Upward Trend in Summer Fancy Food Show Registrations Observed
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) recently hosted over 32,000 industry players at the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City's Javits Center. The event, which took place from June 29-July 1, showcased the latest trends and innovations in specialty food and beverages.
The SFA, a not-for-profit trade association of the $207 billion specialty food industry, represented more than 4,000 businesses worldwide. This year's show featured an impressive 2,492 domestic and international food and beverage manufacturers displaying innovative specialty products.
One of the key highlights of the show was the emergence of global and bold flavors. With an emphasis on innovation, exhibitors from 59 countries showcased Dubai-inspired chocolates and creative international tastes. The event also featured eye-catching, playful packaging, as seen with brands like Fishwife and PortoMuiños offering unique seafood tins with artistic and humorous designs.
Another trend that stood out was the growth in gut health–focused products, particularly new and culinary-forward pickled items that go beyond traditional dill pickles, incorporating fruits like strawberries and spiced lemon for novel flavor profiles. Specialty condiments also scaled flavor complexity and storytelling, highlighting sourcing transparency, regional palates, and a move beyond just intense heat levels in sauces.
The spice category also saw innovation, shaped by heritage roots, personal brand stories, operational flexibility, and supply chain creativity meeting shifting consumer tastes. The resurgence of nutrient-dense, premium pasta products was another notable trend, breaking commodity molds to offer affordable, fun, and elevated experiences despite broader carb skepticism.
The show included almost 1,000 new products, a 90% increase from 2024, and an expanded event footprint with new pavilions and educational programming to spotlight these trends. Networking events and competitions fostered connections and discovery, while keynote talks addressed retail readiness and emerging specialty food trends.
A strong focus on storytelling and innovation as drivers of product success in specialty food markets was also evident. In addition, the show featured the first-ever Académie Culinaire de France's North America Pastry Competition Championship.
The SFA operates events, programs, and year-round resources and education for the specialty food industry. Attendee registration surged 14% from 2024 to about 13,000, marking a significant increase in industry participation. Around 8,100 buyers attended, marking a 9% rise, demonstrating the growing interest in specialty food products.
Looking ahead, the SFA's Winter FancyFaire will be the first major event for the association in 2026. Scheduled for Jan. 11-13, 2026, in San Diego, the Winter FancyFaire will be the next trade show organized by the SFA. The event will also mark the unveiling of the SFA's first-ever specialty food Trend of the Year.
With the Specialty Food Association at the helm, the specialty food scene continues to prize diversity in global influences, health-conscious choices with flavor-forward approaches, and creative branding and narratives to engage consumers.
[1] Specialty Food Association. (2025). Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 Press Release. Retrieved from https://specialtyfood.com/press-releases/
[2] Specialty Food Association. (2025). 69th Summer Fancy Food Show: Trends and Innovation. Retrieved from https://specialtyfood.com/trends-and-innovation/
[3] Specialty Food Association. (2025). 69th Summer Fancy Food Show: Keynote Speakers and Events. Retrieved from https://specialtyfood.com/keynote-speakers-and-events/
[4] Specialty Food Association. (2025). 69th Summer Fancy Food Show: Trend Reports. Retrieved from https://specialtyfood.com/trend-reports/
[5] Specialty Food Association. (2025). 69th Summer Fancy Food Show: New Products Showcase. Retrieved from https://specialtyfood.com/new-products-showcase/
The SFA, a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide in the $207 billion specialty food industry, highlighted the growth in gut health–focused products and unique, culinary-forward specialty condiments at the Summer Fancy Food Show, emphasizing innovation in food and drink. The shown also featured an increased focus on storytelling and creative branding as key drivers for product success in the specialty food market.
In addition to showcasing the latest trends, the Specialty Food Association's summer event provided opportunities for networking, discovering new products, and attending keynote talks on retail readiness and emerging specialty food trends, setting the stage for the upcoming Winter FancyFaire in 2026, which will be the unveiling of the SFA's first-ever specialty food Trend of the Year.
