Recap: The NAMA Show 2026
We Took Fruit For Thought to NAMA 2026. Here's What We Saw.
Last week, our team had the pleasure of sharing our dried fruit, nuts, and trail mixes at The NAMA Show, the National Automatic Merchandising Association's annual conference covering everything from vending and micro markets to coffee services, kiosks, pantry, and self-service retail, and it was quite a ride. Between the buzzing booths, curious snackers, and repeat visitors sneaking back for seconds (we see you!), we came home with a lot to think about.
The Big Themes on the Show Floor
One thing was crystal clear: snacking is evolving. Health-forward products dominated the conversation, with protein leading the charge, showing up in bars, chips, and even coffee! Probiotics and prebiotics were everywhere too, in both perishable and shelf-stable formats, reflecting a growing consumer focus on gut health.
The surprise of the show? Caffeine. Energy drinks have come a long way from a standard cup of coffee or a can of Red Bull. We're talking about sparkling energy drinks, fruity formats, protein-packed options, chocolate bars, and extra-strength canned cold brew. With today's hustle culture in full swing, it makes sense that caffeine is having a serious moment.
Where Fruit For Thought Fit In
Amid a sea of processed snacks and traditional vending staples, we were proud to be one of the few vendors showcasing minimally processed products. And the response? Better than we expected.
A lot of people were genuinely surprised by how long our products last on the shelf, and even more intrigued when we mentioned refrigeration as an option. But the most interesting conversations were around perception. Many folks are used to perfectly uniform fruit covered in added sugar, so our all-natural dried fruit raised some eyebrows at first glance.
That's exactly the kind of moment we live for. Watching skeptics take a taste and light up when they realized how good real dried fruit can be, with zero additives or preservatives, never gets old.
The Takeaway
There is a genuine, growing demand for wholesome snacks that support healthy lifestyles and have real staying power on the shelf. Dried fruit checks every one of those boxes, and NAMA 2026 made that clearer than ever.
To everyone who swung by our booth more than once: your enthusiasm means the world to us. We look forward to seeing you at The NAMA Show 2027 in New Orleans!
Some of our favorite sights on the floor
- A french fry vending machine that makes hot french fries in 35 seconds
- The Planers’ Mr Peanut and Smuckers’ Uncrustable mascots in a rare appearance together
- Cumulus’ airstream cold coffee booth making nitro cold brew from an instant coffee machine
- Monster Energy’s grunge concert-themed booth complete with a claw machine
- Archer Meat Snacks full stairway ad