Discovering Trends at Newtopia

The Newtopia buzz is still going strong! We had a fantastic time at the event in Denver, CO, where we made meaningful connections and gained valuable insights from the Sprouts and INFRA panels. While the product selection felt more limited and the event was smaller compared to Expo West, it was still an incredible opportunity to discover standout brands and key retail trends!

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s trending:

High Protein for Everything

Protein-packed products are making their way into all kinds of foods. From toast and pasta to muffins and sauces, high protein options are becoming more versatile. Look out for products like Equii bread, Sturdy sauce, and Carbe Diem pasta that cater to this growing demand.

Spicy + Sweet Flavors

The combination of spicy and sweet is gaining more traction. While hot honey has been a trendsetter, many new chocolates and ice creams are now featuring spicy pepper. Additionally, spicy Agave sweeteners, such as those from Chantico, are making waves.

Creative Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying technology is evolving beyond traditional fruits and candies. Now, you can find a lot of freeze-dried candies, pasta, soups, and even fish balls. This innovative technique is opening new possibilities for convenience and gourmet foods.

Focus on Wellness and Longevity

The show floor was dominated by products that emphasize wellness, longevity, clean ingredients, and sustainability. The rise of the #Healthspan market indicates that consumers are prioritizing long-term health over quick fixes. Retailers need to adapt their assortments to align with this shift towards products that support a healthier and longer life.

Commitment to Regeneration

The industry is increasingly focusing on regenerative practices. Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) is gaining attention, highlighting the commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and fairness for farmers and workers. This certification underscores the broader push towards environmental sustainability and responsible production.

Retailer Insights: How Emerging Brands Can Stand Out

1. Transparency is Key: Be open about challenges and readiness. Retailers like Sprouts value honest feedback and full disclosure, which builds trust and supports long-term success.

2. Data-Driven Decisions: Data is crucial. Over half of buyers see data-driven decisions as essential for category management, reshaping how retailers review and select products.

3. Strategic Planning & Store Partnerships: Present a clear plan for product performance. Show how your brand fits into existing categories and how you plan to drive sales, comparing yourself to top performers.

4. Understanding Consumers and Retailers: Know consumer motivations and retailer needs. Align your strategies with these insights to resonate with both buyers and end consumers, fostering loyalty and trust.

   
   

These trends are setting the stage for future innovations and shifts in consumer preferences. Staying ahead of these trends will be key for brands and retailers looking to thrive in the evolving marketplace.

With Cohere Commerce's insights, we help brands stand out in retail pitches. To stay ahead of the latest retail trends and be the first to hear about new brand launches, stay connected with Cohere Commerce.