The Winter Fancy Food Show 2025, held January 19-21, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center where thousands of certified retail and foodservice buyers, more than 1,060 exhibitors, press, investors and more, gathered to kick off the year for food industry trade shows. Alongside its dynamic showcase of artisanal products, this year’s event featured groundbreaking partnerships, celebrity keynotes, and a vibrant fusion of innovation and tradition.
A Historic Alliance with Tastemaker Conference
For the first time, the Tastemaker Conference co-located its annual gathering of food bloggers and content creators with the Winter Fancy Food Show. This unique collaboration bridged the gap between makers and influencers, amplifying the impact of the event and setting the stage for meaningful, year-round partnerships.
Leana Salamah, SFA SVP of Marketing & Communications, remarked, “Influencer marketing is an efficient and effective way for makers to drive consumer awareness and demand. By partnering with Tastemaker Conference, we brought together creators and our members to build relationships that will continue long after the Show.”
Abbey Rodriguez, CEO and Founder of Tastemaker Conference, echoed the sentiment: “This co-location offered unparalleled opportunities for creators and makers to connect, explore trends, and grow through influencer marketing.”
A Show Like No Other
The Winter Fancy Food Show stood out as a premier event for the specialty food industry, offering:
- A dynamic Show Floor with a curated selection of products across 40+ categories.
- Solutions for every eating lifestyle, from vegan to gluten-free to protein-centric.
- Unexpected, buzzy flavors showcased by an international community of makers.
- Unmatched trendspotting, providing a first look at 2025’s specialty food innovations.
- New products, new ideas, and new connections, driving the future of food.
Keynote Highlights
Attendees were treated to inspiring talks from two culinary powerhouses:
Scott Conant on Simplicity and Success
Sunday, 11:00 – 11:45
Acclaimed restaurateur, James Beard Award winner, Food Network star, and cookbook author Scott Conant captivated the Main Stage audience with insights from his illustrious career. Sharing stories from his journey—from the James Beard Awards to the Chopped kitchen—Conant delved into the art of simplicity in cooking and the keys to sustained success in the culinary world.
Molly Baz on Controversial Condiments and CPG Success
Monday, 12:00 – 12:45
Recipe developer, New York Times bestselling author, and founder Molly Baz joined TASTE Editor in Chief Matt Rodbard on the Main Stage to discuss her entrepreneurial journey. Baz shared her approach to building a strong brand presence, her leap into the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and how she’s used social media to engage and grow her audience.
Evolving the Trade Show Model
This year, the Winter Fancy Food Show also introduced new programming that redefined the traditional “push” marketing model of B2B trade shows. By incorporating influencer marketing and direct creator collaborations, the event created a powerful “pull” dynamic, connecting makers directly with consumers through creative partnerships.
About the Organizers
The Tastemaker Conference continues to empower food bloggers and creators, championing education, networking, and the creator economy. Meanwhile, the Specialty Food Association, founded in 1952, remains a cornerstone of the $207-billion specialty food industry, fostering innovation and inclusivity across a global network of 3,600+ members.
Looking Ahead
With its innovative programming, influential partnerships, and dynamic Show Floor, the Winter Fancy Food Show 2025 set the tone for the year ahead. As attendees departed Las Vegas, the connections and ideas forged during this landmark event promised to shape the specialty food landscape for years to come. Next up! Winter FancyFaire* 2026 in San Diego!
This bold event will bring this community together for the 2027 show in San Francisco and shows in 2028 and beyond in West Coast locations yet to be announced. Stay tuned!
For more details about the Winter Fancy Food Show, visit specialtyfood.com.
Check back for our favorite brands from the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas coming up shortly!