The Best CPG Trade Shows to Attend in 2026

Top CPG Trade Shows to Attend in 2026

The Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry thrives on connection, innovation, and staying ahead of evolving market trends. For brands looking to expand their retail footprint, forge strategic partnerships, and showcase new products, attending key trade shows remains one of the most valuable investments you can make. As we look ahead to 2026, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the must-attend CPG trade shows that will define the year ahead.

Whether you’re launching a groundbreaking product, seeking distribution partnerships, or exploring emerging trends in food and beverage, these events offer unparalleled opportunities to elevate your business.

SFA Winter FancyFaire Show: San Diego, CA | January 11 – 13

Kicking off the year, this tradeshow from the Specialty Food Association (SFA) debuts in 2026 as a reimagined, experience-focused event that spans the convention center and the local food scene. It’s designed for both emerging and established specialty food makers, with a strong emphasis on innovation, trend-spotting, and engaging formats.

UNFI Spring & Summer Show West: Long Beach, CA | January 27 – 29

Hosted by UNFI, this “selling show” focuses on natural, organic, specialty and conventional grocery products for the Spring and Summer seasons in the Western region. It’s designed for both suppliers and retailers to connect, show products, and explore seasonal assortments.

KeHE Summer Show: Denver, CO | February 4 – 5

Organized by KeHE Distributors, this national trade show brings together suppliers and buyers in natural & organic, specialty and fresh products, offering curated assortments, trend insights and first-look product launches.

UNFI Spring & Summer Show Central/East: Orlando, FL | February 10 – 12

Another regional version of UNFI’s selling show focused on the Central and Eastern U.S., this event showcases natural, organic, specialty and conventional products for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons in those regions.

Natural Products Expo West: Anaheim, CA | March 3 – 6

This is the industry-defining event for natural, organic and healthy lifestyle products, held annually in Anaheim. It brings together brands, retailers, distributors, investors and thought-leaders in the CPG space to explore innovation, build relationships and shape the future of the category.

This is THE must-attend event for any brand operating in or entering the natural and organic space. No other show matches its scale, influence, and potential.

NFRA Executive Conference: Tempe, AZ | April 12 – 15

Hosted by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), this conference brings together professionals in the frozen and refrigerated food sectors to discuss trends, challenges, product innovation and business growth opportunities.

WAFC: San Antonio, TX | May 2 – 6

The WAFC Annual Convention brings together retail food-industry professionals from across retail chains, wholesale, manufacturers, suppliers and brokers for a business-building event focused on leadership, networking and innovation.

Sweets & Snacks Expo: Las Vegas, NV | May 19 – 21

The largest U.S. trade show devoted to the candy, snack and confectionery industries. It brings together brands, buyers, brokers and other industry professionals where trends are ignited, and shelf assortments are shaped.

KeHE Holiday Show: Chicago, IL | June 10 – 11

A seasonal trade show from KeHE focused on the holiday selling window, offering suppliers and retailers a forum to connect, preview holiday-season products and align assortment strategies. Critical timing for brands with seasonal offerings targeting the holiday shopping period.

UNFI Holiday & Winter Show East: Uncasville, CT | June 23 – 25

The Eastern-region version of UNFI’s Holiday & Winter selling show, covering natural, organic, specialty and conventional products for the holiday/winter season.

SFA Summer Fancy Food Show: New York, NY | June 28 – 30

Also produced by the Specialty Food Association, this large-scale specialty food show in NYC is the biggest of its kind in North America, offering broad exposure for specialty food brands across categories.

UNFI Holiday & Winter Show Central/West: Las Vegas, NV | July 13 – 15

This regional UNFI selling show for the Central/West territory focuses on holiday & winter seasonal product roll-out for natural, organic, specialty and conventional categories.

Newtopia Now: Denver, CO | August 19 – 21

An event centered around innovation, health, wellness and the future of the CPG space (particularly natural/healthy). While it may have a somewhat different focus than purely product-selling shows, it offers big value for brands aligned with wellness and purpose-driven positioning.

NFRA Convention: National Harbor, MC | October 17 – 20

The annual convention of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association brings together the full frozen/refrigerated foods ecosystem—manufacturers, retailers, distributors, logistics providers—to network, learn and do business.

Your 2026 Trade Show Strategy

The 2026 trade show calendar is packed with opportunities, but strategic selectivity is key. Consider:

Which shows align with your:

  • Target retail channels (natural, conventional, specialty, convenience)
  • Geographic priorities (regional vs. national expansion)
  • Product categories (frozen, shelf-stable, snacks, beverages)
  • Distribution partners (UNFI, KeHE, DPI, independent distributors)
  • Business stage (emerging brand vs. established manufacturer)

The 2026 trade show season will be crucial for brands looking to secure shelf space, expand into new channels, build meaningful retail partnerships, and stay ahead of category trends.

Ready to make 2026 your breakthrough year? Contact Alliance Sales & Marketing to discuss how we can help you maximize your trade show presence and convert those valuable connections into retail success.

For more information about our services or to discuss your 2026 trade show strategy contact our team today.

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