Background
The Good Food Foundation is dissolving and its programs and members will become part of SFA. This comes at a time when SFA has committed to broadening its membership base and continuing its support for various pathways a brand may take in the CPG ecosystem.
While the two organizations are integrating, the Good Food community itself isn’t going anywhere. SFA is committed to maintaining and honoring the high standards and reputation of the Good Food Awards and Mercantiles, and cultivating the meaningful connections within this tight-knit crafter community. Good Food Qualification (see below), tailored education for smaller, values-based brands, and an affordable, all-inclusive Mercantile exhibitor option are just a few examples of SFA support for Good Food crafters.
Membership and Good Food Qualification
Why are Good Food members becoming SFA members?
The former Good Food Foundation has been fully integrated into SFA, representing a new chapter for the Good Food brand and expanded opportunities for Good Food members. This now-completed process was initiated in 2024 by the Good Food Board of Directors to ensure the continued operation of core Good Food programs, services, and events. The Good Food Awards and Mercantile will continue under the SFA umbrella, based on Good Food’s established standards, with a new Good Food Qualified designation recognizing member businesses that meet those standards.
In addition to continued participation in the Awards and Mercantile, as new members of SFA, former Good Food Guild and Merchant members now enjoy expanded year-round benefits, vendor discounts, networking opportunities with buyers and peers, and more.
How does this benefit SFA members?
This integration creates an expanded community of like-minded crafters/makers/manufacturers developing less processed, more authentic, and values-driven products to network, learn, and benefit from.
What will happen to the Good Food Guild designation?
SFA is introducing a new designation called Good Food Qualified. This recognizes those SFA members who have met the high Good Food standards for their product category. This includes all current Good Food Guild and Good Food Merchant members. The existing Good Food standards, recently reviewed and updated in 2025, will continue to be upheld by SFA. Existing Guild and Merchant members whose membership transfers to SFA will not need to apply or pay any additional fee to become Good Food Qualified.
Other SFA members who wish to become Good Food Qualified will be able to apply with a $150 fee starting in the summer of 2026.
How will members be identified as Good Food Qualified?
Company listings in the SFA Member Directory will indicate those that are Good Food Qualified. Members can also download and use a new Good Food Qualified logo asset on their website and elsewhere to indicate that they've achieved this distinction. This will allow values-minded buyers to seek out producers who have met the strict Good Food standards.
Mercantile
What will happen to the Good Food Mercantile?
Following a highly successful co-location in San Diego in January 2026, the 2026 East Coast Mercantile will be co-located with the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. It will take place on Sunday, June 28 from 10 am - 4 pm (early access at 9:30am for qualified buyers) in the River Pavilion at the Javits Center, NYC. Learn more here: https://goodfoodfdn.org/mercantile/newyork/.
Will the cost to exhibit at the Good Food Mercantile change/go up?
No, the cost will remain the same for 2026 ($1,150 Early, $1,250 regular, $1,350 late). Your exhibit package will include the same items as in the past plus one chair per exhibitor, access to shared electricity, 100 lbs of free drayage, and 3 badges for your team that are valid for all three days of the Summer Fancy Food Show.
What if I want to exhibit at both the Good Food Mercantile and the Summer Fancy Food Show?
SFA is happy to support any exhibitors who wish to participate in both the Good Food Mercantile and the Summer Fancy Food Show, and will help guide them through the process. Inquire with SFA to get started: https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/summer/exhibit/#sffs_exh_form
Do I have to register (buyers) for the Summer Fancy Food Show in order to attend the Good Food Mercantile?
Yes, a Summer Fancy Food Show badge is required to attend the upcoming Good Food Mercantile. View badge pricing and qualification information here: https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/summer/register/.
Awards
What will happen to the Good Food Awards?
The Good Food Awards will continue as a trusted and meaningful recognition program. The 2026 Good Food Awards are currently underway and will be celebrated at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show/Good Food Mercantile in NYC.
Will I still be able to use the Good Food Awards logo on products?
Yes, any product receiving the Good Food Award will have the same benefits and privileges that exist today.
How will the sofi Awards work with the Good Food Awards?
For the time being, both award programs will continue as-is. The sofi Awards will be celebrated at the Winter FancyFaire* event and the Good Food Awards will be celebrated at the Summer Fancy Food Show/Good Food Mercantile.