Your Post-Show Recap:
Fresh Insights and Survey Results
That’s a wrap on this year’s show! We were thrilled to sample new products and connect with so many wonderful attendees. Here are the top three food trends we observed as well as the results from the survey we conducted at our booth.
TOP 3 TRENDS WE SAW AT THE NACS SHOW 2023
#1 Spicy, Savory, and Sensational: Bold Flavors Are Big
We’re not the only ones who recognize and appreciate consumer demand for bold choices at C-stores. Many manufacturers are rolling out extra-spicy offerings and Mexican-inspired flavors. We saw plenty of hot options featuring habaneros, ghost peppers, and Buffalo seasoning. Plus, pickles are popping up as an uncommon yet bold flavor.
#2 Co-branding: Familiar Brands in New Mashups
It feels like a win-win for small and large manufacturers alike. These cross-branding releases help well-known products feel new, while fresh, smaller products can tap into the awareness of bigger brands to drive interest and familiarity. We saw Tajin featured in sweet products and plenty of instances of popular candies merged with popcorn.
#3 Health Plus-Ups: The Power of Protein and Vitamins
Adding nutrients to beverages isn’t exactly new, but NACS featured a surge in the variety of drinks featuring vitamins, electrolytes, and ionization. Plus, we saw higher protein variations of all kinds of products including chips, granola, and even candy bars. It’s a testament to the overarching trend of consumers looking for functional benefits from their food choices.
SURVEY SAYS!
We asked booth attendees to take a quick survey. Here’s what we learned.