The Winter Fancy Food Show 2025 in Las Vegas was an exciting kickoff for the specialty food industry. With over 12,000 attendees and more than 1,050 exhibitors from 35 countries, the event once again served as a vital platform for discovering trends, building partnerships, and exploring the future of food.
But this year’s show also came with a significant announcement: The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is bidding farewell to the Winter Fancy Food Show after nearly five decades. In its place, the SFA will launch the Winter FancyFaire in January 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center, bringing a reimagined experience to the West Coast.
What to Expect at Winter FancyFaire 2026
Scheduled for January 11–13, 2026, Winter FancyFaire will introduce a more interactive and experiential format, featuring:
- Curated food halls and culinary campuses.
- An “Ask the Experts” station (inspired by Apple’s Genius Bar), connecting attendees with industry professionals in packaging, marketing, and social media.
- Outdoor activations and collaborations with local businesses to extend the experience beyond the convention center.
SFA President Bill Lynch described the move as a “strategic” decision, noting that California offers a higher density of specialty food buyers compared to Las Vegas. This shift promises to increase engagement and innovation while offering a more immersive experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.
Registration for Winter FancyFaire will open in early September 2025, with plans to rotate the event to San Francisco in 2027. Meanwhile, the Summer Fancy Food Show will remain unchanged and will take place at the Javits Center in New York City from June 29 to July 1, 2025.
But before we get too excited about the future, let’s take a look back at the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show that just wrapped up in Las Vegas!
Italian Brands Shine at Winter Fancy Food Show
With Italy as the official partner country, Italian brands took center stage this year, showcasing their world-renowned excellence in cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and artisanal products. Italian exports to the U.S. have grown steadily, with a reported 18% increase in 2024. The U.S. remains one of the top markets for Italian food, driven by consumer demand for authentic, high-quality products.
Sustainability and tradition were common themes among Italian exhibitors, with many focusing on eco-friendly production methods and packaging. This aligns with growing consumer interest in ethically sourced and environmentally conscious products.
However, as Italian companies continue to expand in the U.S., they face a unique set of challenges:
- Navigating U.S. regulations.
- Building distribution networks.
- Adapting marketing strategies for diverse U.S. consumer preferences.
Having strong leadership with cross-cultural expertise is critical for overcoming these hurdles.
🌱 Consumer Trends: Plant-Based, Clean-Label, and Functional Foods
The plant-based movement is here to stay, with innovation accelerating across categories. At the show, plant-based cheeses, alternative proteins, and gut-health beverages were big conversation drivers.
Consumers are also demanding clean-label products and functional foods that offer health benefits like improved digestion or immune support. Companies that can quickly adapt to these trends will gain an edge—but they’ll need visionary marketing and product development leaders to do it successfully.
Market Expansion & the Talent Challenge
While the Fancy Food Show was full of optimism, many exhibitors shared a common concern: finding the right talent to support growth.
The numbers tell the story:
- 64% of U.S. specialty food companies cite talent acquisition as a top challenge.
- 45% of Italian companies in the U.S. report difficulty recruiting bilingual leaders with experience in both European and U.S. markets.
- Hiring for senior roles can take 3–6 months, which means companies must act early and strategically to secure top talent.
Looking Ahead: Talent as a Key Ingredient for Growth
The future looks bright for the specialty food industry, especially for Italian brands making their mark in the U.S. market. However, securing the right talent will be essential for companies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
At Quanta US, we specialize in helping companies build high-performing teams, connecting them with leaders in sales, operations, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. With a focus on bilingual talent and cross-cultural expertise, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. market expansion.
As we move into 2025, let’s connect and explore how we can support your growth and talent strategy.
