Hot trends, hotter pizzas – make sure your packaging can keep up!
The International Pizza Expo is where the biggest pizza trends of the year will take center stage. This year’s event will showcase everything from bold new flavors to premium ingredients, proving that pizza is evolving fast. Whether you run a classic pizzeria or are looking to shake things up, these pizza trends from previous pizza expos will have customers coming back for more.
Here are the top trends that had pizzaiolos talking – and what they mean for your shop.
1. Ribbon Pepperoni: The New King of Toppings
Move over, flat discs – ribbon-cut pepperoni is here to take your pie to the next level. These long, curled strands create crispy edges, better texture, and even better flavor distribution in every bite. Expect to see more pizzerias making the switch as customers fall in love with the pepperoni that fights back (in the best way possible).
2. Detroit-Style Pizza Is Here to Stay
That thick, caramelized-cheese crust isn’t going anywhere. Detroit-style pizza continues to dominate menus, with new variations like white sauce, spicy honey, and stuffed-crust twists keeping things fresh.
Customers are willing to pay premium prices for this deep-dish favorite, and with demand still rising, now might be the time to get in on the action.
3. Pizza Is Going Global
Fusion flavors are stealing the spotlight, and we’re here for it. Over the years, we’ve seen chefs push the boundaries with:
- Korean-inspired pizzas with gochujang sauce and kimchi.
- Indian-style naan pizzas topped with tikka masala.
- Middle Eastern flatbreads featuring za’atar, lamb, and harissa-spiced crusts.
Customers are hungry for bold, unexpected flavors, and the global pizza takeover is just getting started.
4. The Fancy Cheese Takeover
Mozzarella-only menus? Not anymore. The pizza world is going premium with truffle-infused cheeses, aged balsamic drizzles, and smoked gouda blends. One of the top cheese-mongers you can expect to see at the International Pizza Expo is BelGioioso Cheese Inc.
Premium ingredients mean premium pricing – and customers have shown they are willing to pay for high-end flavors.
5. The Artisan Frozen Pizza Boom
Frozen pizza is no longer just for college students and midnight snacks. More independent pizzerias are offering artisanal, high-quality frozen versions of their signature pies – so customers can enjoy their favorite pizzeria’s pizza at home. You can expect this trend to skyrocket in the coming years.
Final Slice: What This Means for Your Pizzeria
The International Pizza Expo proves that pizza trends are all about bold flavors, premium ingredients, and innovation. Whether you’re upgrading your toppings, testing global flavors, or launching a frozen pizza line, staying ahead of these trends is key to standing out.
And while pizza is evolving, one thing stays the same – the right box matters.
Heavy Detroit-style pies? They need sturdy packaging that won’t collapse.
Extra-greasy ribbon pepperoni? That calls for a grease-resistant box that holds up.
Premium gourmet toppings? They deserve a box as high-quality as the pizza inside.
That’s where W Packaging comes in.
If you’re at this year’s International Pizza Expo, stop by Booth #809 – W Packaging will be there! Come say hello and see how our boxes give you the edge. Contact us today!
Pizza Expo Show Floor Dates & Hours
Tuesday – Thursday, March 25 – 27, 2025
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
