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Launch of "Today's Specialty Food Consumers" Report
The NASFT and NASFT <i>Showcase</i> launch an annual research report, “Today’s Specialty Food Consumers.” Data showed that 56 percent of consumers reported recently purchasing a specialty food product; the most frequently purchased category was specialty deli meat. -
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The 1990s
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Julia Child at Summer Fancy Food Show
Julia Child appeared at the Summer Fancy Food Show in a two-hour session called “Breakfast With Julia.” -
Food Trends at the Start of the 90s
Food trends at the start of the new decade included dried fruits. Pesto sauce, fondue, salsa, alternative and flavored oils and microbrew beer would also gain popularity during the 1990s. -
Popular Products on the Specialty Market
More popular products on the specialty food market included bottled water from companies such as Glacier, caper berries imported from American Roland and sun-dried tomatoes from Just Tomatoes. -
Meet the Tastemakers Debuts
Meet the Tastemakers debuted at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, as the premier networking event. Area restaurants offered signature foods and beverages at the event. -
Focused Tastings Introduced at Summer Show
Focused Tastings were introduced at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C., to offer a comparative tasting of exhibitors’ products in three categories, such as olives, pasta sauces and teas. -
NASFT Board of Directors Welcomes New Members
New members to the NASFT Board of Directors included Dan Cohen, Clearbrook Farms; Amina Harris, Moon Shine Trading Co.; Sharron Meehan, Ham I Am!; Kathy Sedan, Superior Coffee and Foods and Susanne Witte Settineri, Carl Brandt, Inc. -
Soy-based Products Grow in Consumer Interest
Soy-based products, such as Eden Soy Extra beverage, grew in consumer interest throughout the 1990s. -
NASFT Specialty Food Education Conference Debuts
The NASFT’s annual Specialty Food Education Conference debuted with seminars, roundtable discussions and networking events. <b>Pictured:</b> Tim Manall, Michael Barefoot, Sharon Meehan -
40th Anniversary of Fancy Food Show
The Fancy Food Show celebrated its 40th anniversary. -
NASFT Publishes First Consumer Catalog
NASFT published its first consumer catalog, “Specialty Foods Catalog,” which was mailed to 100,000 recipients. -
NASFT Takes Over Management of Fancy Food Shows
Beginning with the Summer Show, the NASFT took over operation and management of the Fancy Food Shows and expanded staff. Many staff members are still with the Association today. -
General Membership Category Created
A General Membership category was created, allowing retailers, chefs and other re-sellers of specialty foods to become voting members of the NASFT. -
Spring Fancy Food Show Debuts
The Spring Midwest Fancy Food Show debuted in Chicago; 14,000 buyers and other trade professionals attend the inaugural Show.
