Product Pitches

My mouth starts watering every time I open my email.

That’s because I’m on the press list for the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Summer Fancy Food Show. As a result, vendors are reaching out to me in hopes that I’ll visit their booths, and try and write about their products.

I appreciate their emails not only because of all the yummy products they’re pitching, but also because, since many specialty companies are so small, it’s the company owners—and even the product creators—who are contacting me.

Last week, I heard from Lucy Gibney, a board certified emergency physician, who created cookies for people with food allergies and gluten intolerance.

“They are so delicious other folks are enjoying them, too,” Ms. Gibney noted in her email.

I was also asked to stop by booth #555 to meet with Doug Renfro, president of Renfro Foods, makers of Mrs. Renfro’s gourmet salsa. Renfro Foods is a third generation, family owned business. It got its start about 70 years ago in a Fort Worth, Texas, garage.

Along with the company’s history, the email got my interest is because Renfro is introducing three unique salsa flavors – pineapple, pomegranate and tequila. They join a full slate of other specialty flavors like Raspberry Chipotle and Mango Habanero.

I’m always on the lookout for new flavor trends, so it will be interesting to see such sweet-heat and fruit-pepper combinations brought to life.

Another email I saved is from the Fine Chocolate Organization and Cioccolati D'Italia, which invited me to stop by and taste its Italian Artisan Handmade Chocolate. What a sweet way to end a day on the show floor.