The 2026 Winter FancyFaire spotlighted a wave of genre-bending innovation, from collagen packed “beauty drinks” to Asian-inspired comfort mashups. Wellness shots, playful chocolates, and global better-for-you brands largely stole the show.
Retail’s biggest show, NRF 2026, signaled a reset, with economists forecasting steadier growth as AI, health-forward innovation, and omnichannel discipline reshape how food retailers compete. Leaders left aligned on one theme: 2026 belongs to operators who cut friction, elevate fresh, and deploy tech with purpose.
Nostalgia is booming, but recreating “childhood flavors” is far more complex than matching ingredients. As neurogastronomy shows, brands are really chasing memories and emotions—making retro hits powerful, but notoriously hard to get right.
McCormick’s once faded growth story is regaining heat, as consumer volumes stabilize and younger generations fuel long term demand for bold, global flavors.
