The Global Food Expo Calendar: 5 Must-Attend Exhibitions in 2026
If you are in the Food & Beverage industry, your business growth doesn't happen in the office. It happens on the trade show floor.
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the industry, with major events expanding to new venues and "Food Tech" taking center stage. Whether you are launching a new CPG brand, sourcing ingredients, or selling pizza ovens, these are the 5 events that define the global calendar.
Here is your executive summary of where you need to be in 2026.
2026 Food Exhibition Cheat Sheet
| Event | Dates | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Fancy Food Show | Jan 11 – 13 | San Diego, USA | Specialty & Gourmet Food |
| Gulfood | Jan 26 – 30 | Dubai, UAE | Global Sourcing & F&B |
| Intl. Pizza Expo | Mar 24 – 26 | Las Vegas, USA | Pizza & Italian Food |
| SIAL Shanghai | May 18 – 20 | Shanghai, China | Asian Food Innovation |
| Saudi Food Show | Jun 15 – 17 | Riyadh, KSA | Middle East Growth |
1. Winter Fancy Food Show (Winter FancyFaire)
Dates: January 11 – 13, 2026
Location: San Diego Convention Center, CA
This is the kickoff event for the North American specialty food market. Rebranded by some as "Winter FancyFaire," this show is where retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s find their next big product.
- •Why Attend: It’s strictly B2B, meaning every person walking the aisle is a qualified buyer or distributor, avoiding the "public day" crowds of other shows.
- •The Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the "Incubator Village," where early-stage startups showcase products that typically hit mainstream shelves 6-12 months later.
- •The Vibe: Expect a heavy focus on upcycled ingredients and climate-friendly snacks this year.
2. Gulfood 2026
Dates: January 26 – 30, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre & Dubai Exhibition Centre
Gulfood is the giant of the industry. For 2026, it is expanding to two venues to accommodate its massive size, serving as the primary sourcing hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
What to Know: The floor plan is strictly sectorized—Meat, Dairy, Pulses, and Fats are in completely different halls. If you don't map your meetings in advance, you will waste hours walking between the specific "World Food" zones. Also, be prepared for serious volume; this is where multi-million dollar container deals are signed on the spot, not just sampling.
3. International Pizza Expo
Dates: March 24 – 26, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
If you sell cheese, flour, ovens, or POS systems, this is your Super Bowl. The Pizza Expo is the largest event of its kind in the world.
- •Why Attend: Beyond the trade floor, the "School of Pizzeria Management" workshops are invaluable for operators looking to scale from one location to five.
- •Networking: The World Pizza Games aren't just entertainment; they are a prime networking hub where you can meet the industry's top talent and influencers in a relaxed setting.
4. SIAL Shanghai
Dates: May 18 – 20, 2026
Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC)
Asia’s largest food innovation exhibition. SIAL Shanghai is the gateway to the Chinese market.
The Focus: This year, the "SIAL Innovation" area is expected to feature heavily on functional ingredients and pre-made meals, a booming sector in China. Be aware that while physical cards are still exchanged as a sign of respect, having WeChat ready is essential for digital follow-up in this market.
5. The Saudi Food Show
Dates: June 15 – 17, 2026
Location: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the G20, and the food sector is booming. This show is quickly becoming a rival to Gulfood for importance in the region.
Why Attend: With the Kingdom investing heavily in tourism (NEOM, Red Sea Project), there is an unprecedented demand for high-end HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) suppliers. This is the prime entry point for international brands looking to secure contracts with these new mega-projects.
The "Sticky Fingers" Problem
Food trade shows have a unique challenge that software shows don't: Samples.
You are tasting cheese, holding pizza slices, and shaking hands. Your hands are full, and your pockets are sticky. Fumbling for a pen to write notes on a business card is the last thing you want to do (and often leads to ruined cards).
The Solution:
Keep your hands free for the food. Use CardSync to digitize business cards instantly:
- 1.Snap the card on the table.
- 2.Voice Note: "Distributor from Riyadh, loved the spicy sauce sample, send price list."
- 3.Done.
The data goes to the cloud, and you go back to tasting.
