Halfway through 2026, food and beverage executives are still gearing up for major trade conferences on ingredients innovation, frozen foods and more.
Many of the top food and beverage trade events have already taken place, drawing thousands of food and beverage professionals involved in areas including supply chain, manufacturing and retail. But there are still several big events to come that promise insight into the latest innovations and consumer trends, such as health and wellness.
Food Dive has compiled a list of the top food and beverage industry events and trade shows to attend during the rest of 2026. Take a look, then review this year’s full conference schedule — many events on the calendar set to take place again next year.
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. The conference is meant to showcase different aspects of “conscious consumerism,” with experiences and educational workshops with talks from executives from Whole Foods, Dr. Bronner’s and more.
The Global Produce & Floral Show
Oct. 15-17
Orlando, Florida
Hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association, this conference highlights trends in fruit, vegetables and florals. Last year's event featured topics including artificial intelligence, global trade policy and more.
National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association Convention
Oct. 17-20
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor, Maryland
NFRA’s convention allows those in the frozen foods sector to showcase products, form new connections and discover the latest challenges and opportunities facing the segment.
Top food conferences in 2026
Disclosure: Newtopia Now is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Food Dive. Informa has no influence over Food Dive’s coverage.
