Global events calendar: Get more from your industry in 2024
From the Winter Fancy Food Show in January to Fi Europe in November, the food and beverage industry hosts events throughout the year (and across the globe) so you can sample innovative new products, network with likeminded professionals and grow your business.
The show floor buzzes with industry professionals and the air sizzles with live product demonstrations. Up ahead, a glowing technology pavilion promises answers to all your important questions about the food systems of tomorrow. At events like these, you can literally taste the innovation.
The only question is, what should you do—or eat—first?
Events are amazing resources for food and beverage professionals, providing opportunities to network, sample new products and get the latest industry intel. Informa-run highlights include SupplySide West, a premier gathering of buyers and suppliers from across the industry, and the various Food ingredients (Fi) shows hosted around the globe, from Asia to South America. Some events feature live culinary competitions, while others let business owners pitch ideas to earn funding.
Keep reading to learn more about the food and beverage event landscape in 2024.
Winter Fancy Food Show - Specialty Food Association / Loop Seven
January
Dry/Damp January
Fiber Focus Month
Veganuary
When: Jan. 21-23
Where: Las Vegas
What: Hosted by Specialty Food Association (SFA), the Winter Fancy Food Show showcases the newest specialty food products with a focus on sampling, networking and education.
When: Jan. 21-24
Where: Phoenix
What: An event where more than 1,000 leaders from the dairy supply chain meet to discuss and shape the future of the industry.
The Mexican Healthy Products Summit
When: Jan. 25-27
Where: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
What: An invitation-only, B2B tradeshow and conference connecting healthy products suppliers with Mexican retail buyers and distributors.
IFT Florida Suppliers Night Expo
When: Jan. 25
Where: Orlando
What: Held by Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), this event features several short seminars, an open expo floor and many opportunities for networking.
International Production & Processing Expo
When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Where: Atlanta
What: IPPE spends three days focusing on innovation in and education about animal food production and processing. Plus, free bus service.
Fruit Logistica - Messe Berlin GmbH
February
National Canned Food Month
National Snack Food Month
New England Restaurant & Bar Show
When: Feb. 4-5
Where: Boston
What: Formerly the New England Food Show, this event has changed into a two-day show to consolidate time for exhibitors and allow for more networking opportunities.
New Orleans Alcohol Flavor Forum
When: Feb. 6
Where: New Orleans
What: A daylong event that delivers educational content related to formulation, culture and more in the alcohol industry.
When: Feb. 7-8
Where: Salt Lake City
What: This show, hosted by KeHE, offers a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities to explore the latest trends and products.
UNFI Natural and Conventional Spring and Summer Show
When: Feb. 7-8
Where: San Diego
What: One of several shows hosted by United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), this industry event showcases a broad spectrum of products and services.
When: Feb. 7-9
Where: Berlin
What: Dubbed “the heartbeat of the fresh produce business” by the show organizers, Fruit Logistica boasts thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees.
South Eastern IFT Food Industry Expo
When: Feb. 8
Where: Atlanta
What: As one of the few food industry events with free attendee reservation, this expo has golf, seminars and an all-new venue for 2024.
When: Feb. 13-14
Where: Sacramento
What: This show brings together a variety of industry professionals, from food processors and suppliers to government officials and educators.
When: Feb. 13-16
Where: Nuremberg, Germany
What: An organic food exhibition featuring a focus on sustainability from a global perspective, this event includes digital and face-to-face networking and educational opportunities.
When: Feb. 20-22
Where: Tokyo
What: Japan’s biggest B2B tradeshow features more than 500 health-related products and services.
International Sweetener Colloquium
When: Feb. 25-28
Where: Aventura, Florida
What: Cohosted by International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Sweetener Users Association (SUA), this event has content-rich sessions from a wide range of speakers.
Oregon Section IFT Suppliers Night
When: Feb. 26
Where: Portland, Oregon
What: This regional IFT Suppliers Night will feature plenty of chances to form professional connections in food ingredients, packaging and more.
Natural Products Expo West - Bryan Beasley Photography
March
National Nutrition Month
National Caffeine Awareness Month
When: March 5-7
Where: Quincy, Massachusetts
What: Hosted by Research Chef’s Association (RCA), this event provides new perspectives on the convergence of food science and the culinary arts.
Southern California Food Industry Conference
When: March 6
Where: Virtual
What: This virtual conference features sessions on nutrition and sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) and more.
When: March 7-9
Where: Nashville
What: All about “fueling the future,” the National Coffee Association (NCA) hosts this event for industry leaders from around the world to network and plan the next generation of joe.
When: March 7-9
Where: Tampa
What: Thousands of attendees—including foodservice and retail buyers, agricultural leaders and more—converge on this event to focus on the unseen heroes of produce.
ADPI Global Ingredients Summit
When: March 11-13
Where: Reno, Nevada
What: Get the latest updates on R&D for products made with cheese, milk and whey.
Southern California IFT Suppliers Night Expo
When: March 12
Where: Garden Grove, California
What: This suppliers night caters to professionals in food service, dairy, meat, seafood and more—and it reportedly sells out quickly.
When: March 12-14
Where: Rennes, France
What: Featuring 1,700 exhibitors from ingredients, equipment, packaging and more, this event has a theme of innovation, including an Agro Factory of the Future.
When: March 12
Where: Anaheim, California
What: The National Association of Flavors and Food-Ingredient Systems (NAFFS) hosts this event during Natural Products Expo West.
Natural Products Expo West (Informa event)
When: March 12-16
Where: Anaheim, California
What: At the leading tradeshow for natural, organic and healthy products, you’ll enjoy personalized matchmaking, product discovery, elite education and sustainable innovation.
When: March 18-20
Where: Nashville
What: A three-day celebration of all things meat.
When: March 18-20
Where: Las Vegas
What: This expo specializes in exploring new ideas—a perfect opportunity for industry professionals, from tea shop owners to grocers.
When: March 21-22
Where: San Francisco
What: This two-day event focuses on food and technology, industry insights, product tastings, startup pitches, live cooking demos and more.
When: March 26-27
Where: Atlanta
What: Dedicated to shaping the future of food, this summit strives to be at the forefront of innovation in the industry.
When: March 30-April 1
Where: Orlando
What: Explore the world of snacks by discovering innovative processing and packaging solutions along with new ingredients, seasonings and flavors.
SupplySide East - Bryan Beasley Photography
April
National Pecan Month
National Grilled Cheese Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
CHFA NOW (Natural, Organic Wellness) Vancouver
When: April 2-5
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
What: As Canada’s biggest tradeshow for natural wellness products, CHFA NOW Vancouver is a great place to discover new innovations and strengthen professional relationships.
Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
When: April 7-9
Where: Bonita Springs, Florida
What: This expo seeks to bring sustainability solutions to food manufacturing, emphasizing how environmental engineering practices can be used to preserve resources and reduce costs.
Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
When: April 7-9
Where: Birmingham, UK
What: A trade event for food and beverage processing, packaging and logistics, exploring trends and showcasing hot products with interactive events and discussions.
When: April 8-10
Where: Toronto
What: Not only will you get the tradeshow, networking events and conference—you’ll also see industry talent square off in culinary competitions.
NYIFT Suppliers Day & Career Fair
When: April 9
Where: Edison, New Jersey
What: Meet and network with companies and reps from across the food and beverage space.
Ice Cream Technology Conference
When: April 9-10
Where: Clearwater, Florida
What: I scream, you scream, we all scream for this conference, which offers a unique chance to learn about food safety, labeling and more for frozen desserts.
Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo
When: April 9-11
Where: Portland, Oregon
What: This year’s expo provides expanded educational offerings with a focus on energy, sustainability and other policy issues.
Natural & Organic Products Expo
When: April 14-15
Where: London
What: NOPEX gives you the latest intel on eco-friendly and sustainable products. It also includes the Natural Beauty Expo and the Natural Food Expo.
When: April 14-16
Where: Dallas
What: Visit “the Experience Zone,” which includes a flavor creation station and a virtual reality lounge, at this snack-forward education and networking forum.
International Conference on the Science of Botanicals
When: April 15-18
Where: Oxford, Mississippi
What: Held jointly with the World Congress of Medicinal Aromatic and Plants, this conference is supported and cosponsored by a variety of organizations, including FDA.
SupplySide East (Informa event)
When: April 16-17
Where: Secaucus, New Jersey
What: Network with more than 3,000 industry experts and discover the most innovative food and beverage solutions and ingredients on the market.
When: April 16-17
Where: Westminster, Colorado
What: A focused look at food and beverage innovation, this event includes consumer insights, product and packaging trends, and the latest technologies.
When: April 26-27
Where: Washington, D.C.
What: Black women from around the food industry gather to foster connections, learn from one another and share new opportunities.
When: April 29-May 1
Where: Birmingham, UK
What: This event runs alongside the Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, The Forecourt Show and The Restaurant Show.
Nutrition Capital Network Spring Investor Meeting (Informa event)
When: April 30-May 1
Where: New York
What: Nutrition, health and wellness companies seeking capital need look no further. Pitch categories include natural and organic foods, supplements, ingredients, technology and more.
When: April 29-May 1
Where: Kansas City, Missouri
What: Food for pets matters too. Get all the latest intel on pet nutrition, food safety, global market growth and more.
Agritechnica Asia
May
National Egg Month
National Salsa Month
Allergy Awareness Month
When: May 2-5
Where: Marrakech, Morocco
What: Association of Food Industries (AFI) runs this event, which it calls "the only convention designed for the food import sector."
When: May 6-9
Where: Rosemont, Illinois
What: A solution-based conference and expo with a comprehensive educational program.
When: May 9-10
Where: Hollywood
What: More than 120 of the world’s leading CEOs, celebrities, investors and innovators meet to make a meaningful impact on the planet and animals.
Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week
When: May 14-16
Where: Washington, D.C.
What: This event focuses on making continuous improvements, celebrating leaders and collaborating to advance policy priorities in the organic products industry.
When: May 14-16
Where: Indianapolis
What: According to its website, this is “the only event that blends the sweetness of goodies like chocolate, candy and cookies with the savory flavors of chips, popcorn, meat snacks and more.”
Vitafoods Europe (Informa event)
When: May 14-16
Where: Geneva, Switzerland
What: In 2024, Vitafoods Europe is spotlighting the power of invention, complete with a pavilion for startups and guided innovation tours. Vitafoods Europe will move to Barcelona in 2025.
When: May 15-17
Where: Montreal
What: With exhibitors and attendees from around the world, SIAL Canada features a sector-specific approach that addresses the requirements of retail, food service and food processing.
National Restaurant Association Show
When: May 18-21
Where: Chicago
What: Reportedly the largest foodservice professionals gathering in the Western hemisphere, this show has plenty of resources, information and connection opportunities.
When: May 22-24
Where: Bangkok
What: Showcasing the theme of “sustainable solutions for future farming,” this event will take on the complex agricultural challenges faced by the food industry.
Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food
When: May 23
Where: Chicago
What: This event was last held in 2023, with a full week of programming based on food innovation along with a startup portfolio of over 160 founders, 60% of whom were from underrepresented communities.
PLMA’s World of Private Label International Trade Show
When: May 28-29
Where: Amsterdam
What: This show brings together retailers and manufacturers to discover new products and ideas, plus make new professional connections.
Food ingredients (Fi) Africa (Informa event)
When: May 26-28
Where: Cairo
What: Explore Africa’s booming food and beverage manufacturing scene with the latest in ingredients, food manufacturing, packaging, processing and logistics solutions.
June
National Dairy Month
National Candy Month
National Soul Food Month
When: June 9-11
Where: Houston
What: International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) hosts this foodservice industry event with retail attendees from top chains.
When: June 12-13
Where: New York
What: BevNET Live is the perfect place to spot the latest trends and network with the beverage industry’s vibrant community.
When: June 12-13
Where: Chicago
What: Prepare for the holiday buying season by browsing the new product showcase, fresh marketplace and international pavilion.
Health ingredients (Hi) and Food ingredients (Fi) Asia-China (Informa event)
When: Jun. 19-21
Where: Shanghai
What: Hi & Fi Asia-China brings together leading suppliers, manufacturers and experts from the health and food industries in China.
When: June 23-25
Where: New York
What: Hosted by SFA, this show serves up the latest specialty food and beverage products and attracts tons of makers, buyers, brokers, distributors and other industry pros.
July
National Hot Dog Month
National Culinary Arts Month
National Ice Cream Month
When: July 10-11
Where: Monterey, California
What: Registration opens Feb. 5 for this event featuring educational sessions and networking related to fresh organic food.
American Cheese Society Conference
When: July 10-13
Where: Buffalo, New York
What: Of course there’s an American Cheese Society! This event is dedicated to education to prepare for the ongoing change in the industry.
When: July 14-17
Where: Chicago
What: FIRST stands for “food improved by research, science and technology,” so naturally this IFT event is the place to meet specialists in the science of food.
When: July 21-26
Where: New Orleans
What: This week of seminars, tastings, networking and special events provides tons of opportunities for bartenders, distillers and more.
August
National Sandwich Month
National Peach Month
When: Aug. 6-7
Where: Minneapolis
What: One of several shows hosted by United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), this industry event will showcase a broad spectrum of products and services.
Food ingredients (Fi) South America (Informa event)
When: Aug. 6-8
Where: Sao Paulo, Brazil
What: Go here to find new Latin American suppliers, discuss regional R&D requirements, discover new national and international ingredients and more.
Newtopia Now (Informa event)
When: Aug. 6-8
Where: Savannah, Georgia
What: A new event from New Hope Network, this experience was built to introduce natural and organic buyers to their next best-selling products.
When: Aug. 17-20
Where: Minneapolis
What: This is your one-stop shop for brewing industry scuttlebutt, with topics ranging from supply chain resilience to regulatory shifts.
Plant Based World Expo
September
National Chicken Month
National Mushroom Month
Food Safety Education Month
When: Sept. 3-5
Where: Hong Kong
What: Natural & Organic Asia is joining forces with Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong (RBHK) to showcase healthy foods and beverages and eco-friendly products.
Plant Based World Expo North America
When: Sept. 11-12
Where: New York
What: The official tradeshow of Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), this event promotes lasting, transformational change across the global food system by bringing more than 4,000 stakeholders together to create new opportunities.
When: Sept. 15-19
Where: Munich
What: “A platform for innovation, networking and sustainable perspectives” sums up drinktec, a leading exhibition for beverages and liquid foods.
America’s Food & Beverage Show & Conference
When: Sept. 16-18
Where: Miami
What: According to the AF&B Show website, half of the attendees are decision-makers in the industry, making this a must-attend for those looking to meet suppliers, vendors and more.
Food ingredients (Fi) Asia-Thailand (Informa event)
When: Sept. 17-19
Where: Bangkok
What: This event, which is co-located with Vitafoods Asia, connects more than 600 international suppliers across the nutraceutical, food and beverage industries.
Vitafoods Asia (Informa event)
When: Sept. 18-20
Where: Bangkok
What: Co-located with Fi Asia-Thailand, this show explores four key sectors: ingredients and raw, finished products, contract manufacturing and private label, and services and equipment.
CHFA NOW (Natural, Organic Wellness) Toronto
When: Sept. 19-22
Where: Toronto
What: Attend to meet top national retailers and buyers, try new products and build a professional presence in your industry.
Food ingredients (Fi) India (Informa event)
When: Sept. 25-27
Where: Bengaluru, India
What: Fi India invites industry professionals to showcase their products, network with peers, and learn about the latest trends and innovations in the food industry in India.
When: Sept. 25-27
Where: Casablanca, Morocco
What: Boasting hundreds of brands and thousands of visitors, this event features not only a conference but also B2B meetings and live product demonstrations.
SupplySide West - Bryan Beasley Photography
October
National Apple Month
National Seafood Month
Vegetarian Awareness Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
When: Oct. 7-9
Where: Las Vegas
What: A premier event for grocery and CPG professionals.
Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo
When: Oct. 7-10
Where: Denver (and virtual)
What: Organized by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this event features a variety of educational sessions. Also, there’s a live stream option.
Food ingredients (Fi) Vietnam (Informa event)
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
What: As the only dedicated food and beverage ingredients exhibition in the region, Fi Vietnam helps you network, learn about trends and source from the best ingredients in the region.
When: Oct. 19-23
Where: Paris
What: A global showcase for professionals in food, retail and hospitality, SIAL Paris brings together key producers and buyers to find solutions to the world’s big challenges.
Health ingredients (Hi) Japan (Informa event)
When: Oct. 23-25
Where: Tokyo
What: Hi Japan continues the nation’s long tradition of using functional ingredients to enhance the flavors and health benefits of food products.
SupplySide West/Food ingredients (Fi) North America (Informa event)
When: Oct. 28-Nov. 1
Where: Las Vegas
What: Fi North America is co-located with SupplySide West, one of the biggest food and beverage events on the planet. Don’t miss it.
When: October
Where: Minneapolis
What: This event specializes in the commercialization of climate-resilient and sustainable innovation from farm to fork. Registration is closed, as the maximum capacity of 120 attendees has been reached.
November
American Diabetes Month
National Pepper Month
World Vegan Month
When: Nov. 3-6
Where: Chicago
What: PACK EXPO International claims to be the biggest packaging and processing show out there, connecting end users and suppliers through the power of innovation.
When: Nov. 5-7
Where: Dubai
What: Gulfood offers a destination for those seeking to accelerate the adoption of technology and improve efficiency and productivity to meet new challenges.
When: Nov. 13-14
Where: London
What: The European counterpart of Plant Based World Expo North America, the event brings more than 5,000 stakeholders together to spark new opportunities in the plant-based food industry.
Food ingredients (Fi) Europe (Informa event)
When: Nov. 19-21
Where: Frankfurt, Germany
What: Fi Europe hosts a variety of exhibitors from across the sector, ranging from health-focused ingredients to plant-based food products.
When: Nov. 20-22
Where: Tokyo
What: Many food manufacturers, restaurants and others in the industry use this event to introduce the latest automation technologies and equipment.
Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition
When: Nov. 26-28
Where: Abu Dhabi
What: This event serves as a central hub for the food and beverage trade, plus impressive culinary experiences.
American Food Manufacturing Summit
When: November
Where: Chicago
What: Designed to bring food and beverage processors and suppliers together to discuss current trends, strategic insights and best practices.
December
National Pear Month
National Egg Nog Month
Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
When: TBD
Where: Marina Del Rey, California
What: Join forces with natural food industry members to collaborate, connect, and innovate. Not yet scheduled for 2024.
When: TBD
Where: Marina Del Rey, California
What: This two-day event brings together thought leaders, trailblazers and brand founders in the beverage industry. Not yet scheduled for 2024.
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