The Specialty Food Association‘s Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC is always a whirlwind of sensory overload and Fancy Food Show Finds. I mean this is a good way. There is so much to see, explore, taste, and discover. Attendees must pace themselves and arrive hungry.
The Specialty Food Association is a non-profit trade group within the specialty food industry. Founded in 1952 and representing over 3,600 businesses, SFA produces events, programs, and education to support, connect, and champion their diverse member community. This organization represents food makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and others globally.
Every year, discovering fun Fancy Food Finds makes my day. Where else can you sample freeze-dried ice cream, Ted Lasso biscuits, French butter, camel’s milk chocolate, ramen from a vending machine, and shortbread made by Scottish royalty in one place?
The Association takes over the Jacob Javitz Center in June. Specifically, food producers from all over the world congregate to find distribution and network. Additionally this year, Vinexposium America provided a separate simultaneous Wine and Spirit expo to explore.
Fancy Food Show Finds
Fancy Food Show FindsThere are so many products to explore and taste. Here are just a few that are standouts:
Truffle Soft Serve
La Rustichella Truffles showcased a Vanilla Truffle soft serve that was pure heaven. Creamy and full of flavor. It’s so good, I wish they had one of these machines on every corner of this city.
New Vanilla Variety
I am a big fan of Nielsen Massey. I have even collaborated with them to create recipes using their products. They make an exceptional line of vanilla. They are so good, that you can use them in cocktails. Each variety is unique and contains different flavor notes. This year, Uganda Vanilla is a standout.
Crafted from premium, hand-selected Ugandan vanilla beans. A cold extraction gently draws out and preserves more than 300 delicate flavors. as a result, the vanilla has a a bold flavor profile that is creamy-sweet with notes of chocolate. I love their vanillas. However, this one is extra-special.
Sparkley Maple Syrup
No doubt Runamok’s Sparkle Maple Syrup will bring holiday sparkle this year. This is a fun addition to their gorgeous lineup of Maple syrups. A festive addition to any celebration. Furthermore, it also makes a fabulous gift.
Excellent Frozen Dumplings
In my world dumplings are everything. Honestly, I am lucky enough to live in New York City where there are so many different options to get good once. However, there is nothing like having them in your freezer for immediate satisfaction. I’ve bought bags of frozen dumplings from some of my favorite shops. None have come close to the taste and flavor of Dumpling Daughter.
Creator Nadia Liu Spellman’s parents owned a five-star Chinese restaurant in Boston. Despite this, her favorite days were wrapping homemade dumplings with her mom at her grandmother’s house. Her love shows in her products. Additionally, she has created a Spicy Sweet Soy Secret Sauce for sipping which is pure deliciousness.
More Fancy Food Show Finds – Someone Truffled Pistachios
That “someone” pointed to Italians, of course. But this combination by Jimmy Tartufi stopped me in my tracks. It is out of this world. So good, I wanted to grab the whole can and get a room. Basically, anything pistachio always has my heart but they also have truffled peanuts and cashews in their line.
The Freshest Popcorn You Will Find in a Bag
Popzup is a family-owned business started by this lovely couple. The popcorn tastes like it was just buttered. They have a fun flavor selection like Cheddar Head, Cheesie Herbie, and Truffle Butter.
They source kernels from a fourth-generation family-owned farm. Also, if you send them back empty popcorn bags, they will send you free popcorn. I love an environmentally conscious snack. Accordingly, their mission is to create a healthy snack that’s better for consumers and the environment.
Lemony Ramen
If you follow my recipes, you know my love for Yuzu flavor. Myojo made my dreams come true with this delicious (does not taste like instant) Yuzu-flavored ramen. Fresh noodles in a savory plant broth with stir-fried tofu, vegetables, and Yuzu oil. Total Yuzu yumminess.
A Sprinkles Advent Calendar
Admittedly, I am a long-time fan of the extremely talented Sweetapolita. Her dreamy confectionary creations have rocked the internet for years. For baking enthusiasts, she has outdone herself with this epic Advent Calendar – 24 Magical Days of Sprinkles and Sweets.
Each drawer contains a 2 oz size bottle of sprinkles or candies. This is a fantastic gift for holiday bakers.
Mexican Gin
Armónico Gin is handcrafted in San Juan del Río, Querétaro. Distillation takes place in a 300-liter copper still with a recipe of 32 botanicals, based on traditional London gin and endemic botanicals.
This gin has a complex character of citrus, floral, and spicy notes. I love and collect artisanal gins and this one is a winner. We were offered a cocktail paired with fresh rosemary. The gin is perfect for sipping. However, the rosemary cocktail is a stunner.
Vinexpo Fancy Food Show Finds
Himalayan Rum
Khukri Spiced Rum contains flavors extracted from authentic Nepalese spices. These are masterfully blended and distilled with rich molasses and fresh spring water from the Himalayas. Furthermore, the rum has a unique taste perfect to sip straight up or on the rocks.
It is then aged in homes of exclusive wooden casks at high altitudes. This results in a tasteful concoction of assorted spices enriched with dry fruits that end with a sweet, smooth, and long finish.
Furthermore, the unique bottle shape above holds a selected reserve created in honor and respect on the prestigious occasion of Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev’s Coronation ceremony in 1974. It’s called Coronation Khukri and is packed in a unique bottle shaped like a Khukri. Significantly, this is the national weapon of Nepal and is considered a symbol of pride, bravery, and elegance. Furthermore, the first Coronation Khukri was gifted to the King in his honor.
So that’s a wrap for June 2024’s Fancy Food Show Finds
As shown above, I’m looking forward to seeing what next year’s event brings.
Like this Fancy Food Show Finds? Also, check these out:
SPARKLING BERGAMOT YUZU COCKTAIL
27 GREAT FOOD & BEVERAGE FINDS AT THE 2018 FANCY FOOD SHOW
