The Winter Fancy Food Show Floor is open today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early access will be granted at 9:30 a.m. at W2 and W4 entrances for distributor buyer members, retail members, broker members, foodservice buyer members, and key buyers.
The lineup of educational sessions and events includes:
10:30 – 11 a.m.
SFA Open Mic
SFA Open Mic is an area where emerging brands can practice pitching their product live on the Show floor, receive feedback from an industry expert, gain exposure, and take their brand to the next level.
Location: Big Idea Stage
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Unlocking Flavor Alchemy: Culinary Science 101–A Sensory Experience by MDR. Decode Labels, Taste the Difference, and Elevate Your Palate
A dynamic conversation between a dietitian and an experienced chef who will create nutrition-dense Mediterranean recipes. This session is brought to you in cooperation with the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable.
Speakers: Jason Johnson, chef; Mary Angela Miller, Ohio State University
Location: Taste it Live!
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bite-Sized Love: Designing Edible Bouquets that Wow Your Valentine
Embark on a culinary love journey as we unveil the art of creating an edible bouquet for Valentine’s Day.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sip and Savor: Functional Tea and Coffee Beverages
Elevate your typical morning beverage as you explore member products.
Speaker: Derek Crow, Brezza and Iconic Beverage Concepts LLC
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
11 – 11:30 a.m.
Cut Through the Noise: Driving Sales Through Omniplatform Storytelling
In a sea of splashy brands, how does your voice rise above the buzz? This panel, presented by (included) and moderated by BIPOC pioneer, Nona Lim, welcomes diverse communities whose rich stories belong in the spotlight. Q&A and fellowship will follow the session.
Speakers: James Ren, Thrive Market; Karl Franz Williams, Uncle Waithley’s; Hector Saldivar, Tia Lupita; Nona Lim, Nona Lim
Location: Big Idea Stage
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Little Labels, Big Impact: How Third-Party Certifications Communicate Credibility and Drive Growth
Learn how the Non-GMO Project, Marine Stewardship Council, and Fairtrade America empower businesses.
Speakers: Kristen Stevens, Marine Stewardship Council; Jade Vantreese, Non-GMO Project; Kate Stritzinger, Fairtrade America
Location: Big Idea Stage
12 – 12:30 p.m.
Culinary Excellence Meets Academic Palates: A Yale University Perspective
James Benson, director of culinary excellence at Yale University, unveils the transformative applications of Mediterranean Diet principles in the dynamic world of foodservice. This session is brought to you in cooperation with the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable.
Location: Big Idea Stage
12 – 12:30 p.m.
The Hottest Consumer Trends from SFA’s Research
Join David Lockwood, lead researcher of SFA’s annual Today’s Specialty Food Consumer report, to learn about the most impactful trends.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
12 - 1 p.m.
Perfect Pairings: Modernize Your Charcuterie Board with Research Chefs
Who doesn’t love a perfect pairing? Learn how to artfully pair common specialty foods like charcuterie, smoked fish, and drinking chocolate with modern twists. Discover new ways to consider innovation and complimentary flavors.
Speakers: Chef Jill Houk, Director of Culinary, OFI; Jessica Goldstein, VP, NuSpice
Location: Taste It Live!
12 – 1 p.m.
Sip and Savor: Functional Tea and Coffee Beverages
Elevate your typical morning beverage as you explore member products.
Speaker: Derek Crow, Brezza and Iconic Beverage Concepts LLC
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
12:30 – 1 p.m.
Savoring the Golden Years: Culinary Innovation in Senior Living
Take a flavorful exploration of integrating Mediterranean Diet principles into the unique environment of Senior Living. This session is brought to you in cooperation with the Mediterranena Diet Roundtable.
Speaker: Matthew Tremblay, Northbridge Senior Living
Location: Big Idea Stage
1 – 1:30 p.m.
SFA Trendspotter Panel
SFA’s Trendspotter Panel put in the hours at the Winter Fancy Food Show, seeking out patterns and predicting shifts in the food and beverage categories.
Speakers: Denise Purcell, SFA; Jonathan Deutsch, Drexel Food Core Lab; Clara Park, claraparkcooks
Location: Big Idea Stage
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Nightclub AFTER DARK
Upgrade your nightlife experience with expedited “Guest List” access to one of the most exclusive and exciting nightclubs in Las Vegas.
Location: OMNIA at Caesars Palace
Related: Seen at the Winter Fancy Food Show, Day 1; Market Hall Foods' Robinson Discusses How She Buys