame, Asiago, Blueberry and more.

Adamas CaviarThe company is known for their exclusive Italian caviar that represents worldwide fish farming excellence.  Some of the outstanding varieties include Premium Oscietra from Danubian Sturgeon; Imperial Beluga from Huso Sturgeon; Riviera Selection from Italian Sturgeon; and American Tradition from White Sturgeon. 

La PastaThis artisinal maker of fine pastas is located in Silver Spring Maryland.  They specialize in producing all natural, organic, gluten free and plant based pastas along with gourmet sauces.  They have an endless variety that will please all pasta lovers.  

Zing BarsThe company is setting the pace with their portable, plant-based nutrition bars that blend nuts, seeds, brown rice, and almond protein.  The bars are tasty, satisfying and keep your energy going.  Flavors include Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Mint and more.  They also have mini-bars.  

Laconiko Olive OilThe extra-virgin olive oil is produced by brothers, Dino and Diamantis Pierrakos who are 4th generation olive oil producers continuing their fine family tradition. This highly acclaimed olive oil is all natural, cold pressed, Non-GMO, Kosher Certified, and Certified 100 Pure.  And olive oil is part of a heart-healthy diet. 

Olivia’s Croutons – Top your soups and salads with these crispy, tasty croutons.  Made with hearty bread, wholesome oils, and the fresh ingredients Olivia’s takes croutons to the next level. Best sellers include Parmesan Pepper and Butter & Garlic. There’s even a gluten-free selection. 

You can find out more about Specialty Food Association online and connect with SFA on FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn, and TikTok.

Photo Credit: Marina P. Kennedy

About Marina P. Kennedy (167 Articles)
Marina Kennedy began her writing career when her four children were grown and she returned to college to study in the humanities. She is delighted to be a contributor for Woman Around Town. The majority of her articles focus on the culinary scene, theatre, and travel. Marina and her husband Chuck enjoy the rich cultural experiences of the New York metro area and beyond. She hopes that readers like reading her articles as much as she enjoys writing them.