Unmasked: Rising Stars in the Fancy Food Sector Previewed Prior to Exhibition
The Specialty Food Association (SFA), a not-for-profit trade association representing the $207 billion specialty food industry, has recently launched the Fancy Food Rising Stars program. This initiative aims to honour emerging leaders in the specialty food industry, aged 35 and under.
While the specific names or details of the 2025 Fancy Food Rising Stars selected by the SFA are not publicly available in the search results, the program's existence has been confirmed. The inaugural roster was created for buyers and investors, but no comprehensive public list or individual names are included in the results.
For those seeking the official and complete list, it is recommended to consult the Specialty Food Association directly or their official announcements.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, owned and operated by the SFA, is gearing up to take place at the Javits Center in New York City from June 29-July 1. This annual event showcases thousands of specialty food products and offers educational programming, networking opportunities, and more.
The Fancy Food Rising Stars will have the chance to connect with relevant exhibitors at the show, and complimentary badges will be given to the honorees. The SFA will also aid them in finding new products, leaning into the trade show experience, and creating connections.
In addition to the Fancy Food Rising Stars program, the SFA has been honouring excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972 through the sofi Awards. This year's Summer Fancy Food Show will feature keynote speakers such as Hungryroot CEO Ben McKean and renowned chef Michael Symon.
Moreover, INFRA, in partnership with GFI, is helping independent grocers build subcategory sales for specialty food offerings.
As for the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show trend reports, popular flavours and innovations such as Korean foods have been highlighted. However, the focus of this article is on the Fancy Food Rising Stars program and the opportunities it presents for emerging leaders in the specialty food industry.
Nominations for the Fancy Food Rising Stars program were sought across the buying and business-financing communities. The SFA looks forward to celebrating and supporting these rising stars in the specialty food industry.
Despite the lack of specific names regarding the 2025 Fancy Food Rising Stars, the program offers these honorees a chance to connect with relevant exhibitors at the Summer Fancy Food Show, possibly discovering new opportunities or products. During the show's weather-permitting breaks, these up-and-coming leaders in the specialty food industry might find interest in innovative trends like Korean foods displayed on the show floor.
