2024 Winter Fancy Food Show RIDEPLAY tv Recap

Last week, the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the largest trade-only specialty food event in the United States, the Fancy Food Show showcased an array of specialty food and beverages from around the globe! Thousands of makers, buyers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals gathered for three days of product discovery, networking, and business opportunities. Here at RIDEPLAY tv we continued our culinary journey through the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show. While it’s impossible to cover every vendor at the show, I’d love to share some highlights from my experience: Here are more standout companies and their delectable offerings:

1. Spice Odyssey: Global Flavor Blends

At booth 721, Spice Odyssey transported visitors to distant lands with their exquisite spice blends. From Moroccan ras el hanout to Japanese shichimi togarashi, each blend was a passport to flavor exploration. I sampled their smoky Peruvian aji panca rub, perfect for grilling. Spice Odyssey’s commitment to sourcing high-quality, ethically produced spices left a lasting impression.

2. Moonlit Matcha: Ceremonial Green Tea

Moonlit Matcha’s serene booth beckoned tea enthusiasts. Their ceremonial-grade matcha whisked into vibrant froth was a sensory delight. The founder, clad in traditional Japanese attire, shared the art of matcha preparation. Moonlit Matcha’s commitment to sustainable farming practices resonated with eco-conscious attendees.

3. Beehive Bites: Honey-Infused Snacks

Buzzing with excitement, Beehive Bites showcased an array of honey-infused treats. Their lavender-infused honeycomb brittle was a revelation—crunchy, floral, and utterly addictive. Beehive Bites also introduced bee pollen energy bars, a wholesome snack for busy bees. As I savored a sample, I imagined the bees dancing in approval.

4. Cacao Alchemy: Bean-to-Bar Magic

Cacao Alchemy’s booth resembled a mystical laboratory. Their single-origin chocolate bars were a symphony of flavors. I nibbled on a Tanzanian dark chocolate infused with cardamom, and my taste buds danced. Cacao Alchemy’s commitment to fair trade and direct relationships with cacao farmers added depth to their creations.

5. Fromage Fantasia: Cheese Meets Art

Fromage Fantasia celebrated cheese as both sustenance and art. Their sculpted cheese wheels adorned with edible flowers and herbs were Instagram-worthy. I sampled a blue cheese infused with elderflower liqueur, a harmonious blend of pungency and floral sweetness. Fromage Fantasia’s dedication to elevating cheese to an art form left me inspired.

6. Spirited Elixirs: Craft Cocktail Mixers

Spirited Elixirs stirred up excitement with their handcrafted cocktail mixers. Their hibiscus-infused margarita syrup promised a fiesta in every glass. Spirited Elixirs also unveiled a smoked maple old fashioned mixer, perfect for cozy winter evenings. As I sipped, I imagined snow falling outside a log cabin.

7. Nutty Nirvana: Nut Butter Innovations

Nutty Nirvana’s booth was a haven for nut enthusiasts. Their pistachio-cacao spread blended the richness of nuts with the allure of chocolate. Nutty Nirvana also introduced a cashew-turmeric butter, a golden elixir packed with anti-inflammatory goodness. I left with jars of nutty joy.

8. Floral Fusion: Petal-Powered Delights

Floral Fusion celebrated the beauty of blooms in gastronomy. Their rose petal-infused olive oil was delicate and fragrant. Visitors marveled at their hibiscus-lavender shortbread cookies, a marriage of elegance and flavor. Floral Fusion’s booth felt like a secret garden.

9. Angel’s Salumi & Truffles: Natural Artisan Charcuterie

At booth 1053, I stepped into the magical world of Italian salumi and truffles—two of my favorite things. Angel’s Salumi & Truffles wowed visitors with their exquisite selection of handcrafted charcuterie. From aged prosciutto to truffle-infused sausages, their offerings were a symphony of flavors. The booth was adorned with rustic wooden displays, evoking the charm of an Italian countryside market. Visitors couldn’t resist sampling the delicate slices of black truffle salami paired with crusty baguette. It was a sensory delight that transported me straight to Tuscany.

10. Saffron Spice Emporium: Golden Elixir

Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, took center stage at Saffron Spice Emporium’s booth. Their display shimmered with tiny glass vials, each containing precious strands of saffron. Visitors marveled at the vibrant red threads—the essence of sun-kissed crocus flowers. The saffron-infused products ranged from saffron-infused honey (perfect for drizzling over cheese) to saffron-infused gin (a luxurious twist on a classic cocktail). As I sipped a saffron-spiced chai latte, I couldn’t help but feel like royalty.

11. Seaweed Sensations: Oceanic Umami

Seaweed, often overlooked, emerged as a star ingredient at Seaweed Sensations. Their booth resembled an underwater wonderland, complete with hanging kelp strands and seashell accents. I sampled their dulse seaweed chips, which were surprisingly addictive. The umami flavor danced on my taste buds, and I learned that seaweed is not only nutritious but also sustainable. Seaweed-infused chocolates and kelp jerky were other intriguing offerings. Who knew the ocean could taste so good?

12. The Cheese Cave: A Fromage Paradise

Cheese enthusiasts rejoiced at The Cheese Cave. From stinky blues to creamy bries, this booth was a cheese lover’s dream. The centerpiece was a wheel of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, its crumbly texture and nutty aroma drawing crowds. The Cheese Cave also introduced a line of vegan cashew cheeses, proving that dairy-free options can be equally indulgent. As I nibbled on a slice of truffle-infused gouda, I pondered the infinite possibilities of cheese. Remember, these glimpses are just the tip of the iceberg. The Winter Fancy Food Show continues to inspire innovation, foster connections, and ignite our passion for all things delicious.   Here are some Trends that stood out at the show.

1. Plant-Based Innovations: From mushroom-based charcuterie to algae-infused snacks, plant-based options were everywhere.
2. Functional Beverages: Adaptogenic elixirs, collagen-infused teas, and CBD-infused sparkling water promised wellness in every sip.
3. Global Flavors: Visitors traveled the world through their taste buds, exploring Sichuan peppercorns, Persian rosewater, and Japanese yuzu.
4. Zero-Waste Initiatives: Brands showcased compostable packaging and sustainable sourcing practices.

Foodie William Andre Buchanan in his happy place at the Winder Fancy Food Show 2024

Foodie, Snack master & Sweetaholic William Andre Buchanan in his happy place at the Winder Fancy Food Show 2024

As the show concluded, I left with a full belly, a notebook filled with flavor inspirations, and a renewed appreciation for the artisans shaping our culinary landscape. Until next year, Winter Fancy Food Show—keep delighting our palates!  

About the Specialty Food Association 

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based, trade association founded in 1952 and currently representing 3,000+ businesses, manufacturers, importers, retailers, distributors, brokers, and others in the trade and produces the Fancy Food Shows, A Specialty Food Association Podcast, the ecommerce enabled SFA Product Marketplace and the annual sofi Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. The Association is also a source of industry information, educational events and in-person and online networking opportunities for members, including the digital Infinite Aisle, a product sales platform. The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has been the leading trade association and source of information about the $175 billion specialty food industry for 70 years.

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Since coming into formation, RIDEPLAY tv has been a proud sponsor and media partner of some of these lavish events surrounding major publications & conventions. All vendors that participated are encouraged to take advantage of the exclusive airtime offer through the RIDEPLAY tv screen inventory. Please contact your event producers for details.

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