For almost 50 years, food and beverage creators, along with retail and foodservice buyers, have gathered in January to escape the winter chill. They come to discover the latest in artisan cheeses, gourmet chocolates, and a host of delicious treats at the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show.
Next year marks a big change: the event will transform into the Winter FancyFaire. This new name reflects the evolving specialty food landscape. The three-day event will kick off on January 11, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center, before moving to San Francisco the following year.
Since its inception, the show has adapted to trends and innovations, focusing on international flavors. Winter FancyFaire will take this evolution to the next level. SFA President Bill Lynch shared that this change symbolizes a new chapter for the association and the specialty food industry, offering a completely different experience.
From San Francisco to Las Vegas
Originally held in San Francisco, the show shifted to Las Vegas during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change came as Las Vegas managed to adapt quickly to pandemic regulations, allowing for live events to return sooner.
The pandemic led to significant challenges for in-person trade shows, and many transitioned to virtual formats. Recently, the industry is beginning to recover, with projections showing a bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
Food shows thrive on sampling and personal interactions. Thus, the Las Vegas venue was a fitting choice during those unique times. As they move forward, the focus will shift back to local food cultures, bringing community involvement into the mix.
Future Winter FancyFaires will immerse themselves in the cities they visit, showcasing local farmers’ markets and collaborating with regional chefs. Lynch emphasized the commitment to staying connected to local food cultures.
Exploring New Opportunities
This week marks the last Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, featuring over 1,060 exhibitors, including first-time participants and hundreds of new products. Major retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts will be among the buyers present.
A highlight of the show includes the Trendspotter Panel, which identifies emerging trends. This year, they noted continuing trends in snacking, chef-created meal kits, and personalized functional foods.
Even as the show concludes this chapter, it introduces new features aimed at shaping Winter FancyFaire. Lynch mentioned the event this week serves as a prototype for future developments.
The show will also engage with the Tastemakers Conference, fostering connections between food creators and social media influencers.
Here are some new features to look forward to:
- A global food hall called the First Taste Experience, showcasing new flavors daily.
- The Spark Showcase, featuring interactive sessions and networking opportunities to inspire attendees.
- An Ask the Experts area for personal meetings with industry professionals covering topics from marketing to exporting.
- The Debut District, featuring a space for newcomers to exhibit their products.
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