Gourmet Business November 2014

Is it really November already? October flew by, but that’s what happens when you are constantly on the move.  The Gourmet Business team attended some important events in October – SIAL Paris and NY Tabletop Market – which are both key for understanding the trends that will drive product development in 2015.

SIAL Paris is an exhibition that gathers specialty food producers from every corner of the earth presenting products in every food category imaginable spread across nine halls. As one enters the first of the halls, it is awe-inspiring to see just how large and complicated the food business really is. We see and taste so many products in such a short period of time that it is difficult for items to stand out in our minds, but usually there are a few so unique that we can’t stop talking about them. Once such product, called Mesh Stick (www.meshstick.com) and made by a Turkish company, is a premium coffee and tea packaged in a foil stick-shaped pouch that can be stirred into a cup of hot water to brew and simultaneously act as a stirrer for sugar, milk or honey. I know you’re not excited yet, but wait, there’s more. When you remove the mesh stick, it will not drip even if you shake it. Not even one drop! No stains on your tablecloth, no drips on your morning paper, and your shirt- sleeves remain stain-free.

The next item that generated a great deal of discussion among our group was from a company that offered finely julienned congealed vinegars to add an artistic touch and unique flavor finisher for all sorts of dishes. Instead of balsamic vinegar running off of your fresh Caprese salad, imagine having a touch of vinegar on each bite of fresh mozzarella as well as a nice color contrast against the milky white background. We could see how this product might unleash a lot of creativity and flavor at home and in the restaurant. I don’t know that either of these products are available in the USA yet, but we sure hope they find their way to our shores soon.

At NY Tabletop Market at the 41 Madison showrooms, I was able to preview some of the new collections for retailers available for the 2015 season.
It seems that shades of gray remain good for more than just books, and blue is still popular heading into the New Year. I was also impressed with how companies are using glazing techniques to mimic metallic patterns and create raised borders that present interesting textures, colors and designs. I know our editors will bring you more details in the very near future.

Good luck with your holiday season.

David Spencer
Publisher, Gourmet Business 

President, HousewaresDirect, Inc. 

dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com