NEW YORK — The 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show took place June 25-27 in New York, where more than 2,000 global and domestic companies exhibited their specialty products.

Products designated as “specialty food items” feature attributes like limited-distribution, ingredients perceived as premium, and elevated preparations. Sales from the specialty food category neared $194 billion in 2022 and are forecast to reach $209 billion by the year’s end, according to a report from the Specialty Food Association (SFA).

Thousands of new specialty products in a range of categories made their debut at the show. Chips, pretzels and snacks came in at No. 1 for the top category of retail sales in 2022, and that momentum hasn’t stopped moving into 2023, according to the SFA. Trending products on the show floor observed by Food Business News included sophisticated spins on snacking, like crispy shishito peppers from Rhythm Superfoods, or black milk tea popcorn from Tochi Snacks.

“After several years of uncertainty around live events, this year's sold-out Summer Fancy Food Show sends a clear message that specialty food makers and manufacturers value and depend on in-person events to conduct business,” said Bill Lynch, president of the SFA, who puts on the tradeshow.

Click to view new products from the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show.