I'll be heading west for the Winter Fancy Food Show later this week (January 16-18 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco) and look forward to client meetings and walking the aisles to see what's cooking this year. 

One big question: Will there be an even greater focus on whole grain products? There are many reasons for food companies to do just that. The latest version of the USDA dietary guidelines, revised every five years,  is due to be released soon and is likely to put more focus on whole grains in the diet. The new Weight Watchers program also puts more emphasis on whole grains, so there is plenty of motivation to bring new products to market to meet that demand.  Of course, many specialty and natural food product companies have already been doing just this for years -- but maybe now they will put more focus on this benefit.

I will also be curious to see if new gluten-free products are still popping up.  Does the gluten-free trend have legs in 2011?  I think it will.  Another trend I highlighted in my "Top Food Trends for 2011" newsletter was "new retro," so I'll be looking for those "old but new" products as well.

Please contact me if you would like to schedule a meeting or have me stop by your booth in San Francisco.  I am always interested in sharing my insights on how to grow your revenue by growing your products. 

Click here for more information on the Winter Fancy Food Show and what the buzz is about at this year's show.