If you’re involved in the massive food and beverage industry in the United States, one of the best ways to stay on top of the competition is to attend top food trade shows. At quality shows, you can connect your related products and services directly to potential buyers.
The food and beverage industry is a $7,464.2 billion market, slated to grow at 5.9% CAGR annually through 2027. Along with that growth will undoubtedly be growth in competition! Whether your food industry connection is product or service-related, you can take advantage of the concentration of specialists at trade shows to connect with the right people.
If you are planning to attend, make sure you take two steps.
- Attend the right shows. There are over ten thousand trade shows in the US annually, and a good percentage are food-related. That’s why we have developed this list of the top shows, to give you an idea of what you should strive to attend.
- Market yourself well. Presentation is everything! Ensuring your trade show exhibits are top-of-the-line will set you apart.
National Grocers Association (NGA) Show
When: February 1–3, 2026
Where: Las Vegas
NGA hosts the largest gathering of grocers, whole food producers, and others along the grocery value chain in the country. The show will have over 300 exhibits and 40 learning sessions, along with famous keynote speakers.
The Natural Products Expo – West
When: March 3–6, 2026
Where: Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California
Natural Products Expos are the largest trade shows for natural, organic, and health products in America. For years, expos have been organized on both the East and West Coast. 2025’s East event was in Philadelphia in September 2025. The East event is being retired for a new “progressive” event to come on the East Coast (stay tuned on their website!).
Exhibitors will be split into categories of “organic”, “fresh ideas” and “first time”.
The Seafood Expo of North America
When: Mar 15-17, 2026
Where: Boston, USA
The event is a joint meeting for seafood expo and seafood processors, being held in Boston this year. Attendees of the conference will have access to over 30 educational sessions from top experts. The expo awards excellence prizes for the Best New Retail Product and Best New Foodservice Product and hosts fun opportunities like an oyster shucking competition.
Bar & Restaurant Expo
When: Mar 23-25, 2026
Where: Las Vegas
The Bar & Restaurant Expo is one of the best events for the beverage industry trade and food trade alike.13,000 attendees from across the industry connect to share strategies for maximizing profits and improving customer experience.
Mama Mia! Share a Slice at the International Pizza Expo
When: Yet to Disclose
Where: Las Vegas
This show has been a staple in the pizza industry for 40 years. Invite only, guests to learn new tactics to grow their pizza enterprises, from local shops to national franchises.
Annual American Food Innovate Summit ATLANTA
When: 24th–25th February 2026
Where: ATLANTA
The goal of the summit is to bring together food and beverage industry experts to think through new creative ways to distribute and enjoy food. Speakers from some of the largest companies attend the summit to discuss strategies and share case stories about their work. You can sign up for a seat for less than $1,000.
Ingredient Marketplace – Supply Side East
When: Yet to Disclose
Where: New Jersey
If you are on the East Coast and looking for a supply-side event, this might be your pick! While not as large as Supply Side West with an expected 3,000 attendees, the event focuses more strictly on ingredient suppliers for different products.
Northwest Foodservice Show
When: April 20-21, 2026
Where: Portland Expo Center
The Northwest Foodservice Show is the best event in the Pacific Northwest for anyone in the food and beverage industry. The show has four focal points:
- An exhibitor floor for businesses to showcase their products with modular exhibits and booth spaces.
- An alcohol pavilion for those looking for new trends and a place to network.
- A trends center for speakers and learning.
- An emerging products zone for special showcasing.
Salty or Sweet? You Can Find it All at the Sweets & Snacks Expo
When: May 19–21, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, USA
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is run by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). It is North America’s largest gathering of sweet and salty snack products. A completely business-to-business event, attendees can expect to connect directly with potential purchasers and learn about the latest trends in packaging and sales. It’s also a sweet way to eye the competition!
The 69th Summer Fancy Food Show
When: June 28-30,2026
Where: Javits Center,NYC
The Specialty Food Association is hosting the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show this year in New York City. It’s the largest specialty food show event in the United States. Trade only and closed to the general public, you can expect only high-level professionals and serious purchasers to attend. The SFA boasts that thousands of industry specialists attend each year. If you can’t make the summer event, the SFA hosts another trade show in the winter every year as well.
Florida School Nutrition Association (FSNA)
When: January 20 -21, 2026
Where: Tallahassee, FL
The FSNA hosts an annual food and equipment show for vendors and schools to connect. The 2023 conference was in Orlando, with presentations and exhibitions regarding the latest trends in school lunches.
Foodservice Conference
When: Yet to Disclose
Where: Monterey, California
The International Fresh Produce Association holds one of the largest food service industry trade shows in the United States every year in California. 1800 people, including over 500 buyers, attend, with a 75 percent influence/purchase rate. If you are trying to connect your food to a plate, this might be the place to showcase your products!
New England Produce Council Annual Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo
When: August 17-18, 2026
Where: Encore Boston Harbor 1 Broadway
The NEPC annual expo is a chance for fresh producers and buyers within the food and beverage industry trade to connect in the Boston area. The local trade association has over 500 members.
Looking for Entry in the Global Marketplace? Attend the Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference
When: August 17-18, 2026
Where: Encore Boston Harbor 1 Broadway
The Show will be hosted in conjunction with Food Hospitality LATAM this year, in the heart of Miami Beach, for added synergy. Over 600 exhibitors will attend, with buyers from more than 50 countries. The event is strictly business-to-business. 7,300 people are expected from last year’s baselines, from over 90 countries. Attendees will be from across the food, beverage, equipment and hospitality sectors.
You can rent a space for your trade show display booth for as little as $3,800. Options include advertising within a “New Products Showcase” both at the show and online.
Milk and More at the World Dairy Expo
When: September 29 to October 2, 2026
Where: Madison, Wisconsin
The show boasts being the world’s largest dairy-featured expo, with 650 exhibitors over 4 days. The show hosts education events, virtual seminars, and exposure to the top industry specialists. Visitors can expect youth contests and awards for different dairy categories.
Great Food Expo
When: Yet to Disclose
Where: CHICAGO
The Great Food Expo, for both food lovers and food sellers, will be in three different cities in 2025.
- Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona. April 26-27,2025.
- Chicago, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. October 25-26, 2025.
- Edison, New Jersey Expo Center. November 8-9, 2025.
Each venue will showcase two days of celebrities and exhibits, inviting restaurateurs, caterers, and food lovers to see what’s new and exciting in the realm of “great food”.
SupplySide East and SupplySide West
When: April 24-15 2026
Where: Medowland Exposition Center NJ
Supply Side West is the foremost event for learning industry trade secrets and new trends behind packaging and other elements that go into creating finished products in the health and nutrition sector. Over 18,000 purchasers and suppliers attend annually.
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Trade Shows
When:October 14-17, 2026
Where: Orlando, Florida
expo by the IFPA trade association. The IFPA is dedicated to improving supply chain networks within those particular industries. Some options include:
- The Floral Conference. February 24-26, 2025. Anaheim, California. The theme this year is on how the industry can boost sales outside of holiday periods.
- Women’s Fresh Perspective Conference. April 13-15, 2025 Orlando, Florida. Focusing on the perspectives of women in the industry.
- The Consumer Connection Annual Conference. April 28-30, 2025. Dallas, TX. Aimed at connecting industry marketers with food service professionals.
Involved in Specialty Coffee? Consider a 2025 Coffee Fest Trade Show
Coffee Fest focuses on pulling together resources and connection opportunities for anyone involved in coffee. Whether those businesses are new shops, franchises looking to expand into new markets, or other adjacent industry specialists, the trade shows are likely worthwhile.
What to do After You Pick Your Food Trade Shows
Once you pick the best shows and pay your registrations, you will need to plan on your display. Choosing and attending is only the first step.
Companies like Blazer Exhibits can help you navigate the complex world of competing for attention within your chosen food trade shows. Depending on the size of your company, your sales goals, and the types of products and services you offer, you will want to match your marketing campaign to your message with clarity and style.