Hunger-busting bars, plant-based snacks, fruit-filled meringues, and stuffed truffles — these were some of the new headliners on the sweets and snacks block exhibiting at the 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The four confectionery and snack companies were among 35 up-and-comers showcased in the New Brands on the Shelf, a section reserved for Specialty Food Association member candidates.
So what do these four entrepreneurs indicate about our industry’s direction? Two companies represent seismic change-ups in the puff chip and snack bar segments. And the other two companies represent incremental innovation to traditional sweets/snacks, specifically for the meringues and truffle indulgent categories. So, let’s take a closer look.