11 Must-Attend Food Trade Shows in 2025 (Yes, There’s Free Food)
Running a food retail business isn’t just about stocking shelves and hoping for the best.
Between keeping up with trends, finding reliable suppliers, and making sure your margins stay healthy, there’s always something demanding your attention.
That’s where food trade shows come in—yes, they’re great for nabbing free snacks, but they’re even better for discovering new products, building industry connections, and staying ahead of the competition.
Without attending these events, food retailers can often run into certain issues:
- Stale product selection makes your store feel outdated while competitors cash in on the next big food trend.
- Limited supplier options mean higher costs, shipping headaches, and the occasional inventory nightmare.
- Falling behind on regulations & consumer preferences can lead to compliance slip-ups or losing customers to businesses that actually know what’s up.
The best food trade shows don’t just fill your tote bag with samples—they fill your business with fresh ideas, better partnerships, and real growth opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for new products, smarter sourcing strategies, or just a little inspiration, these events are worth showing up for.
Here’s a list of the top food trade shows for retailers—so you can go beyond the freebies and bring back real value to your business.
The Best Food Trade Shows in 2025, Your Handy Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best food trade shows I think are worth attending in 2025:
- Natural Products Expo West - Anaheim, CA (March 4-7, 2025)
- Foodex - Birmingham, UK (April 7-9, 2025)
- Great Food Expo - Multiple locations and dates
- SIAL Canada - Toronto, Canada (April 29 - May 1, 2025)
- Sweets and Snacks Expo - Indianapolis, IN (May 12-15, 2025)
- Foodservice Australia - Melbourne, AU (May 18-20, 2025)
- Summer Fancy Food Show - New York, NY (June 29 - July 1, 2025)
- Fine Food Australia - Sydney, New South Wales, AU (September 8-11, 2025)
- Specialty & Fine Food Fair - London, UK (September 9-10, 2025)
- Americas Food and Beverage Show - Miami, FL (September 10-12, 2025)
- World Dairy Expo - Madison, WI (September 30 - October 3, 2025)
The 11 Best Food Trade Shows to Dig Into in 2025
Alright, now for the details on each of these delicious events. You'll find the event dates, locations, pricing, and what stands out about each.
1. Natural Products Expo West - Anaheim, CA (March 4-7, 2025)
- Dates: March 4-7, 2025
- Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
- Pricing: Starts at $110
- Website: Natural Products Expo West
- Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
Overview:
Natural Products Expo West is a premier trade show for the natural, organic, and healthy products industry, bringing together innovators, retailers, and suppliers.
Notable past speakers have included leaders in wellness, sustainability, and natural products, such as brand founders and experts in food innovation and environmental impact.
Why you should attend:
You'll explore the latest trends and products in the natural and organic industry. The expo offers educational sessions and networking opportunities with industry peers.
It's a great chance to connect with suppliers, discover innovative products, and gain insights into market trends. Whether expanding your business or seeking inspiration, this industry event will provide valuable resources and connections.
2. Foodex - Birmingham, UK (April 7-9, 2025)
- Dates: April 7-9, 2025
- Location: NEC Birmingham, UK
- Pricing: Free
- Website: Foodex
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube
Overview:
Foodex is a prominent UK trade event for the food and beverage processing, packaging, and logistics industries.
It has served the industry for years, drawing thousands of visitors and exhibitors. The event is known for its focus on innovation and networking opportunities.
Why you should attend:
You'll experience cutting-edge innovations in food processing and packaging. The event offers a platform to network with over 1,500 exhibitors and industry leaders.
It's an opportunity to explore the latest trends and solutions in logistics and supply chain management. Your team will benefit from hands-on experiences, enhancing your food business's operational efficiency.
3. Great Food Expo - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: From $5 - $10
- Website: Great Food Expo
Great Food Expo: Multiple Locations and Dates:
| Locations | Dates |
| Great Food Expo Arizona | Phoenix Convention Center | April 26-27, 2025 |
| Great Food Expo Chicago | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | October 25-26, 2025 |
| Great Food Expo New Jersey | New Jersey Expo Center, Edison | November 8-9, 2025 |
Overview:
The Great Food Expo is an annual event that brings together food industry professionals, chefs, and food enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and culinary creations.
Since its inception, the expo has featured notable speakers like renowned chefs, food critics, and industry leaders. It serves as a platform for networking, education, and showcasing new products and technologies in the food sector.
Why you should attend:
You'll have the opportunity to discover new food products and culinary techniques.
The expo includes cooking demonstrations, tastings, and workshops tailored to food lovers and professionals alike. It's a place to network with fellow food enthusiasts and explore emerging trends.
Your team will gain insights into the latest market developments, making it a valuable experience for expanding culinary knowledge.
4. SIAL Canada - Toronto, Canada (April 29 - May 1, 2025)
- Dates: April 29 - May 1, 2025
- Location: Enercare Centre, Toronto, CA
- Pricing: Starts at $43
- Website: SIAL Canada
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
SIAL Canada is a leading international food show in Canada, founded to connect North American food professionals.
It caters to food industry experts interested in innovation and global trends. The event has featured experts who share valuable insights into the food industry.
Why you should attend:
You'll immerse yourself in a global marketplace that showcases food innovation from around the world.
The event will provide opportunities to network with industry leaders and discover cutting-edge products. Your team can attend workshops and conferences focused on industry-specific topics.
It's an ideal platform for expanding your business's reach and staying updated with the latest trends.
5. Sweets and Snacks Expo - Indianapolis, IN (May 12-15, 2025)
- Dates: May 12-15, 2025
- Location: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
- Pricing: Starts at $75
- Website: Sweets and Snacks Expo
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The Sweets and Snacks Expo is a major event for the confectionery and snack industries, attended by professionals seeking the latest products and industry trends.
It began in 1997 and has grown into a key gathering for industry insiders. The expo has featured influential figures in the snack and sweets sectors.
Why you should attend:
You'll have the chance to explore over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing innovative sweets and snacks. The expo provides educational sessions on market trends and consumer insights.
It's a perfect venue for networking with peers and discovering new business opportunities. Your team will benefit from exposure to the latest product innovations and industry knowledge.
6. Foodservice Australia - Melbourne, AU (May 18-20, 2025)
- Dates: May 18-20, 2025
- Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, AU
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Foodservice Australia
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram
Overview:
Foodservice Australia is a key event for professionals in the food service, hospitality, and retail sectors, connecting suppliers, chefs, and business owners to the latest products and industry trends.
Notable past speakers include chefs like Adam Liaw and industry experts such as Manu Feildel and Neil Perry.
Why you should attend:
You'll discover innovative products and services tailored to the food service industry. The event offers networking opportunities with suppliers and industry leaders. It's a platform for learning through workshops and demonstrations.
Your team will gain insights into the latest industry trends and technologies, helping to enhance your business operations.
7. Summer Fancy Food Show - New York, NY (June 29 - July 1, 2025)
- Dates: June 29 - July 1, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, NYC
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: Summer Fancy Food Show
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Summer Fancy Food Show is a trade event for the specialty food industry, including manufacturers, buyers, and distributors.
It showcases products like gourmet snacks, beverages, and artisanal goods. Notable past speakers include culinary icons and business leaders like Martha Stewart and Tom Colicchio.
Why you should attend:
You'll find the latest specialty food products and trends, perfect for expanding your product offerings. The show provides networking opportunities with top-tier suppliers and industry professionals.
It's a chance to attend educational sessions and gain insights into consumer preferences. Your team will return with fresh ideas and connections to enhance your business strategy.
8. Fine Food Australia - Sydney, New South Wales, AU (September 8-11, 2025)
- Dates: September 8-11, 2025
- Location: International Convention Centre Sydney, AU
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Fine Food Australia
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
Overview:
Fine Food Australia is a trade event for the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
It began in 1984 and connects suppliers with buyers to showcase products and services. Notable past speakers include chefs Adam Moore and John McFadden.
Why you should attend:
You'll have access to over 1,000 exhibitors displaying the latest in food and beverage innovations.
The event will host seminars and workshops focusing on industry trends and business growth strategies. It's an excellent opportunity to network with peers and discover new suppliers and products.
Your team will benefit from exposure to cutting-edge solutions and insights that can drive your business forward.
9. Specialty & Fine Food Fair - London, UK (September 9-10, 2025)
- Dates: September 9-10, 2025
- Location: Olympia London, UK
- Website: Specialty & Fine Food Fair
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Specialty & Fine Food Fair is a key event for artisan and gourmet food producers, buyers, and retailers in the UK.
It began in 1999 and has since become a prominent showcase for specialty foods. The fair draws influential speakers and industry experts.
Why you should attend:
You'll discover unique artisan products and connect with innovative suppliers. The fair hosts educational sessions tailored to the fine food industry.
It's an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and explore new trends. Your team will gain insights into the latest market developments, enhancing your business's competitive edge.
10. Americas Food and Beverage Show - Miami, FL (September 10-12, 2025)
- Dates: September 10-12, 2025
- Location: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Americas Food and Beverage Show
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Youtube
Overview:
The Americas Food and Beverage Show is an essential event for food and beverage professionals, connecting suppliers and buyers from the Americas.
Established in 1997, it serves as a platform for networking and business growth. The show has featured industry leaders and experts who share valuable insights.
Why you should attend:
You'll explore a diverse range of food and beverage products at the Americas Food and Beverage Show, showcasing offerings from across the Americas.
The show provides networking opportunities with key industry players and decision-makers. It's a great chance to attend informative sessions that focus on market trends and business strategies.
Your team will gain access to new products and ideas that can enhance your business's competitive advantage.
11. World Dairy Expo - Madison, WI (September 30 - October 3, 2025)
- Dates: September 30 - October 3, 2025
- Location: Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: World Dairy Expo
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The World Dairy Expo is an annual event that began in 1967, bringing together dairy producers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to showcase the latest innovations and trends in the dairy sector.
Over the years, the expo has featured notable speakers, including US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who delivered the keynote address at the Global Dairy Summit during the 2024 Expo.
Why you should attend:
You'll discover cutting-edge dairy technologies and solutions that can enhance your operations. The expo offers a platform to network with industry leaders and experts.
It's an opportunity to attend seminars and workshops on dairy innovation and best practices. Your team will benefit from exposure to new products and ideas that can drive growth and efficiency in your business.
Other Retail Conferences & Events
Depending on your retail niche, you might be looking for events that cater more specifically to your selling strategy. Here are some additional recommendations I've compiled.
- For the generalist, you can find all the best retail conferences to level up fast
- Retail management conferences with broad coverage of retail industry topics
- A curated list of the best grocery trade shows
- Retail merchandising conferences for learning new promotion, display, and discount strategies
Don’t Just Snack—Take Action
Food trade shows aren’t just a chance to eat your weight in samples (though, let’s be honest, that’s a perk).
They’re where you find the products, suppliers, and insights that can take your business to the next level. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your inventory, cut better deals, or stay ahead of industry trends, these events are worth the trip.
So, mark your calendar, pack your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to make connections that actually matter—because the real takeaway isn’t in your tote bag, it’s in the opportunities you bring back.
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