2025 is here at last, and with it will come a whole host of new trends that shake up the specialty food space. One company at the forefront of flavor innovation is Good Foods Group. Chief Growth Officer Shannon Maher sat down with me to discuss her predictions for the year ahead.

“Convenient, affordable, and versatile dips and spreads will continue to drive trends in 2025 as consumers look for products that meet multiple needs,” she began telling me. “Dips and spreads are showing value through several applications, such as snacking and as pre-made ingredients in recipes. Products like our 2 oz cups of Avocado Mash show versatility—perfect for everyday snacking, meal prep, or work and school lunches—providing an easy, time-saving solution that maintains great taste and quality.”

Shannon explained that as hosting trends continue to grow, pre-packaged dips and spreads are playing a key role in creating shareable moments with ease. Whether it’s assembling a quick charcuterie board, enhancing appetizers, or leveling up recipes, consumers appreciate that these products not only impress guests but also allow hosts to enjoy the moments themselves.

“Flavor innovation will continue gaining popularity as consumers increasingly seek indulgent, unique options that elevate their everyday snacking and meal experiences,” Shannon continued. “Consumers are drawn to unique flavors, particularly those that combine sweet and spicy elements. In response to this trend and our own research around this demand, we released a creamy and ‘swicy’ Cranberry Jalapeño dip in the fall of 2024 for the holiday season and just launched our new Spicy Southwest Guacamole, offering flavors that go beyond the ordinary.”

Story by  Chandler James