In a few short weeks, the Specialty Food Association’s 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show will kick off at Javits Center in New York City, bringing together thousands of manufacturers, buyers, brokers, chefs, investors, and press. Running June 29 – July 1, 2025, the Fancy Food Show will deliver three days of thrilling product discovery, trendspotting, networking and more.
This year, the Summer Fancy Food Show will run for the 69th time, a streak that has helped elevate countless beloved specialty food brands. So—what will be the next Firehook Crackers, Pop Chips, or Ben & Jerry’s, all past Fancy Food Show exhibitors? Get a preview of the upcoming expo from a group of registered exhibitors and attendees!
Want to join them? Registration is open now for qualified members of the food industry.
What is your favorite thing about the Fancy Food Show?
“While each show has helped us hit key sales goals, our favorite part is connecting with fellow founders in such a positive, high-energy environment—there’s nothing like the spark when food innovators come together!” - Joey Rosa, Founder, CauliPuffs
“Finding emerging independent brands, looking at food trends (even if I don't like the trends, interesting cultural/sociological phenomena) and I am a sucker for great packaging! I like to see how brands market their products. Keeping up with food entrepreneurs I've met, followed, watched, and reported on in the past.” - Nina Roberts, Journalist, Mercantile Mayhem
“Fancy Food is one of my favorite shows because I always meet new, early stage brands that have not been on my radar – whether it is in Incubator Alley or on the show floor – Fancy Food shows are a great place to discover what is new and now!” – Kelly Landrieu, Global Coordinator/Director, Local & Emerging Brands Program, Whole Foods Market
“I love the opportunity to discover new brands and sample the latest innovation in the specialty food market, but my favorite thing is reconnecting with industry friends.” - Monica Watrous, Managing Editor, Nosh
What hot food trend or trends are you looking forward to seeing in the Exhibit Hall?
Wellness 2.0: Even Better “Better For You”
“We’re particularly focused on healthier food options with better ingredients, as well as organic and imported products. I’m excited to see more global flavors and innovative healthy options that align with these values, and I definitely expect to taste a variety of organic and better-for-you products at the show.” - Theonie Tsigistras, Buyer, BNJ Distributors
“Healthier alternatives to traditional snacks—snacks that are made without artificial dyes and crafted with clean, gluten-free ingredients. I do expect we'll see a wave of new products and innovation at the summer show.” - Joey Rosa, Founder, CauliPuffs
“There seems to be an obsession with "better for you" items, often they taste disgusting. There are so many "functional" drinks like prebiotic, probiotic, protein and non-alc that seem to be part of a marketing scheme. I think the alternatives to dairy/wheat/sugar (meat alternatives seem to have waned) are great for those who have allergies or medical issues, but generally speaking, they taste gross.” - Nina Roberts, Journalist, Mercantile Mayhem
Underrepresented International Hot Spots
“I’m really excited about the greater representation showing up in Global Flavors – at recent shows, I’ve seen flavors and cuisines originating from Singapore to Ukraine to Ghana and everywhere in between.” – Kelly Landrieu, Global Coordinator/Director, Local & Emerging Brands Program, Whole Foods Market
New Categories for the Protein Craze
“Protein, protein, protein. Product developers are packing protein into surprising applications -- from pasta sauce to pancake mix and so much more -- and brands are adding protein-rich additions to core assortments. While this macronutrient has always been in high demand, rising interest in GLP-1 weight loss drugs is pushing protein to new heights.” - Monica Watrous, Managing Editor, Nosh
SFA is inviting participants to “Find Your Fancy” at this year’s Show. What are you hoping to find?
“I hope to find unique, organic, and healthier imported food products with better ingredients that align with the growing demand for cleaner, more sustainable options.” - Theonie Tsigistras, Buyer, BNJ Distributors
“Trends, innovation, and new-to-me brands to cover in our publications.” - Monica Watrous, Managing Editor, Nosh
“East Coast retail opportunities for our NEW Caulitos organic chips. The Summer Fancy Food Show offers a perfect opportunity to explore strategic partnerships and gauge interest in new regions. We’re excited to debut our Caulitos chips in a large bag format and can’t wait to get real-time feedback from attendees.” - Joey Rosa, Founder, CauliPuffs
“Interesting emerging, small, independent brands with delicious products.” - Nina Roberts, Journalist, Mercantile Mayhem
“Solid innovation from creative and passionate early stage founders.” – Kelly Landrieu, Global Coordinator/Director, Local & Emerging Brands Program, Whole Foods Market
Registration is open now for the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show!
Please note that this is a trade-only event, not open to the general public.