Key Takeaways From The 2018 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

Kitchen Culture in the #metoo Era

• Positive reinforcement
• Be a mentor
• Allow creativity and autonomy
• Hire diverse staff

Branding Gone Bananas

• KitchenAid® returned this year bigger than ever. The cooking experience was brought to life with six master classes scheduled throughout the three days with live demonstrations from world-class chefs.
• The country of Peru was a major sponsor this year, and even brought in alpacas to up guests’ selfie games.
• Gin is having a moment. Hendrick's jumped on board with a retro-looking machine that makes the perfect G&T.
• Blue Moon capitalized on this national moment to bring top media to their RiNo distillery in Denver, saying in effect: “Hey, come write about us and we will transport you and get you into Aspen Food & Wine...and pick up the tab.” Good deal.
• Gwyneth Paltrow opened a Goop Aspen pop-up shop during the city’s Food & Wine Classic festival, highlighting the flavors and textures of the West with the help of superstar chef Seamus Mullen.
• Outdoor Voices, the new “it” fitness brand also opened a pop-up in Aspen, in addition to hosting a media/influencer hike during the festival.

#Trending

• Canned Wine Craze – Between Romona canned wine from JBF award winner Jordan Salcito dominating parties and Infinite Monkey Theorem sponsoring the famed Wine at the Mine party...cans were crushed everywhere.
• Wellness Warriors – Along with Outdoor Voices’ presence in Aspen, FitFoodies offered yoga classes on the top of the mountain, and other wellness-centric activations. The festival was dominated by moments of wellness (mental and physical) woven into indulgence.
• Aloha, Aspen – The weekend was full of luau- and nautical-themed events from the RiNo Yacht Club Trade Afternoon Social, and the Trade Summer Luau to the Patron Luau party. Tiki is still comin' in hot...
• Southern Hospitality – With chefs Ashley Christensen, Hugh Acheson, and Tim Love leading the charge, there was a huge Southern presence at the festival.
• Rebirth of Rye – When Dave Wondrich (one of the world’s foremost cocktail authorities) speaks, the industry listens. He gave an entire panel dedicated to the rise rye. Get ready to see this beloved spirit everywhere.