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Key Takeaways

Grocery Madness: Running a grocery store means balancing trends, supply chain issues, and avoiding customer uproar over missing favorite products like oat milk.

Shop with a List!: Skipping grocery trade shows is like shopping without a list; you miss the latest market trends and advancements competitors use.

Avoid Stale Supplier Networks: Not attending trade shows keeps supplier networks outdated, hindering negotiations and creativity in product offerings.

Trade Show Extravaganza: Grocery trade shows are essential for networking, deal-making, and glimpsing food retail's future while enjoying free snacks.

2025 Trade Show Highlights: Plan to attend the NGA Shows 2025 in Las Vegas and other key trade shows for insight and innovation in grocery retail.

Running a grocery business isn’t just about stocking shelves and scanning barcodes—it’s a wild ride of shifting trends, supply chain headaches, and customers who will absolutely riot if you run out of their favorite oat milk.

If you’re not hitting the right grocery trade shows, you’re basically grocery shopping without a list:

  • You’ll miss out on the latest trends, like AI-powered checkout or the next kombucha-level craze, and end up playing catch-up while your competitors cash in.
  • Your supplier network will stay as stale as last week’s bread—good luck negotiating better deals when you don’t know who else is out there.
  • You’ll be stuck in the same old routine, missing out on fresh product ideas that could boost margins and keep customers coming back for more.

Trade shows are where the grocery world’s best and brightest gather to talk shop, make deals, and showcase the future of food retail. Plus, let’s be real—where else can you network and score free snacks at the same time?

Here’s a roundup of the best grocery trade shows to check out this year. Pack your comfy shoes and bring an extra tote bag—you’re gonna need it.

The Best Grocery Trade Shows to Shop in 2025, Your Handy Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the best grocery trade shows I think are worth attending in 2025:

  1. The NGA Shows 2025 - Las Vegas, NV (February 23-25, 2025)
  2. Food & Drink Expo - Birmingham, England (April 7-9, 2025)
  3. Grocery & Specialty Food West - Vancouver, Canada (April 14-15, 2025)
  4. SIAL Canada - Toronto, Canada (April 29 - May 1, 2025)
  5. Sweets & Snacks Expo - Indianapolis, IN (May 13-15, 2025)
  6. Naturally Good Expo - Sydney, AU (May 26-27, 2025)
  7. GroceryTech - Dallas, TX (June 10-12, 2025)
  8. Summer Fancy Food Show - New York City, NY (June 29 - July 1, 2025)
  9. Grocery Shop - Las Vegas, NV (September 28 - October 1, 2025)
  10. Grocery Innovations Canada - Toronto, Canada (October 28-29, 2025)

The 10 Best Grocery Trade Shows You'll Want to Attend in 2025

OK, now for the actual details, which naturally include each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.

1. The NGA Show 2025 - Las Vegas, NV (February 23-25, 2025)

The NGA Show 2025, a grocery trade show
The NGA Show 2025 conference

Overview:

The NGA Show 2025 is a premier event for grocery retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers, highlighting innovation and trends in the food retail industry.

Since its inception, it has become a key platform for networking, education, and product showcases.

Why you should attend:

The National Grocers Association (NGA) Show 2025 will be an opportunity for you and your team to explore innovations in the grocery industry. You'll engage in educational sessions and network with peers.

The event will feature over 350 exhibits, providing insights into the latest industry trends.

You'll also hear from keynote speakers like Admiral William McRaven, who'll provide valuable leadership perspectives.

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2. Food & Drink Expo 2025 - Birmingham, England (April 7-9, 2025)

Food & Drink Expo 2025, website screenshot
Food & Drink Expo 2025 conference

Overview:

The Food & Drink Expo 2025 is a leading event for food and beverage professionals, including manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers.

Since its start, it has provided a platform for showcasing the latest products, trends, and innovations in the food and drink sector.

Notable past speakers have included experts like Andrew Kuyk, Director of the Food & Drink Federation, and leading chefs and entrepreneurs from the industry.

Why you should attend:

At the Food & Drink Expo 2025, you'll discover cutting-edge innovations in retail and hospitality. It's a chance to network with over 30,000 attendees and learn from dedicated zones like the plant-based section.

Your team will benefit from insights into emerging trends and new product innovations. Engage with industry leaders and decision-makers to drive your business forward.

3. Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025 - Vancouver, Canada (April 14-15, 2025)

Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025, landing page screenshot
Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025 conference

Overview:

Grocery & Specialty Food West is Canada’s premier annual conference for the grocery and specialty food industry.

It’s designed for retailers and manufacturers to explore innovations and networks. Notable speakers have included industry leaders sharing insights on market trends.

Why you should attend:

At Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025, you'll explore cutting-edge products and developments in the grocery sector.

The event will host over 210 exhibitors, giving your team a chance to network and learn. You'll participate in interactive sessions and product demos, gaining valuable insights into the industry.

This is an opportunity to connect with key decision-makers and broaden your market understanding.

4. SIAL Canada 2025 - Toronto, Canada (April 29 - May 1, 2025)

SIAL Canada 2025, a grocery trade show
SIAL Canada 2025 conference

Overview:

SIAL Canada is showcasing innovative food products, services, and technologies. It brings together professionals from food production, retail, and hospitality to network, explore trends, and forge business partnerships.

Past notable speakers include experts from global food organizations and industry leaders, offering insights into market dynamics and emerging food trends.

Why you should attend:

SIAL Canada 2025 will provide your team with insights into the agri-food industry’s latest trends and innovations.

You'll connect with over 1,000 exhibitors from diverse sectors, offering networking opportunities with global experts. The event will feature educational sessions and product showcases, helping you stay ahead in the market.

Your participation will foster growth and open doors to new business opportunities.

5. Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025 - Indianapolis, IN (May 13-15, 2025)

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025, a grocery trade show
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025 conference

Overview:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025 is the trade show for the candy, snack, and confectionery industries, offering a platform to explore new products and emerging trends.

Since its inception, it has become a must-attend event for industry professionals to network and gain valuable insights.

Why you should attend:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025 will offer your team a deep dive into the latest in confectionery and snack innovations.

You'll have access to over 1,000 exhibitors, enabling networking with industry leaders. Engaging sessions and product showcases will provide valuable insights into consumer trends.

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and enhance your market strategies.

6. Naturally Good Expo 2025 - Sydney, AU (May 26-27, 2025)

Naturally Good Expo 2025, a grocery trade show
Naturally Good Expo 2025 conference

Overview:

The Naturally Good Expo is an annual event dedicated to natural products, first launched in 2015.

It's designed for retailers, distributors, and health practitioners to discover the latest in natural product innovation. The expo has featured industry experts who share insights into market trends.

Why you should attend:

The Naturally Good Expo 2025 will be a valuable resource for discovering the latest natural product innovations.

Your team will connect with industry leaders and explore products across food, beverages, beauty, and more. Experience educational sessions and networking opportunities designed to enhance your understanding of the natural products market.

It’s a great way to stay updated on trends and make connections that matter.

7. GroceryTech - Dallas, TX (June 10-12, 2025)

GroceryTech 2025 conference landing page
GroceryTech 2025 conference
  • Dates: June 10-12, 2025
  • Location: Dallas, TX
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Website: GroceryTech
  • Social Media: LinkedIn, X

Overview:

GroceryTech 2025 is an event that brings together innovators, tech experts, and retailers to explore the future of grocery and ecommerce.

Focusing on automation, AI, and supply chain solutions, it addresses key industry challenges.

Past speakers include executives from top companies like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, offering insights into the latest trends and innovations.

Why you should attend:

GroceryTech 2025 will offer your team access to the latest technological innovations in the grocery industry. You'll participate in experts-led sessions, focusing on emerging technology trends.

This virtual event will provide networking opportunities with key industry players. It's a chance to gain insights into future-proofing your business with cutting-edge solutions.

8. Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 - New York City, NY (June 29 - July 1, 2025)

Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, a grocery trade show
Summer Fancy Food Show 2025

Overview:

The Summer Fancy Food Show is a leading event for the specialty food industry, established in 1952.

It's geared towards retail and food service buyers, distributors, and manufacturers. Attendees have included renowned industry leaders offering valuable insights.

Why you should attend:

At the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, you'll explore over 40 categories of specialty foods, including emerging trends like vegan and gluten-free.

This event will allow your team to network with industry leaders and discover innovative products. You'll gain insights from exclusive seminars, enhancing your understanding of market trends.

It’s an ideal opportunity to elevate your business strategies and connect with key players in the food industry.

9. Grocery Shop - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (September 28 - October 1, 2025)

Grocery Shop conference website screenshot
Grocery Shop conference

Overview:

Grocery Shop is a premier event focused on the grocery and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. It started in 2018 and is aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation among industry professionals.

Past speakers have included top executives and innovators from the grocery industry.

Why you should attend:

Grocery Shop 2025 will offer you the chance to explore the latest innovations in the grocery and CPG sectors. You'll network with industry leaders and gain insights from a diverse lineup of expert speakers.

This event will feature cutting-edge technology and trends, providing your team with strategies to enhance business operations.

It's a great chance to network with others and stay updated on changes in the grocery industry.

10. Grocery Innovations Canada - Toronto, Canada (October 28-29, 2025)

Grocery Innovations Canada conference landing page
Grocery Innovations Canada conference

Overview:

Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) is an event where people in the Canadian grocery industry gather to learn about new trends and ideas.

It features speakers from companies like Loblaw, Sobeys, and Walmart Canada, along with experts in technology and sustainability. The event helps people connect and discuss the future of grocery retail.

Why you should attend:

At Grocery Innovations Canada, you'll get a clear look at the latest trends and solutions shaping the grocery industry. The event is built for your team to connect with key players, from top retailers to tech innovators, in a focused setting.

You’ll find practical sessions on topics like sustainability, supply chain, and customer behavior, plus chances to network with experts and peers.

If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in grocery retail, this is where you’ll get the insights and connections you need.

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.

Bag It Up and Cash Out

The grocery game moves fast, and if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind.

Hitting the right grocery trade shows isn’t just about shaking hands and snagging samples—it’s about staying ahead of trends, making smarter business moves, and finding the next big thing before your competitors do.

So, pick a few from this list, book your tickets, and get ready to level up your grocery business. Just don’t forget to wear comfy shoes—you’ll thank me later.

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Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Retail Exec. He's spent years getting acquainted with the retail space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to retail topics big and small.