The Summer Fancy Food Show 2023, held recently in New York City, showcased an array of extraordinary brands with fascinating stories to tell. From innovative and healthy ingredients to nostalgic family legacies, each brand had a unique tale that made their offerings enticing. Whether it was a new convenience or an age-old indulgence, the show unveiled a delightful assortment of delicious and (mostly) nutritious treats. Here, we explore a handful of remarkable companies that captured the essence of the event and left a lasting impression on attendees.

Sober-Curious Culture

For Bitter or for Worse provides a non-alcoholic alternative for individuals seeking to abstain from alcohol or reduce their consumption. Each bottle is crafted with more than 13 carefully farmed and foraged botanicals, ensuring a rich flavor profile. The company is committed to using certified organic, fair trade, and ethically sourced ingredients. With their dedication to quality and conscious choices, For Bitter or for Worse offers a delightful and responsible drinking experience for all.

Melati is dedicated to sourcing the highest quality botanical ingredients, collaborating with food scientists and Ayurvedic specialists to cold-extract the maximum nutrients and benefits. This meticulous process ensures that every bottle of Melati is not only delicious, but also deeply restorative. These drinks are completely free from alcohol, added sugar, colorings, flavorings, and other undesirable additives. With Melati, there are no hangovers to worry about. It's a drink that allows everyone to connect, whether at work or play, without compromise.

Seraphim Social Beverage is a women-owned premium non-alcoholic social beverage brand that is revolutionizing the industry. Brewed like tea and designed to be enjoyed like wine, Seraphim Social Beverage offers a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative that combines complex flavor from mostly organic ingredients, wild berries, healing herbs and botanicals layered with notes of pepper, spice, vanilla, oak, and mushroom. It drinks like a red. With a commitment to flavor excellence, sustainability, and a refined drinking experience, vegan-friendly Seraphim Social Beverage provides a unique and satisfying beverage choice without alcohol. 

Amor Vines creates high-quality grape juice with minimal natural ingredients, providing a healthy and natural alternative to sugary beverages like sodas. Their juices have gained popularity and have been featured at various events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and virtual group cooking classes. Notably, Amor Vines is now being served at restaurants as a premium, alcohol-free option that rivals wine and spirits. 

Demand For At-Home Culinary Experiences

Wildfare is a proud purveyor of Mediterranean provisions that takes crops cultivated under Mediterranean soil and sun from ancestral fields in families for generations and uses heritage recipes to create irresistible and good-for-you Mediterranean fare fit for American pantries. 

A Focus on Fish

Season Brand, a trusted leader in premium tinned fish, has been bringing nutritious, sustainable and delicious canned sardines to market for 100 years. Their responsible, heart-healthy products include sustainably harvested top quality sardines, mackerel, anchovies and their latest innovation: Caviart Black Seaweed Pearls, all natural, wild-caught, and in BPA-free cans. 

Impact Food specializes in providing raw vegan sushi grade tuna, a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as poke, sashimi, and nigiri. This plant-based alternative offers a tender and delicious experience while being sustainable, mercury-free, and inclusive of most diets. With a mission to combine their expertise in food science, molecular biology, and other fields, Impact Food aims to revolutionize the culinary landscape. 

Satisfying Snacking

Spēka is an irresistible snack that features a delightful cottage cheese center, generously coated with either rich chocolate or tantalizing caramel. Designed to provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, Spēka offers a satisfying boost of quick and long-lasting energy. What sets Spēka apart is its commitment to providing healthier nutrition without compromising on taste. 

Noogs Nutrition is a sports nutrition product you'll actually look forward to eating. These dietitian-approved energy chews taste like a sour gummy candy. Formulated with easy-to-digest carbohydrates and electrolytes, Noogs support performance on the run, bike, swim, or anywhere else so active folks can enjoy flavorful and functional snack that nourishes the body and fuels an active lifestyle.

OMG! Pretzels creates an elevated snacking experience. Their gourmet flavored sourdough pretzel nuggets have flavor that lasts. As a women- and family-owned small business, OMG! Pretzels is proud to use only premium ingredients and be 100% made in America. There are no pretzel nuggets on the market quite like OMG! Pretzels as each pretzel bursts with unbelievable crunch and innovative flavor.

Inspired by food from her culture, Mamame Whole Foods makes nutritious, 100% gluten-free and plant-based tempeh chips. Tempeh is typically made from tapioca flour and fermented soybeans and is a popular staple in Southeast Asia as a vegan alternative to protein. Due to the environmental and dietary implications of soy, they use non-GMO black-eyed beans to create their tempeh chips. They intend to continue on their journey of caring and nourishing for our bodies and our planet. 

Unbound Snacks offers bold, flavorful, snackable walnuts. This newly launched walnut snacking company was started by a third-generation family farm called Sutter Foods. Introducing these not-so-humble nuts to mouths everywhere, Unbound Snacks showcased its five outrageously delicious and craveable walnut flavors. Packed with omega-3 ALAs, antioxidants and vitamins, these walnuts are outrageously nutritious and crunchably craveable.

Hampton Grocer is the brainchild of a passionate individual who, in the midst of waiting for restaurants to reopen, decided to enroll in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. It was during this time that the idea for a signature item and perfect gift came to mind. Inspired by her mother-in-law's special granola recipe, packed with a delightful blend of nuts, seeds, and just the right amount of sweetness, the journey of Hampton Grocer's granola began. Each batch is baked with an abundance of love, reflecting the founder's dedication to providing a delicious and heartfelt treat to the community.

International Delights

Inspired from family recipes, Arya International is introducing mainstream consumers to heritage inspired Indian staples like roti and batters for dosa where authentic flavors meet wholesome ingredients. Their products are all-natural and clean. They bring the love of South Indian cuisine from the streets of India to your kitchen. 

In Thai, “Kin Dee” means eat well. KIN DEE TRADING encompasses quality, flavor, health and care for food. It describes this brand’s commitment to providing premium quality food products that deliver authentic tastes and flavors of Asia. Their philosophy is to provide the best of Southeast Asia to customers around the world. 

Chakalaka Brands celebrates vibrant and spicy flavors of South African cuisine through their range of products. Their signature dish, Chakalaka, is a lively blend of beans, vegetables, curry, and peppers, traditionally enjoyed at barbecues or braais. Chakalaka Brands aims to bring people together through the experience of global cuisine, offering products that enliven the palate and awaken the senses. Their convenient, plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options allow everyone to fully savor the authentic taste of Chakalaka. 

Jasberry Organic Superfood Rice is a new variety of rice which has 40 times more antioxidants than brown rice and seven times more than kale. It’s aromatic, easy-to-cook and flavorful. Founded in Bangkok, Thailand as a social enterprise to help farmers out of poverty, it is the only certified B Corp food company in Thailand. As a brand, Jasberry stands for transformation. It’s about transforming consumers health through delicious and nutritious superfoods for everyday life, transforming farmers lives out of poverty and transforming the planet through regenerative agriculture. 

Mikes Organic Foods offers a convenient solution for creating delicious curry dishes in minutes. With their easy-to-use products, you can effortlessly prepare your favorite curry dishes on the go. Mikes Organic Foods is dedicated to using clean, organic, and vegan ingredients in their products. By prioritizing these values, they strive to make a positive impact on the environment. With their commitment to quality and sustainability, Mikes Organic Foods allows you to enjoy flavorful, homemade curry dishes while promoting a healthier lifestyle and supporting a better future for our planet.

Turning Up the Flavor

Wildly Delicious understands the profound impact of sharing a meal with loved ones and the lasting memories it creates. Food serves as the connective fabric that binds us together. When we reflect on special moments in our lives, we often recall specific details about the meal. Wildly Delicious considers themselves memory makers, striving to create food products that contribute to the formation of cherished memories. Their sole objective is to offer food products that enrich your experiences and help create fond memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Kickled Mary Bloody Mary Mix is a delightful and invigorating beverage with a kick! This mix is carefully crafted to deliver a bold and robust flavor that can only be achieved by using the freshest and finest ingredients available. Kickled Mary has gained rapid popularity and is now widely regarded as everyone's go-to choice for Bloody Mary Mix. With its light and refreshing profile, it offers a truly satisfying and enjoyable drinking experience.

With a culinary passion, Clara Galant’s kitchen was always open to family, friends, and strangers alike. It's the familial warmth and comfort of my grandmother's kitchen that Clara’s Kitchen customers enjoy in conveniently packaged wraps, burritos, breakfast sandwiches and more. With a strong commitment to quality, Clara's Kitchen wraps, burritos, and sandwiches are always made with natural, high quality, and non-gmo ingredients

Chef & Restaurant Inspired Brands

Taha Spreads started in 2020 when the pandemic shut down most restaurants. After finding it hard to find good Arabic dips that are normally found in restaurants, founders Ziad and Sabrina realized that grocery stores did not carry a wide variety of authentic middle eastern dips so they decided to make their own. What started as a side project turned into a full blown company within a year. Now consumers can enjoy these authentic garlic spreads at home.

Natural Blonde Bloody Mary Mix is a truly exceptional blend crafted from locally sourced Valencia Gold and Carolina Gold Tomatoes. Recognizing the need for superior quality, they rejected the use of canned tomatoes or tomato paste commonly found in retail mixes. Instead, they enlisted the expertise of local chefs to enhance the exquisite flavor of gold tomatoes. Their winning mix combines a proprietary blend of green hot sauce, sweet-hot pickle juice, and secret spices, resulting in a flavor profile that is truly unmatched. 

Dumpling Daughter is a renowned restaurant specializing in the art of dumplings that has now expanded to retail after large demand. Focusing on Asian cuisine, Dumpling Daughter offers a wide variety of delicious dumplings made from scratch using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. From classic flavors to innovative combinations, their menu showcases a range of dumpling options to satisfy all taste preferences. Beyond dumplings, Dumpling Daughter also features a selection of other Asian-inspired dishes, providing a complete dining experience for patrons. 

Steeping In Tradition 

AyurSome Foods’ products are based on the principles of Ayurveda and are curated to deliver particular well-being benefits. Founder Divya grew up in a small city in India, where the food habits and recipes are deep-rooted in Ayurveda. All their ingredients are certified organic and they only use natural and recognizable ingredients--no fillers, no artificial flavors. Part of their profits are even donated to food charities and they make a conscious effort to keep the use of new single-use plastic as low as possible.

Anna Maria is a family-driven company that embodies tradition and passion, recognizing the significance of eating as a source of nourishment, comfort, and a truly enriching experience. Their products are carefully crafted to be thick and rich, bursting with the flavors of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring that every bite is a delightful explosion of taste. Following the Piemontese way, Anna Maria places great emphasis on sourcing precise ingredients locally, embracing the idea of eating as close to the earth as possible. 

Uncle Clarence BBQ is all about family, tradition, and great quality food. The company us named after Clarence Foster Mitchell, a true grill master and father of founder Clarence C. Mitchell. Their purpose is to share Clarence's recipes and love for family, music, and barbecue with the world. Uncle Clarence BBQ is more than just a brand, it's a lifestyle, bringing people together around the grill to create lasting memories with their seasonings, condiments, and sauces.

Cucina & Amore, a true family company founded in 2007, is a specialty food company driven by a love for good food and the joy of gathering loved ones in the kitchen. Their mission is to provide their customers and community with delicious and high-quality foods. Cucina & Amore takes pride in crafting their foods with just a few recognizable ingredients, minimal processing, and a commitment to being GMO-free. building their extended family for years to come.

Plant-Based Revolutions

Plant Ahead is a visionary company that deeply cares about the environment and is dedicated to crafting mouthwatering cheese alternatives entirely from plant-based ingredients. With a strong commitment to sustainability, they create delicious cheeses that are not only allergen-free but also free from soy, gluten, and dairy. Plant Ahead takes pride in offering a diverse range of cheese options, including parmesan, feta, cream cheese, various wedges, cheese cubes, and shredded cheeses. 

AltroFood is bringing together taste and sustainability in their innovative plant-based offerings. Altrofood is revolutionizing the end-user experience by delivering their product range in a dry form, with water added only during preparation. Their "Meat Alternative" line, features burgers, nuggets, ragout, and sausages. This range offers a simple, flavorful, and convenient way for chefs, restaurateurs, and consumers alike to prepare and enjoy tasty, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based foods. 

Seed To Spoon doesn’t believe in picking sides. Their plant-based products are made for people who don't want to sacrifice taste to eat healthier. All of their products are 100% dairy, soy, gluten and peanut free - filled with flavorful nutrition to fuel your life, no matter how you live it. From their yogurts to their spreads, their plant based food are filled with nutrients that fuel the body, are good for the plant and taste delicious.

Kind Roots Food’s veggie burger boasts incredible flavor, satisfying texture, and an amazing array of ingredients. They strive to inspire kindness towards the Earth and all its inhabitants through their offerings. Their food is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, prioritizing local sourcing whenever possible. With a commitment to veganism, Kind Roots Food ensures that their products are always free from anything artificial. By promoting conscious and compassionate choices, Kind Roots Food aims to create a positive impact on both the planet and those who inhabit it.

RAWGA debuted its new product: PLANT, a compound of amino acids from plant-based proteins that resemble animal collagen. It's generated by hydrolyzing glycoproteins that compose a plant's outer walls into enzymes and then purifying them into high-purity water-soluble glycoproteins. It is a healthy alternative to collagens produced from animals or fish. ‘PLANT’ is available in Powder, Liquid and Jelly.

Veggie Underground brings the essence of plants into plant-based cheese. The innovative cheese is crafted using real carrots, parsnips, and red bell peppers, offering a unique and flavorful experience. Veggie Underground takes pride in creating a cheese that is not only vegan but also gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, GMO-free, palm oil-free, and cholesterol-free. With superior meltability, their cheese is perfect for a wide range of culinary creations such as pizzas, grilled sandwiches, burgers, sauces, casseroles, salads, baked goods, and more. 

Lentiful is on a mission to shed light on the overlooked and underrated lentils, aiming to showcase their incredible flavor, versatility, and intrigue. They believe  lentils have tremendous potential as a plant-based food. Lentiful offers the ultimate plant-based, on-the-go lunch option that is both convenient and nutritious. Simply add water, stir, and microwave for a quick and satisfying meal. This makes it perfect for busy workdays when time is limited. 

Upcycled Food Movement

The Spare Food Co. is at the forefront of the upcycling food movement (repurposing overlooked and unused ingredients in new ways) and has been expanding their signature beverage brand which utilizes fresh whey produced as part of Greek-style yogurt manufacturing, with the introduction of an exciting new flavor: Passion Fruit & Yuzu. Made with only four ingredients – whey, fruit, spice, and a touch of honey – Spare Tonic are delicious and nutrient-rich, vitamin-packed beverages.

Elevated Indulgences

Starting from a shaved ice stand in a small town, MaryMack’s has grown to what it is today; the parent company to three leading fun lines of treats. Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Cotton Candy Express and Scoot keep the fun in everyday. Whether it is a hot summer day, a birthday celebration or just a random Tuesday, ignite the spark of joy with on of Mary Macks delicious indulgences.

King Street Baking Co.  believes in the joy of treating oneself, without the need for a special occasion. With a mission to cater to all, King Street Baking Co.'s delectable baked goods are designed to bring delight to everyone's lives. Originating in Brooklyn, their artisanal creations are crafted in small batches with meticulous care. They takes pride in their commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that their products are made and packaged in an eco-conscious manner. 

Lily Maude’s was founded on a simple idea: Take heritage flour confection recipes, ditch the gluten and nuts and keep the butter, eggs, sugar, and texture intact to deliver desserts worthy of a blue-ribbon or in their case, a 2023 sofi Award for New Product (Baked Goods-Bakery Desserts) for their Peach-Lavender Bundtlet. Lily Maude's is a specialty commercial bakery and offers a complete line of gluten-free flour confections for retail, wholesale and corporate gifts.

Functional In Many Forms

Eleven is a company dedicated to crafting delicious and healthy drinks that prioritize the well-being of its consumers. With a strong emphasis on using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, Eleven takes pride in creating beverages that make you feel better from the inside out. Their commitment to sourcing organic and sustainable options sets them apart, ensuring that every sip is a conscious choice. 

A prominent player in the field of innovative food, ANDRIANI is known for their commitment to gluten-free products. With a dedicated factory, they conceive, develop, and produce a comprehensive range of gluten-free pasta that offers a unique and delicious taste. Their pasta is crafted using a variety of gluten-free ingredients such as Brown Rice, Corn, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Lentils, Peas, and more. In addition to pasta, ANDRIANI has also expanded their offerings to include flour mixes for cakes and baked products, meeting the demand for gluten-free alternatives in the baking industry. 

Momma Bear USA is a women-led company that makes cough lollipops and nausea lollipops with care. Their tasty, single-dose lollipops are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients to deliciously ease the everyday ailments of those you love. Their products are organic and free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Made in small batches and artisanal crafted in the U.S., they combine simple organic ingredients and functional antioxidants.

Beyond The Brand – Mission Driven

Owned by deaf entrepreneur, Bumbleberry Farms spreads a little sweetness with their honey as well by empowering deaf individuals through the company’s hiring and sourcing practices, as well as serving on boards that advance the lives of those in the deaf community. Specializing in honey and honey cream spreads that are simply delightful, their products are gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, low in fat, sodium-free, and suitable for vegetarians. 

Gosia's Pierogies is more than just a brand known for its delicious pierogies; it is a company that is proudly Deaf and woman-owned, based in Pennsylvania. With a secret family recipe originating from Poland and passed down through generations, their pierogies embody a rich culinary heritage. Gosia's Pierogies goes the extra mile by making everything from scratch, including peeling their own potatoes. They prioritize quality by using only the freshest ingredients, chemical-free dairy products, and handmade dough. 

Wild Bill's Craft Beverage is a mouthwatering brand that offers an array of craft sodas. As a company owned and operated by veterans, Wild Bill's Craft Beverage goes the extra mile to support and invest in the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and its citizens. They passionately serve their carefully concocted, traditionally crafted, and secret authentic recipes at various events, markets, conferences, and gatherings where flavor enthusiasts come together to indulge in exceptional taste experiences. 

Capitana is a female-founded company that specializes in salsas, considering them the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine. They believe in the versatility and accommodating nature of salsas, which can be prepared in various ways to enhance a dish or provide the finishing touch. Capitana aims to introduce people outside of Mexico to the diverse world of salsas and their flavors. In addition to their culinary mission, Capitana has a social purpose of giving back to Mexico. They donate a portion of their profits to IXIM, an organization that supports isolated indigenous tzetzal communities in the Lacandon Jungle of Chiapas, Mexico. 

Innovations in the Animal Industry 

Maroon Sausage is the result of a serendipitous fusion of cultures, uniquely occurring in the vibrant melting pot of New York City. The inspiration for their sausages emerged naturally in the kitchen of a Brooklyn couple. With one partner hailing from Chicago, where sausage is a beloved staple, and the other having Jamaican roots, where jerk seasoning is commonly used, the idea for jerk chicken sausage was born. masterfully combining the art of blending spices from the Caribbean and Asia with the craftsmanship of an Italian butcher, their mission is to provide you with the means to create a simple yet truly memorable culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression on your customers

Ploughgate Creamery is a renowned artisanal producer of small-batch, cultured butter known for its exceptional quality. Cultured butter stands apart from regular butter with its tangy and rich flavor, reminiscent of cheese. This is achieved through the incorporation of beneficial live bacteria, a process shared with cheese-making. Ploughgate Creamery butter is meticulously made by hand, ensuring unparalleled quality and taste. 

Renowned dairy farm and cheese company, Maplebrook Farm is known for its exceptional artisanal products. Located in Bennington, Vermont, Maplebrook Farm has a rich history and a commitment to producing high-quality, handcrafted cheeses and dairy products. Their cheeses are made using traditional methods and locally sourced milk, resulting in a range of delicious and distinctive flavors. From fresh mozzarella to burrata and feta, Maplebrook Farm offers a diverse selection of artisanal cheeses that have garnered acclaim from cheese enthusiasts and chefs alike. 

Local Favorites Turn Into National Staples

Blue Crab Bay Co. is a Maryland based brand that offers a range of award-winning Chesapeake and seafood inspred items like Sting Ray Bloody Mary Mixer with Clam Juice, coastal-themed snacks such as Barnacles, flavorful seafood seasonings, and beautifully wrapped gift packs featuring fishnet accents. To accompany their deliocus food item, they pair well with their exquisite kitchenware, dinnerware, and serve ware adorned with hand-painted blue crab motifs.

Di Bruno Bros is a Philadelphia-based company that takes great pride in its roots and strong connection to the city. They have built a reputation as experts in all things cheese, offering a wide selection of high-quality cheeses, as well as complementary pairings, charcuterie, and gourmet gifting options. With a legacy-inspired approach, Di Bruno Bros is dedicated to curating an exceptional range of products that bring joy and happiness to their customers. 

From the tiniest state with a big heart, Ocean State Pepper Co. has been cranking out the world's hottest peppers, and showcasing them in an approachable light. They use fresh organically-grown chilies, which they dry and blend in-house, to elevate the flavors of their seasoning blends, without the overpowering use of salt. Being able to control the process from seed to bottle allows them to provide ultra fresh seasonings, that will instantly elevate anyone's spice rack.

As the curtains close on the Summer Fancy Food Show 2023, it's evident that this gathering of remarkable brands has left a lasting impression on both the palate and the heart. From the bold flavors to the artisanal craftsmanship, the commitment to quality and innovation shines through. These brands go beyond satisfying cravings; they embody a passion for culture, sustainability, and social impact. The Summer Fancy Food Show showcased not only delectable treats but also the incredible stories and values behind them. As we bid farewell to this year's event, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of culinary inspiration and discovery that awaits us at the next gathering of visionary brands at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, January 21-23, 2024.