We all know it’s been quite a year. Enough said. I want to start by focusing on the remarkable resiliency and adaptability of US consumers.

Not so long-ago veganism was considered cult-like, an outlier behavior that many thought would endanger the health of the person. Now we are seeing real-life models for what strong, vibrant and vegan can look like.

There were an impressive 600 new, first-time exhibitors this year. As someone who has been going to Expo West for more than a decade, it was an amazing collection of better-for-you foods and top-notch entrepreneurs. 

In and of itself, fermented or probiotic laden foods are not a new trend. Kimchi, kombucha and pickled foods have been hot for some time now. But a live hot sauce? That is new.

Protein and snacking are two megatrends that are now fully mainstream. That's because busy consumers demand quick, nutritious, satisfying options that do more than just fill you up. Both of these trends are powerhouses and independently meet consumers' needs well.