In March 2025, in preparation for Expo West, Forklift Foods partnered with Bord Bia on a retail and food service safari in Los Angeles and Anaheim to uncover new trends and retail opportunities for 10 Irish Food companies. The group visited 12 retailers and several food service locations.

Expo West 2025 revealed the future of food: sharper claims, functional benefits, bold global flavors, and clean-label innovation. With tight capital, cautious consumers, and relentless cost pressures, brands have to work harder and smarter just to stay relevant. See where consumers — and smart brands — are moving next.

This research which was not about just putting hot honey on a pizza, demonstrated how traditional food categories can evolve without losing their soul. NYC pizza is staying authentically NYC pizza while adapting to what consumers actually want: community, sustainability, personalization, and genuine innovation.

Sometimes the most interesting trends happen in the most unexpected places. Who knew pizza slices could teach us so much about where food is trending?