Austin 360 When I walk into any store, I could spend all afternoon looking at the packages and new products. It's even better when I get to try new products at a booth that some business owner has set up in the store. Until recently, because of the pandemic, in-store tastings have been off the table, but some stores are adding them back slowly and with COVID-19 precautions. It's amazing to see just how many new food companies have launched during the pandemic, even without the ability to offer samples to bring in new customers. This is a sign that grocery buyers are snatching up new products to sell because people like buying from companies they feel like they have a connection with.