Specialty Foods Fuel Growth as Shoppers Seek Wellness and Global Flavors

NGA 2026 conference highlights emerging consumer trends driving demand for innovative products

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm

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At the NGA 2026 conference, Leana Salamah of the Specialty Food Association outlined how shifting consumer behaviors around wellness and global cuisine exploration are creating new growth opportunities for retailers. Salamah discussed two key wellness trends - the 'appetite reset' driven by weight-loss medications, and the desire for 'honest processing' that showcases natural, minimally altered ingredients. She also highlighted the rise of global flavor experimentation, as consumers remix international cuisines for self-expression. Salamah emphasized that specialty food products can be high-margin growth engines for grocers, as consumers seek out innovative, sensory-driven experiences.

Why it matters

As consumers navigate economic uncertainty, they are turning to food for emotional regulation and self-expression. This has fueled demand for wellness-focused and globally-inspired specialty products that offer unique flavors and transparent processing. Retailers that can effectively merchandise and market these trends stand to capture increased basket sizes and customer loyalty.

The details

Salamah outlined two key wellness trends shaping consumer demand. The 'appetite reset' driven by the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications has led shoppers to gravitate towards nutrient-dense, smaller-portion foods. Retailers can respond with specialized merchandising, clinical partnerships, and 'precision portioning.' The desire for 'honest processing' that showcases natural, minimally altered ingredients has also grown, presenting opportunities for retailers to train staff, use in-store digital displays, and offer product comparisons. Additionally, consumers are exploring global cuisines with unprecedented creativity, remixing international flavors for self-expression. Retailers can capitalize on this through functional signage, cross-cultural flavor merchandising, and trend-driven demos.

  • The Specialty Food Association recently identified six major consumer trends for 2026, unveiling them at its Winter Fancy Food event.
  • The Association plans to spotlight further insights at the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

The players

Leana Salamah

Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Specialty Food Association.

Specialty Food Association

A trade association representing the specialty food industry, which recently identified six major consumer trends for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“This is here to stay. Roughly half of GLP‑1 users expect to remain on the medications for years.”

— Leana Salamah, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications (chaindrugreview.com)

“It's not just about lavender or black garlic. It's about what those flavors fulfill for the consumer — emotionally and rationally. Food is becoming both medicine and personality.”

— Leana Salamah, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications (chaindrugreview.com)

What’s next

The Specialty Food Association will release a full trend report and plans to spotlight further insights at the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

The takeaway

Retailers that can effectively merchandise and market the growing consumer demand for wellness-focused and globally-inspired specialty products stand to capture increased basket sizes and customer loyalty, as shoppers seek out innovative, sensory-driven food experiences to navigate economic uncertainty and express their evolving preferences.