The food & beverage industry undergoes some of the most rapidly innovative evolutions, with changing consumer preferences, product discoveries, and scientific advancements. We take a look at the top five US industry events and what they have to offer those looking to stay atop the delectable industry.
IFT FIRST
Taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, from 12th-15th July, IFT FIRST is where the future of food takes shape.
As the largest global food science and innovation expo, this premier annual food system event brings together breakthrough innovations and real-world solutions, connecting everyone involved in making food safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced.
IFT FIRST brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals from across the global food system to join the food industry’s most critical discussions and tackle pressing challenges such as food additives, misinformation, and safety concerns.
Whether you’re interested in emerging ingredients, processing technologies, food safety, or sustainability, IFT FIRST is the event to attend to be a part of the conversations shaping the industry’s future.
The SFA Summer Fancy Food Show
As the specialty food industry’s go-to product discovery event, The SFA Summer Fancy Food Show, taking place 28th-30th June at Javits Center, New York City, New York, is where culinary inspiration meets business opportunity.
Explore the entire specialty food landscape, all under one roof, where participants can anticipate products in over 40 categories, unmatched trendspotting, a preview of changing customer tastes and values, solutions for consumers’ eating lifestyles, buzzy and unexpected flavors, and new products, ideas, and connections.
Whether you are a retail or service buyer, distributor, broker, or manufacturer, The SFA Summer Fancy Food Show is the event to attend to build new connections while strengthening old ones over the course of three days’ worth of delicious discovery, fruitful networking, and inspirational opportunities.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo
Bringing together brands, buyers, brokers, and more, The Sweets & Snacks Expo is where trends ignite, shelves take shape, and deals get done.
Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 19th-21st May, this expo is the ultimate destination for products and insights that deliver big wins in two of retail’s most profitable categories. It boasts 1,000+ candy, snack, and frozen exhibitors, 40+ insights-driven education sessions, and 15,000+ industry and retail peers.
Immerse yourself in the industry and unlock the hottest trends, boost your connection with shoppers, and build powerful relationships with the rising voices shaping the future of candy and snacks. With over 96 percent of attendees recommending the event, The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the place to taste what’s new, discover what’s selling, and ace your assortment.
The NGA Show
As the premier event for independent grocers across the US, The National Grocer Association (NGA) Show – from 1st-3rd February at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada – is the frontline of grocery innovation.
Bringing together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the nation for three days of continuous learning, networking, and product discovery, The NGA Show is the largest gathering of independent grocery professionals under one roof.
With over 350 exhibits that represent a diverse range of product categories to keep your team updated on innovations, solutions, and new products to drive customer satisfaction, this event allows you to learn from experts who are currently shaping the future of grocery through innovative practices and cutting-edge technology.
Natural Products Expo West
Celebrating 45 years with its biggest show yet, the Natural Products Expo West is more than just an event; it is a place to nourish relationships, connect with inspiring people, and discover new opportunities.
Taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, from 2nd-6th March, the event is where industry experts join to stay in touch with what matters most – community, innovation, and shared purpose. With 60,000+ attendees, 3,000+ exhibitors, 300+ speakers, and 65+ visiting countries, the Natural Products Expo is the industry’s defining event for natural and organic professionals.
Where tomorrow’s opportunities begin today, the event is the ultimate consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail ecosystem experience for breakthrough connections, visionary insights, and market-transforming discoveries in the rapidly evolving natural and organic landscape.
