-
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.
-
-
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 new decade included dried fruits. Pesto sauce, fondue, salsa, alternative and flavored oils and microbrew beer would also gain popularity during the 1990s.
-
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 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 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.
-
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, such as Eden Soy Extra beverage, grew in consumer interest throughout the 1990s.
-
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
-
The Fancy Food Show celebrated its 40th anniversary.
-
NASFT published its first consumer catalog, “Specialty Foods Catalog,” which was mailed to 100,000 recipients.
-
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.
-
A General Membership category was created, allowing retailers, chefs and other re-sellers of specialty foods to become voting members of the NASFT.
-
The Spring Midwest Fancy Food Show debuted in Chicago; 14,000 buyers and other trade professionals attend the inaugural Show.
