The Best CPG Trade Shows Worth Attending in 2023

Make your impact during the most popular industry events of this year. Trade shows are a great opportunity to launch a new product, or even a rebrand. Located throughout the year and across the country, you can find different conventions that fit your product niche.

Here is a list of trade shows that will be worth your while this year!

2023 KEHE Summer Show: Nashville, TN | February 7-8, or Virtual February 1-15

Join one of the largest events this year in a city of music, storytellers, and soul food. Held in Nashville, this trade show is inspired by the unexpected. From gourmet and ethnic foods to specialty cheeses, this show covers everything you need to know about the latest trends, sustainability practices, and more.

Natural Products Expo West: Anaheim, CA | March 7-11

Featuring natural and organic lifestyle products, this is the ideal trade show for brands to make an impact on specialty retailers. You have a chance to meet a multitude of buyers and professionals that you can utilize to build your brand. Huge in the CPG sector, this event is known for showcasing innovative ideas and upcoming trends. If you’re a brand looking to connect with national buyers, this is the place to be.

WAFC: Palm Desert, CA | May 6-10

The Western Association of Food Chains Annual Convention brings retailers wholesalers, brokers, suppliers, and manufacturers all in one building. As the WAFC’S mission stands by “advancing the food industry through education and leadership,” this event is considered one of the top conventions to attend in the food industry sector.

Sweet & Snacks Expo: McCormick Place Chicago, IL | May 22-25

Calling all candymakers and snack enthusiasts! The Sweet & Snacks Expo features the latest innovations in the confectionary and snack industry. With new flavors and formulas taught by the world’s leaders, attendees can learn more about groundbreaking products all under one roof. Experts offer big-picture insights while helping predict new shopper trends.

2023 KEHE Holiday Show: Chicago, IL | June 14-15

Join in on the innovation and endless opportunities at the KEHE Holiday Show! Attendees can make an impact and sell to the top retailers, buyers, and brokers. Featuring the industry’s cutting-edge brands and most sought-after products, you can sample and purchase natural and organic, specialty, and fresh produce all in one place.

The Summer Fancy Food Show: New York City, June 25 – 27

Don’t miss your chance to expand your business and learn from the industry experts. For three days you can learn emerging trends, network, and sample the best specialty foods from exhibitors in over 40 categories. This is the perfect opportunity to strengthen partnerships and gain insight into consumer research, technological advances, and learn more about different digital marketing techniques.

Plant-Based World Expo: New York, NY | September 7-8

Designed for foodservice and industry professionals, the Plant-Based World Expo is the must-attend plant-based event of this year. Discover the most innovative plant-based products, learn from industry pioneers, and connect with retailers, buyers, brokers, and distributors. You can also sample products from the U.S and other countries/

Natural Products Expo East: Philadelphia, PA | September 20-23

With 29,000 visitors and 451 exhibitors, Natural Products Expo East is the flagship event to connect CPG professionals and like-minded individuals in the industry. This renowned trade show is great for up-and-coming brands as attendees are able to get face to face with retailers, distributors, and more.

UNFI Winter Show: Las Vegas, NV | September 27-28

The UNFI Winter show offers the opportunity for attendees to tap into the latest insights and innovation within the CPG industry. You can expect to learn more on how to differentiate yourself from the competition and connect with leaders who bring strategy to the forefront.

The NACS Show: Las Vegas, NV | October 1-4

Walk around the expo floor to learn more about new products, meet connections, and even join a C-sweep competition. This 4-day event brings the convenience and retail industry together while teaching attendees on how to grow their bottom line.

NFRA: San Diego, CA | October 7-10

The Natural Frozen and Refrigerated Foods convention isn’t the typical industry event. Showcase your product and be a part of sponsorship opportunities that will put your brand front and center. Along with speakers, luncheons, and receptions, you can expect to have one-on-one meetings with some of the major companies in the industry.

Retail Support

Your brand’s presence at retail is only as strong as its execution.

Your brand’s presence at retail is only as strong as its execution. We ensure your products are optimized for shelf placement, promotions, and merchandising success.

We ensure your products are optimized for shelf placement, promotions, and merchandising success.

Secure premium shelf positioning to maximize brand visibility.

Expert merchandising and field execution for enhanced in-store presentation.

Retail compliance management to navigate retailer requirements seamlessly and successfully.

Strategic promotional planning to drive velocity and category growth.

Retailer Relationship Management

Strong retailer relationships are the backbone of retail success.

Strong retailer relationships are the backbone of retail success. Here at Alliance Sales & Marketing, we prioritize these strong relationships. We ensure your brand is aligned with key decision-makers and consumers to secure the best opportunities for brand growth and unrelenting success with end-to-end retailer management.

Here at Alliance Sales & Marketing, we prioritize these strong relationships. We ensure your brand is aligned with key decision-makers and consumers to secure the best opportunities for brand growth and unrelenting success with end-to-end retailer management.

Dedicated account management to streamline retailer communication.

Proactive problem-solving to address retailer inquiries quickly and effectively.

Retailer onboarding and strategic negotiation for long-term success.

Committed support for day-to-day client needs and lasting relationships based on trust and collaboration.

Actionable feedback derived from retail channels to refine strategies.

Data Insights

Winning in retail starts with the right data, and data is at the core of everything we do.

Winning in retail starts with the right data, and data is at the core of everything we do. Our proprietary Alliance Insight Suite empowers brands with real time analytics and category intelligence to drive informed decisions.

Our proprietary Alliance Insight Suite empowers brands with real time analytics and category intelligence to drive informed decisions.

Identify category opportunities and market trends through advanced analytics.

Retailer-specific insights that guide strategic planning and execution.

Monitor key performance metrics to continuously refine and improve results.

Process & Compliance Optimization

We handle the operational complexities, so you can focus on what matters – growing your brand.

We handle the operational complexities, so you can focus on what matters – growing your brand. Our process optimization services ensure a seamless experience from item setup to order fulfillment.

Our process optimization services ensure a seamless experience from item setup to order fulfillment.

Streamlined new item setup and retailer compliance management.

End-to-end logistics, order processing, and deduction management.

Efficient deduction, order, and contract management.

Logistics and order fulfillment for seamless operations.

Transparent reporting to keep you informed and in control.

Ecommerce

With a bold, future-focused approach, Alliance fuses strategy, creativity, and execution to drive real results where it counts.

With a bold, future-focused approach, Alliance fuses strategy, creativity, and execution to drive real results where it counts. We’re here to accelerate your brand into the future by turning complexity into clarity, delivering streamlined growth and standout brand presence across every digital shelf.

We’re here to accelerate your brand into the future by turning complexity into clarity, delivering streamlined growth and standout brand presence across every digital shelf.

Comprehensive ecommerce strategies that increase visibility and drive conversion.

Sponsored Search and digital ad campaigns to drive traffic and sales.

Optimized product listings with enhanced content, SEO, and A+ imagery.

Data-driven insights to refine and optimize performance.

Marketing

Your brand’s success depends on visibility, engagement, and conversion.

Your brand’s success depends on visibility, engagement, and conversion. Our marketing team develops integrated campaigns that connect your product with the right audience – at the right time.

Our marketing team develops integrated campaigns that connect your product with the right audience – at the right time.

Omni-channel marketing solutions powered by Alliance Beyond, our proprietary platform.

Geo-targeted digital advertising, sponsored search, and display campaigns.

High-impact content creation, including videography, brand films, product photography, and lifestyle photography.

Shopper marketing strategies tailored to increase brand awareness and drive purchase intent.

Ecommerce

Alliance excels at transforming online potential into measurable growth. With unmatched Ecommerce expertise, we bridge the gap between traditional retail and dynamic online marketplaces, positioning your brand as a dominant force on the digital shelf.

Experts in Emerging Ecommerce Channels

We position brands for success on DashMart,
Thrive Market, FreshDirect and other fast-growing ecommerce channels, expanding your brands reach while seizing every new opportunity for growth.

Winning the Digital Shelf

Our team develops and manages high-impact sponsored search, display, and geo-targeted ad campaigns, optimizing content for discoverability and conversion across digital storefronts. With a data-first approach, we maximize ROI and position your brand for sustained success.

High-Impact Creative

From compelling product demos to conversion-focused videos, our expert team produces high-quality multimedia assets that bring your brand to life.
We craft content that ensures your brand stands out.

Unified Omnichannel Integration

We unify online and in-store strategies, ensuring retail media, promotions, and content work together to drive both digital sales and brick-and-mortar velocity.

Natural

Alliance Natural is the catalyst behind the industry’s most forward-thinking natural and organic brands. With deep category fluency and a pulse on what’s next, we craft tailored strategies that elevate purpose-led brands into lasting category leaders.

Strategic Distribution Expertise

We craft tailored distribution strategies for NCG, INFRA, and independent retailers, ensuring optimal placement and expansion in the natural landscape.

Leadership in Clean-Label & Functional Foods

With extensive experience in emerging health trends, we position natural brands as category leaders in the competitive organic and functional food space.

Expansive Retail Partnerships for Nationwide Growth

Our Coast-to-Coast relationships with leading natural food chains – both regional and national – help brands secure premium shelf space and increase market penetration.

Intelligent Selling for Sustainable Success

We develop data-driven sales strategies that align with your brand’s business goals, accelerating your sales and growth across all key markets.

Supermarket

Alliance sets the standard in the supermarket channel. Backed by unparalleled industry intelligence and deeply rooted retailer partnerships, we drive bold strategies that accelerate growth across national and regional grocers. We don’t just place brands, we build them.

Targeted Go-to-Market Strategies

We develop customized retail strategies that align with your brand’s goals, ensuring a seamless path to success in the grocery channel.

Seamless Product Launch Execution

Through our established retailer partnerships, we streamline new product introductions, maximizing visibility and sales from day one.

Data-Driven Category Optimization

Our team conducts comprehensive category reviews, securing premium shelf placement and striving for peak visibility to optimize your brand’s performance.

Unmatched Retailer Network

With established relationships across 425+ top grocery retailers nationwide, we provide brands with the connections needed to scale and succeed.

Headquarter & Field Sales

At Alliance, our Headquarter & Field Sales approach is anything but average.

At Alliance, our Headquarter & Field Sales approach is anything but average. We lead with bold vision, national reach, and unstoppable momentum. From national chains to regional power players, we architect strategies that get products on shelves and ignite retail success from the top down and the ground up. Backed by impactful retailer relationships and a future-focused mindset, we turn grocery into growth at every level.

We lead with bold vision, national reach, and unstoppable momentum. From national chains to regional power players, we architect strategies that get products on shelves and ignite retail success from the top down and the ground up. Backed by impactful retailer relationships and a future-focused mindset, we turn grocery into growth at every level.

Custom go-to-market plans designed for scalability and profitability.

Retailer-specific solutions for optimal product placement, pricing, and promotions.

Seamless execution of new product launches with clear, measurable outcomes.

Ongoing performance tracking and strategic refinement to ensure continued success.