Main Stage to Feature Big Industry Names, Insightful Sessions

The Summer Fancy Food Show will feature a robust Main Stage educational series with big names including Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods, and Kristen Kish, host of Top Chef. The sessions will discuss consumer trends, sustainability, and how makers can maximize their business potential.

Following is the Main Stage lineup.

Sunday, June 23

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

State of the Plate 2024: Outlook and Opportunity for Specialty Foods

What does menu maven and "State of the Plate" columnist Nancy Kruse see happening with specialty food consumers in the year ahead? Grab a seat at this must-see session to find out.

Speaker: Nancy Kruse, founder of The Kruse Company

2 – 2:45 p.m.

Discover the Future of Food: Sustainably Specialty with Food Tank

During the talk, you'll discover how the four pillars of sustainability—human, social, economic, and environmental—drive innovation in our industry while getting fired up by the panel's ideas and recommendations.

Speakers: Danielle Nierenberg, co-founder at Food Tank; Kim Severson, correspondent at The New York Times; Anna Hammond, CEO at Matriark Foods; Paul Willis, founding Hog Farmer at Niman Ranch

3 – 3:45 p.m.

FoodGPT: How Specialty Food Makers Can Leverage AI for Business Growth

Generative AI is the hottest topic in tech right now, but is it something that specialty food makers and manufacturers can use to build their businesses? Yes, and if you attend this session, you’ll find out how.

Speakers: Dylan Nugent, co-founder and CEO at Prose Foods; Ian Leaman, CEO at Pantry AI; Kate Sullivan, founder at Uncracked; Michael Wolf, founder at The Spoon

4 – 5 p.m.

Guilde des Fromagers Induction Ceremony

Les Guilde des Fromagers is an international organization established by Pierre Androuet in 1969 in France. The chapter representing the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia is proud to host an induction of new members during the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC, followed by a reception.

Monday, June 24

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Savoring the Future: A Fireside Chat with Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel

Join us for a captivating keynote with Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market, as he talks about the future of the iconic brand—and invites the audience along for some fun.

Speakers: Jason Buechel, CEO at Whole Foods Market; Katie Stilo, culinary producer and food stylist at NBC Today

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Influencer Impact: Stocking Your Store with Trendsetting Products

This panel delves into the dynamic role of influencers in shaping consumer trends and driving product demand. Gain valuable insights into harnessing influencer impact to curate your retail inventory with trendsetting products that captivate buyers and boost sales.

Speakers: Abbey Rodriguez, CEO at Tastemaker Conference; Rosalynn Daniels, content creator at @rosalynndaniels; Susie Bulloch, pit master at Hey Grill Hey; Toni Okamoto, founder at Plant Based on a Budget; Yumna Jawad, CEO & founder at Feel Good Foodie

1:30 – 2 p.m.

Fireside Chat with Top Chef Host Kristen Kish

Indulge your culinary curiosity in an exclusive fireside chat featuring Kristen Kish, the host of Top Chef and accomplished author, in conversation with Delish editor Joanna Saltz. Together, they'll embark on a delectable journey through the diverse world of cuisine, exploring local flavors, the innovative realm of food, and the latest trends in foodservice.

Speakers: Joanna Saltz, editorial director at Delish; Kristen Kish, chef and Top Chef host

3 – 4 p.m.

Burger Showdown with Delish

Delish’s fan-favorite YouTube show, “Grocery Showdown,” is coming to the Summer Fancy Food Show stage for an exclusive live showdown. Brooke Caison and Justin Sullivan will cook hamburgers made only from the SFA Food Show ingredients.

Speakers: Brooke Caison, food editor & host of “Brooke’s One Pots” at Delish; Joanna Saltz, editorial director at Delish; Justin Sullivan, culinary video producer & host of Grocery Showdown at Delish; Robert Sexias, food director at Delish

Tuesday, June 25

9 – 9:45 a.m.

Deciphering Deductions: Navigating this Vital Industry Topic

Dive into the heart of an often-opaque subject with leaders from the retail, broker, and distributor realms: deductions. In this engaging session, you'll gain valuable insights into how deductions operate in the current landscape, strategies to navigate potential conflicts, and collaborative approaches to forge a harmonious future together.

Speakers: Dwight Richmond, director of center store at Town & Country Markets; Jeremy Isenberg, president at Chex Finer Foods; Luke Abbott, founder & CEO at Vdriven; Michael Reich, COO at Hanson Faso

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Fund Your Future: A Panel with Naturally New York

In collaboration with Naturally New York, this session is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge needed to secure appropriate funding options at every stage of your business journey.

Speakers: Grace Gould, co-founder at Touch Capital; Jessica Bates, head of business development at Dwight; Natalie Borowsk, advisor at Coefficient Capital; Roy Chin, principal at North Castle Partners; Jeff Grogg, founder at JPG Resources

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Trendsetters: How East Coast Retailers Impact the Industry

Trendsetting retailers have a huge impact on the food system. These grocers are at the forefront of innovation, looking for the best products that meet their shoppers' emerging wants and needs. If you're wondering what products and trends they have their eyes on now, don't miss this session.

Speakers: Brittiany East, director of grocery, dairy, and frozen at The Fresh Market; Glenn Cunningham, center store director at Village Supermarkets; Mitch Orland, SVP at Earth Fare; Daniel Scharff, founder at Startup CPG

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Spreading Culture and Flavor: Lessons from Goldbelly

Goldbelly, an online marketplace for gourmet foods, saw business skyrocket during the pandemic, gaining one million customers and 300 percent sales growth. Enjoy an inside look at their journey and learn their innovative methods for selling specialty foods online.

Plus, hear SFA member brands Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Cyprus Grove, and Carousel Cakes share their journeys to success in the online market. Get insights into what makes products sell and how to showcase local brands effectively.

Speaker: Frank Luciano, chief business officer at Goldbelly