One of my favorite trade shows of the year the Summer Fancy Food Show (SFFS) — now in its 68th year — is almost here! Featuring thousands of new specialty food products from around the world, educational programming, events, and networking opportunities, the SFFS will run June 23-25 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. This year, the SFFS will also be co-located with Vinexpo America, a leading trade show that for more than 20 years has been “where the wine and spirits world meets in America.” In addition, Spain will be the partner country sponsor for the 2024 show and Jason Buechel, Whole Foods Market CEO, will give the keynote address on the first day. As well as hearing Jason speak, I am especially excited to check out the Diversity Pavilion featuring food brands with founders from underrepresented communities and of course, as I am vegan, the Plant-Based Pavilion.
“As the premier product discovery event for the specialty food industry, the Summer Fancy Food Show is where decision-makers and thought leaders encounter the trendsetters and best-sellers of the future,” said Bill Lynch, president, Specialty Food Association. “This year, we are putting even greater emphasis on what’s new and innovative in food and beverage, including a dedicated pavilion for first-time exhibitors, exhibitors with new products, and incubators, the first-ever sofi™ Awards Gala, collaborations with Vinexpo, and more. Magic happens when the passionate specialty food community comes together, and I expect this year’s Show to inspire every person who participates.”
Show features include, to date (with much more to come!):
• New-to-market artisanal food and beverage products from around the globe
• Product pavilions dedicated to the hottest specialty categories, including plant-based, Confectionery, Snacks, & Sweets, Beverage, and Deli
• International Pavilions
• State and Regional Pavilions
• Diversity Pavilion, with a cohort from (included)
• The new Debut District, featuring first-time exhibitors, exhibitors with-new products, and incubators
• The sofi Awards Gala, celebrating the winners of sofi, Lifetime Achievement, Leadership, and Hall of Fame Awards
• Insight into the hottest trends in specialty food courtesy of the SFA Trendspotter Panel
• SFA Junior Trendspotter Panel with Drexel University Food Lab students
