Expo West produced a fairly clear picture of overarching themes that may soon find their way into stores. These represent everything from complete departures to extensions of existing categories. They also represent new avenues of growth. Here are a select few picked out from two days of roaming the aisles:
- Nut butters
This was almost a given, due to the tremendous adverse publicity and massive recalls prompted by the Peanut Corporation of America-related recall this winter, the largest in U.S. history. Instead, there were nut butters from a variety of alternative sources, such as almonds and cashews.
- Goat's milk dairy
There are a number of goat's milk products coming to market, such as ice cream and yogurt. While there have been goat's milk products around in the natural channel for quite some time, the companies behind these newest products are poised to penetrate mainstream retail channels. Goat's milk is said to be more digestible and a true dairy alternative to those who are lactose-intolerant.
- Heirloom grains
Again, these products have existed forever in alternative channels, but are ready to hit the big time. Look for products featuring amaranth, quinoa, spelt and other grains known to ancient civilizations, particularly bread and roll items.
- Organic cocktail mixers
Blame it on the recession, but there's a slew or organic and all-natural cocktail add-ons ready for the next Happy Hour. Tonic water, club soda, bitter lemon and ginger ale are but a few of the sodas being marketed for cocktail time.
