Categories: Conferences & Events|By |3.1 min read|Last Updated: 05-Jan-2026|

Winter FancyFaire

As Winter FancyFaire enters a new chapter for the specialty food industry, the event marks its evolution from the well-known Winter Fancy Foods Conference into a newly created B2B-focused trade show. It is designed to better reflect the changing needs of today’s food and beverage ecosystem. Taking place January 11–13, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center, Winter FancyFaire will be one of the first major food industry events of the year.

Run by the Specialty Food Association (SFA), Winter FancyFaire brings together brands, buyers, distributors, retailers, and industry solution providers under one roof. The event is positioned as a dedicated platform for showcasing product innovation, exploring emerging food trends, and fostering meaningful connections across the specialty food supply chain.

At the start of the new year, Winter FancyFaire sets the tone for what’s ahead in specialty food. The conference and exhibition are designed to support discovery, learning, and collaboration, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with new products, evolving consumer preferences, and the business strategies shaping the year to come.

Winter FancyFaire will feature a curated program of educational sessions, show floor experiences, and networking opportunities. Content is expected to address key challenges and opportunities facing the specialty food sector, from product development and merchandising to distribution, branding, and go-to-market strategies. With insights from industry experts and experienced leaders, the event aims to provide practical takeaways for businesses operating in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving marketplace.

Areas of focus at Winter FancyFaire include specialty and artisan foods, emerging brands, private label opportunities, sustainable sourcing, packaging innovation, and evolving retail and food service trends. The event will also highlight how shifting consumer expectations, regulatory considerations, and economic conditions are influencing buying decisions across the specialty food industry.

By bringing together a broad cross-section of the food and beverage community, Winter FancyFaire offers a space to explore what’s next for specialty food in 2026 and beyond. Its new format reflects a renewed emphasis on B2B engagement, helping industry professionals connect, learn, and navigate the complexities of the modern food landscape.

Winter FancyFaire
January 11-13, 2026
San Diego, USA
San Diego Convention Center

Winter FancyFaire Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Winter FancyFaire is a B2B specialty food industry event focused on product discovery, education, and networking. It was previously known as the Winter Fancy Foods Conference and has been reintroduced with a refreshed format.

Winter FancyFaire reflects a modernized approach to the specialty food trade show experience, emphasizing innovation, connection, and business focused engagement across the food and beverage industry.

 

Winter FancyFaire takes place from January 11–13, 2026.

The event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, USA.

 

Winter FancyFaire is organized and run by the Specialty Food Association (SFA).

Topics typically include specialty and artisan food trends, new product innovation, sustainability, packaging, retail and foodservice insights, branding, distribution, and business growth strategies.

Delegates include brand and agency marketers, programmatic traders, publishers, ad-tech and MarTech vendors, investors, and consultants who focus on Asia-Pacific advertising innovation. If your work touches programmatic media, data strategy, or MarTech, the content and networking will be relevant.

Winter FancyFaire is designed for food and beverage brands, buyers, retailers, distributors, brokers, importers, and industry service providers operating in the specialty food sector.

Business casual attire is generally appropriate. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the size of the show floor.

Winter FancyFaire is a trade-only, B2B event and is not open to the general public.

Winter FancyFaire takes place at the beginning of the year and often focuses on setting trends and strategies for the months ahead, while Summer FancyFaire typically highlights mid year launches, seasonal products, and continued industry momentum.

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Last Updated: 05-Jan-2026