The Specialty Food Association hosted a special pre-Fancy Food Show webinar designed to help first-time attendees prepare for success. The live presentation from SFA staff and The Food Institute founder Brian Choi took place on Wednesday, June 18, and covered pro tips for making the most of the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, from what attendees can do today to navigating the aisles at the Javits Center to how to follow up on leads.
The full webinar is available now to stream on-demand, and highlights are provided below. We hope to see you June 29 - July 1, 2025 for the Summer Fancy Food Show!
Show Snapshot
The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show will feature over 2,200 exhibitors from 59 countries, including 384 first-time exhibitors. There is over 720+ members of the press and influencer community heading to NYC, as well.Pre-Show Prep
If you're attending for the first time, preparation is everything and the best tool you can bring is the Fancy Food Show app. It has the exhibitor list, interactive floor plans, as well as the keynote and education sessions schedule. The app also lets you plan your route, book meetings, and take notes all in one place.- How to use: Start by identifying key exhibitors or categories you want to explore and map out your days.
- Cool Feature: Use the chat and scheduling features so you can arrange appointments with exhibitors in advance.
Trends to Watch
Brian Choi from the Food Institute shared the biggest food industry trends shaping 2025 and what to look out for on the show floor.- Value consciousness is a primary focus for many consumers, especially as we see rising costs and tariffs influencing how people shop.
- Premium and artisanal products are still growing among more selective shoppers who want meaningful, better-for-you purchases.
- Health & Wellness 3.0 continues to drive innovation, as clean-label, functional foods, and low/no alcohol options gain popularity.
- Global and regional flavors are becoming increasingly popular as consumers crave authentic experiences, such as regional Chinese and Korean specialties and emerging markets like Estonia and the Philippines.
On the Floor: Sampling + Supplier Tips
Sampling is half the fun—but it’s also your chance to build valuable relationships. Don’t just try a product—ask about it. Take time to learn about the maker’s story, and things like their sourcing, certifications, and what makes them different.Make sure to bring business cards for exhibitors and take notes (available in the Show app!) so you remember which products stood out and why. If you’re not ready to place an order, let brands know when you plan to follow up.
Post-Show Strategy
The real work begins when you leave Javits: it’s time to plan your follow-up.Tip: Try grouping contacts by timeline: who you're ready to move forward with now, who you’ll revisit in Q4, and who you want to check in with next year.
The best way to follow up is sending personalized emails to the brands you loved. You can look back at your notes and mention something specific from your conversation or their booth and give them an idea of what your next steps will be.
Learn more about the Summer Fancy Food Show and get your badge by June 27 to save up to $100: https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/summer/