Editor's Letter
Forthcoming Flavors
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W ith this August issue of Fancy Food, we are ushering in the flavors of fall. Autumn is an exciting time for gourmet retailers, as it signals the beginning of a sequence of holidays, celebrations and get-togethers that, inevitably, are focused on food, family and friends.
Now is the time to begin promoting comfort foods, which are a natural fit for the season. In this issue, we explore the vast category of specialty soups (page 8), which are a classic choice for fall entertaining. Whether served as a course or complete meal, soup can be an elegant addition to a regular weeknight.
If you have customers who like to bake, you'll want to check out our feature on baking ingredients on page 17. From special flours and sugars to decorating elements, we delve into the latest must-have items for bakers. Consider hosting an in-store baking event to demonstrate the many uses of these products and to help customers visualize the possibilities they can recreate in their own homes.
Our Fall Gourmet Gift Guide (page 12) contains thoughtful hostess gifts, tabletop accents and special treats that your customers are sure to enjoy. Many of these items are ideal for gift baskets. Consider offering a custom gift-basket service for a small fee; with some raffia, ribbon and rustic baskets, you can create stunning gift arrangements.
Many of the products in this issue were awarded silver
and gold sofi awards at the recent Fancy Food Show; be sure to share these
companies' achievements with your customers through signage and word of
mouth. And keep you eye out for products that fit into one of this year's
top five food trends, selected by an expert panel at the Show: innovative
vinegars, Indian products, grains/nuts/seeds, squash/pumpkin/ sweet potato
and handcrafted local heritage foods. Coincidentally, all five are perfect
for the fall season.
Ashley Trent
Associate Editor
atrent@talcott.com
