The fine weather is set to last until 23 September, the start of autumn, and the whole of the quality food retail sector has adapted to the season. Freshness, spontaneity and the joy of sharing a meal at a sunny table take centre stage, and certain product categories stand out as summer favourites. To put together an appealing range, it’s best to anticipate which categories will perform well and know where to place your bets.
Published on Sep 9,2026 at 9:58 AM | Updated on Sep 9,2026 at 10:06 AM
Here’s an overview of the products set to stand out in shops this summer, much like the range showcased at the latest edition of Gourmet Selection. From the terrace to the picnic, from the first iced coffee of the morning to dinner in the garden, quality delicatessen goods have something to complement every moment of culinary indulgence.
Three bottles of Jardins non-alcoholic aperitifs, in red, yellow, and orange hues, displayed on a table.

Chilled drinks take centre stage

When it comes to wine and drinks, refreshment takes centre stage as soon as the heat sets in. Outdoor terraces call for light, thirst-quenching options, from gourmet non-alcoholic sparkling drinks to iced teas served in a jug, as well as chilled versions of matcha and speciality coffee. The Tours-based brand Jardins exemplifies this move towards premium non-alcoholic aperitifs, with organic, low-sugar recipes to be mixed into refreshing cocktails, and its ‘Bulles de Jardins’ range, designed as an elegant alternative to champagne. The ‘no-low’ trend – ranging from non-alcoholic drinks to those enriched with collagen or vitamins – rounds off a summer menu that compromises neither on taste nor on conviviality.

Refreshing Beverages and Summer Treats

The craze for hot drinks is also spilling over from the counter onto the shelves, and summer brings a chilled version of the trend. According to the Collectif Café, cited by Bpifrance in its article “Coffee shops: a success story that shows no sign of waning”, the number of coffee shops in France has risen by 74% since 2010. Cold brew, iced lattes, iced teas and herbal infusions enjoyed chilled are expanding seasonal beverage ranges and attracting new consumers.

The Côte Sauvage Collection brand offers teas and herbal infusions made with Breton seaweed as refreshing summer drinks, while Flore Norman has developed its Apple, Pear, Caramel & Calvados Pays d'Auge herbal infusion to be enjoyed both hot and iced. To help retailers discover the latest innovations in this category, Gourmet Selection's Wine & Beverages sector showcases new products every year.

The Summer Aperitif: A Playground for Savoury Delicacies

In the Savoury Delicacies sector, spontaneous aperitifs are making their way onto every table. Artisan crisps, spreads, preserved seafood and barbecue condiments form the basis of relaxed summer gatherings while highlighting regional expertise and craftsmanship.

Based in Venelles, Provence, Sentier des Bergers offers a grilled vegetable spread with Mediterranean flavours, combining aubergines, courgettes, red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. Ideal on toast, in wraps or as part of a sharing platter, it perfectly captures the spirit of summer dining.

In the preserved foods category, La Belle-Iloise has partnered with Sauces Martin to create “Hot Fish”, a tin of Breton sardines enhanced with red habanero chilli sauce. A bold product that demonstrates how traditional canned foods can reinvent themselves for modern aperitif occasions. Meanwhile, Aix&Terra offers Provençal aperitif recipes including tapenades, pepper spreads and confits that pair perfectly with outdoor gatherings.

For a more premium snacking experience, Happy Hours offers a range of 100% organic roasted nuts, including its signature Almond, Sesame & Honey blend, an elegant snack designed to accompany drinks and shared moments.

On the sweet side, indulgence takes on a sunny, on-the-go vibe

The summer season calls for light, fruity, and easy-to-carry treats. Summer fruit jams, on-the-go biscuits, and frozen delights all find their way into shopping baskets. As Paris's only jam-making factory, Confiture Parisienne captures the spirit of the season with its Lotus Redcurrant jam, an award-winning product at the Best Of Competition. The recipe combines the tangy notes of redcurrant with delicate floral aromas and hints of nostalgic confectionery.

Chocolate lovers are not forgotten either. Marou coats thin slices of Vietnamese dried mango in 65% dark chocolate, creating a premium snack that is both indulgent and convenient. Perfect for coffee shops and concept stores, these practical formats can be slipped into a beach bag just as easily as they can be shared around a garden table.

Close-up of a jar of Confiture Parisienne "Lotus Redcurrant" jam displayed on a wooden stand.

When Summer Transforms the Store into an Experience

Beyond the products themselves, summer is also the season for sensory discoveries. Colours, textures and aromas become powerful purchasing drivers long before tasting even begins. According to the French Consumer Barometer conducted by ObSoCo for the Foire de Paris, based on a survey of 2,000 French consumers carried out between 24 November and 2 December 2025, six out of ten French people believe that consumption is primarily about having an experience.

In specialty food stores, this trend translates into tasting areas, carefully curated displays and seasonal merchandising designed to stimulate the senses. Gourmet Selection's flagship events, from the Expert's Agora to L'Épicerie de Gourmet, showcase practical examples of how retailers can bring a department to life and transform a simple visit into a memorable experience.

From Summer 2026 to the Next Edition

The products presented during the 2026 edition of Gourmet Selection, held on 7 and 8 June at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, set the tone for the season's key trends. From refreshing beverages and innovative aperitif products to cheese accompaniments and gourmet snacking concepts, the show highlighted the creativity driving the fine food sector.

To continue identifying the products and concepts shaping the market, the Best Of competition and the Best French Fine Food Retailer competition remain essential sources of inspiration for industry professionals seeking innovation and differentiation.

The next edition of Gourmet Selection will take place on 13 and 14 June 2027 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Until then, professionals can explore the season's major consumer and product trends in The 2026 Trend Snapshot.

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