Top food and beverage industry events in 2026

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With 2026 around the corner, executives in the food and beverage industry are looking ahead to networking and learning opportunities. 

Next year’s conferences will draw thousands of food and beverage professionals across sectors, including those in supply chain, manufacturing and retail. Attendees can learn about innovation and the future of the food and beverage industry, as well as gain networking opportunities in the space.

Food Dive has compiled a list of the top food and beverage industry events and trade shows to attend in 2026.

Take a look at what to expect in the year ahead.

Winter FancyFaire

Jan. 11-13

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego, California

As one of the first industry events of the year, the Winter FancyFaire show is marketing itself as a guidepost to the year ahead in the specialty food and beverage sector. This new event will replace the Winter Fancy Food Show, and includes product showcases and offers insight into the latest consumer trends impacting the gourmet industry. 

Dairy Forum 2026

Jan. 25-28

Palm Desert, California

Hosted by the International Dairy Foods Association, the Dairy Forum brings together 1,200 executives across the dairy supply chain for four days of networking and insight. The conference features topics such as collaboration, innovation and the future of the dairy industry, with speakers such as Former Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and author Sarah Frey.

Natural Products Expo West

March 3-6
Anaheim Convention Center

Anaheim, California

Natural Products Expo West focuses on natural and organic products within the CPG space. While speakers and information sessions for 2026 haven’t yet been released, expect insight into what’s next for the fast-growing health and wellness sector.   

Future Food-Tech

March 19-20
Marriott Marquis, San Francisco
San Francisco, California

The Future Food-Tech summit offers a front row to the forefront of food innovation, bringing startups and established companies together to discuss the future of food. This year’s theme is “Advancing Food Innovation to Ensure a Healthy & Sustainable Future,” and the event is expected to explore the impacts of GLP-1s, the Make America Healthy Again agenda, and more. 

Beverage Forum

April 28-29

Westdrift

Manhattan Beach, California

Known as one of the top gatherings for beverage executives, the Beverage Forum is a two-day event offering attendees a unique opportunity to learn the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry. While speakers have yet to be announced, last year’s event featured executives from Coca-Cola, Liquid Death and more, as well as offering networking opportunities.

Sweets & Snacks Expo

May 19-21

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

The flagship event for the snacking and confectionery industries, the Sweets & Snacks Expo showcases new products from some of the biggest players in the space and sets the stage for what’s next in innovation. This year’s event will take place in Las Vegas and looks to give executives insight into the latest trends and advice on connecting with consumers.

Summer Fancy Food Show

June 28-30

Javits Center

New York, New York

The Summer Fancy Food Show is meant to showcase “the entire landscape of specialty foods.” The event offers a preview of the buzziest premium and health-oriented brands while offering educational opportunities delving into consumer preferences and values.  

IFT First

July 12-15

McCormick Center

Chicago, Illinois

IFT First, which stands for Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology, features the latest innovations in the ingredients space. The event is targeted at researchers, scientists,  engineers and educators to focus on how research can make the food system safer, equitable and sustainable.

Newtopia Now

Aug. 19-21

Denver, Colorado

Newtopia Now focuses on the future of natural products. While the line up for 2026 has yet to be released, the conference is meant to showcase different aspects of “conscious consumerism,” with experiences and educational workshops.