Pride, that’s what I felt as I entered a Moscone Center abuzz with activity and optimism. For all the talk of the economy’s handcuffing of the food industry, gloom and doom were not exhibiting at this year’s Fancy Food Show. It felt great to be a part of and witness two full floors of exhibitors, crowded aisles, and a rejuvinated attitude amongst people who make things happen in the food biz. And some people are really making it happen, a few that stood out to me are noted below.
Kind Snacks – the NYC metro brand’s presence continues to swell outward, no small feat in such a competitive category (cereal/granola bars). Great products, solid brand positioning and a dedication to a sincere and fun cause, kindness. Their whole essence just seems to ring true and current to what people want out of brands today.
Vosges – Primarily known for their exotic chocolate flavors, we found them at the show unveiling an ice cream line. Competition for the shelf space they desire will surely be tough to come by, but as people continue to gravitate toward more extreme flavors in ice cream, Vosges’ dedication to crazy flavor combinations will be well aligned with what shoppers want.
Activate – Whoa! Talk about innovation and potential to change TWO categories – water and vitamins. They’ve merged the two by creating a water bottle that houses vitamins within the cap – twisting the cap crushes the vitamins and they pour down into your water! Activate provides higher vitamin values than waters that pre-mix water and vitamins – since vitamins lose their nutritional value the longer they’re immersed in water. A product aimed at saving people time and money, that’s a good idea.
