The 48th Winter Fancy Food Show gets underway today at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Show floor will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early access will be given at 9:30 a.m. at W2 and W4 entrances to SFA distributor buyer members, retail members, broker members, foodservice buyer members, and key buyers.
A Ribbon Cutting ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m. on the Concourse at the W1 entrance.
New to the Winter Show this year are Pavilion Pop Ups.
These interactive and themed locales allow attendees to sample products, learn about trends, and network with industry stakeholders.
They include the Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite? and the Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy.
"During the event, attendees and exhibitors will be immersed in an environment that encourages active participation and engagement. Interactive booths, live cooking demonstrations, and curated pop up activations are designed to create a dynamic and hands-on experience,” said SFA president Bill Lynch. “This approach not only facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation of the products but also fosters meaningful connections between participants.”
Pavilion Pop Ups taking place today include:
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Snack Masterclass: The Super Bowl
Get ready for a flavor-packed session where the former Rachael Ray Show Television producer guides you in creating a show-stopping snack stadium. Immerse yourself in mouthwatering dips, savory and sweet snacks, and refreshing sips, perfectly curated for your gameday bash – or your store display.
Location: Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
Meet & Eat with the Fancy Face-Off Finalists
Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek into the world of our Fancy Face-Off finalists! Be the first to discover the innovative stories behind the brands and savor their exceptional products.
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
12 - 1 p.m.
Embrace USDA Organic Certification for Business Success with Organic Trade Association
Join the Organic Trade Association for an Organic Product Showcase and Market Overview. Explore how the USDA Organic label addresses consumer preferences for environmental sustainability, human health, animal welfare, and social justice, offering a unique opportunity for brands and retailers to connect with consumers.
Location: Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
Sip and Savor: Sour and Zesty Mocktails
Experience the art of libation as our expert Drinkologist serves up a refreshing approach to non-alcoholic beverage using member product ingredients. Enjoy delectable drinks like the “Sin City Sour” and “High Roller” while engaging in a memorable blend of flavors and stories.
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
You Put WHAT in my Cheese? - An American Cheese Society Tasting
You've probably seen cheeses wrapped in nettles, rubbed with coffee, and marinated in booze. But how about chocolate ganache on a washed rind...yay or nay? Trend reports suggest that wild flavors are the future of American cheese. Meet seasoned cheesemakers from the American Cheese Society to discuss the pros and cons, learn about the art of fine-tuning flavor, and taste some award-winning flavored cheeses.
Location: Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
Mastering the Art of sofi: An Insider’s Guide to the sofi Awards
Discover more about this annual competition as our experts unveil the behind-the-scenes judging process. Get a firsthand taste of what it takes to evaluate the finest specialty foods, gaining valuable insights into how judges meticulously assess products. Whether you are gearing up to enter your products in the competition or are ready to make room on your shelves and menus for outstanding winners, this session will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration you need.
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
3 - 4 p.m.
Elevate Your Events: Crafting Irresistible Grazing Boards for Every Occasion!
Discover the art of crafting the perfect Grazing Board for any occasion with the Snackologist, Jeanette Donnarumma. Join this engaging tasting session as she guides you in theming and creating the ultimate grazing board, ensuring its versatility from delectable appetizers to tempting desserts
Location: Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
Sessions that are part of the Big Idea educational series, featuring consumer trends, market forecasts, peer-led panels, and critical business topics, will also take place today on the Big Idea Stage at booth 2027. Sessions include:
10:30 – 11 a.m.
The Six Traits of Successful Co-Man/Co-Pack Relationships
2020 forever changed how we view and manage our supply chains, especially for critical contract manufacturing relationships. What are the new rules and evolved best practices for maximizing these relationships? How can brands get maximum supply chain ROI in 2023 and beyond?
In this interactive session, we will look at these issues from the perspective of the brands as well as their contract packagers and manufacturers, including contract terms, fulfillment levels, sustainability concerns, and sourcing issues.
Speaker: Carl Melville, founder, chief strategy officer, The Melville Group
11-11:30 a.m.
How I Buy with Wendy Robinson, Market Hall Foods
Learn about how buyers make product selections, work with makers and distributors, and perform category reviews.
Speaker: Wendy Robinson, program manager/senior buyer, Market Hall Foods
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Today’s Specialty Food Consumer: SFA Research Spotlight
Discover the most important trends in customer behavior that impact the specialty food business.
Speaker: David Lockwood, owner, Lockwood Consulting
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Understanding Trends in Retail, Foodservice and Beyond: A Research Panel
Join the great minds behind the data from three major firms in the specialty food space for a discussion of current trends and movements in our industry.
Speakers: Laurie Demeritt, CEO, The Hartman Group; Mike Kostyo, vice president, Menu Matters; Sherry Frey, vice president of Total Wellness at NielsenIQ.
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
The Real Value of Specialty Foods
More than ever before, specialty foods have become strategically important in driving retailer profitability and shopper loyalty. However, there has been little past research validating and quantifying these beliefs. This new research from the Specialty Food Association - Understanding the Real Value of Specialty Foods - dives into exactly how and to what extent specialty foods are critical to driving retailer success. This presentation will explore and quantify the role of specialty foods in driving customer trips and building retailer profits. In addition, it will explore the growth of private label specialty foods and their impact on retailer success and manufacturer opportunity.
Speaker: Jim Wisner, founder, Wisner Marketing, LLC
3:30 – 4 p.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 your brand to the next level.
Taste it Live!
The Show’s experiential area for demos and samples, Taste it Live!, will feature:
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Taste of Japan’s Gastronomic Treasures
Enjoy an unforgettable chance to see one of the most celebrated chefs in the country, sharing his take on Japanese ingredients including the highest-quality seafood such as Hotate and Buri that will take guests on an unprecedented culinary exploration.
Speakers: Chef Timothy Hollingsworth, Victoria Recano, Inside Edition
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Beyond Matcha – The Undiscovered Potentials and Possibilities of Japanese Tea
Matcha has taken the U.S. and many other countries by storm, and thanks to a combination of great taste and its many expected health properties, this green superfood keeps attracting an ever-growing audience. Yet despite the popularity of this classic tea ceremony beverage, most Japanese teas still remain relatively undiscovered in the West. In this presentation, we will discuss what we are all missing out on and introduce the audience to the beautiful flavors and natural sweetness of high-quality Japanese leaf teas, unfolding many new taste experiences and well as exploring business potentials for Japanese tea.
Speakers: Brekell Oscar, Den Shirakata, Noli Ergas
3 to 4 p.m.
Charcuterie Chalet Showdown
The viral Tik Tok Charcuterie Chalet will be making an appearance at the Fancy Food Show. Audience members will go head-to-head to compete in a series of 10-minute Charcuterie Chalet Challenges in front of a panel of buyer judges. Featuring exhibitor meats and cheeses, this is a not-to-miss experience and a unique opportunity to delightfully play with your food!
Speaker: Avital Ungar, Edible Architecture and Avital Food & Drink Experiences
Taking place at 4 p.m. is Fête de Fancy - A Celebration of SFA Volunteers and Community on the Las Vegas Convention Center, Inner Roadway.
At 5:30 p.m. at Bungalow Coffee, the Fine Chocolate Industry Association in conjunction with Specialty Food Association will host a Chocolate Soirée networking event to celebrate the chocolate highlighted at the Winter Fancy Food Show.
The Fancy Food Show Lip Smacking Foodie Tours will take place 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the Las Vegas Strip.
Taking place from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. is a Winter Fancy Food Show After Dark event that includes guest list access at the Marquee at the Cosmopolitan. (Please note that this is a new location as there was a change with the one that was previously planned.)
Related: Sin City Specialties: The Sundry Food Hall; Charcuterie Enhancements to Debut at Show.