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.

Scott Miller, Staff writer

January 3, 2024

17 Min Read
SupplySide West show floor
Bryan Beasley Photography

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

 January 

  • Dry/Damp January 

  • Fiber Focus Month 

  • Veganuary 

Winter Fancy Food Show 

  • 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. 

Dairy Forum 2024 

  • 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

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. 

KeHE Summer Show 

  • 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.

Fruit Logistica 

  • 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. 

Food Processing EXPO 

  • 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. 

BIOFACH 

  • 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. 

Health and Wellness Japan 

  • 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

March 

  • National Nutrition Month 

  • National Caffeine Awareness Month 

RCA Conference

  • 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. 

NCA Convention

  • 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.

Southern Exposure

  • 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. 

CFIA Rennes 

  • 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. 

NAFFS California Roundtable

  • 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. 

Annual Meat Conference 

  • When: March 18-20 

  • Where: Nashville

  • What: A three-day celebration of all things meat. 

World Tea Expo 

  • 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. 

Future Food-Tech 

  • 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. 

American Food Innovate Summit 

  • 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. 

SNAXPO25 

  • 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

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. 

Restaurants Canada Show 

  • 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. 

SNX2024 

  • 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. 

New Products Conference

  • 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.

Black Women in Food Summit

  • 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.

Food & Drink Expo 

  • 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. 

Petfood Forum

  • 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  

AFI Convention

  • 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."

Food Safety Summit 

  • When: May 6-9 

  • Where: Rosemont, Illinois 

  • What: A solution-based conference and expo with a comprehensive educational program. 

The Vegan Women Summit 

  • 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. 

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 

  • 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.

SIAL Canada 

  • 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.

Agritechnica Asia 

  • 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 

IDDBA 

  • When: June 9-11 

  • Where: Houston

  • What: International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) hosts this foodservice industry event with retail attendees from top chains. 

BevNET Live 

  • 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. 

KeHE Holiday Show 

  • 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. 

Summer Fancy Food Show 

  • 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 

Organic Produce Summit 

  • 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. 

IFT FIRST 

  • 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. 

Tales of the Cocktail

  • 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  

UNFI Fresh Specialty Show

  • 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. 

World Brewing Congress

  • 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 

RBHK/Natural & Organic Asia 

  • 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. 

drinktec 

  • 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. 

Morocco Siema 

  • 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

October 

  • National Apple Month 

  • National Seafood Month 

  • Vegetarian Awareness Month 

  • Eat Better, Eat Together Month 

Groceryshop 

  • 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. 

SIAL Paris 

  • 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. 

Transform Food & Agriculture 

  • 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 

PACK EXPO International 

  • 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. 

Gulfood Manufacturing 

  • 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. 

Plant Based World Expo Europe 

  • 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. 

Food Tech Week Tokyo 

  • 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 

NOSH Live

  • 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.

BevNET Live - Winter

  • 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.

About the Author

Scott Miller

Staff writer, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal

Scott Miller brings two decades of experience as a writer, editor, and communications specialist to SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal. He’s done a little of everything, from walking a beat as a freelance journalist to taking the Big Red Pen to massive technical volumes. He even ran a professional brewing industry website for several years, leveling up content delivery during an era when everyone had a blog.

Since starting at SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, he’s written pieces on the price of greenwashing (and how to avoid it), debunked studies that served little to no purpose (other than upsetting the public) and explained the benefits of caffeine alternatives, along with various other stories on trends and events.

Scott is particularly interested in how science, technology and industry are converging to answer tomorrow’s big questions about food insecurity, climate change and more.

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