1. SIAL Canada

• Location: Montréal, Québec
• Date: April-May 2026
• About: SIAL Canada is a major trade show dedicated to the food industry, billed as North America’s premier showcase for food innovation. It brings together producers, processors, distributors, and restaurateurs to explore modern products and trends – including health, sustainability, plant-based foods, packaging, and traceability – and serves as a platform for business meetings and market development.

2. Sweets & Snacks Expo

• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Date: May 2026
• About: The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier trade show for companies involved in the confectionery and snack sectors. It attracts a wide range of industry professionals, from snack manufacturers to suppliers of raw ingredients, packaging, and technology solutions. The expo is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the agro-food space to showcase their latest innovations in snacking and sweets, discover new ingredients, and understand consumer preferences.

3. National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Date: May 2026
• About: The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the largest and most influential events for the food service industry. With a focus on the entire supply chain — from food production to service delivery — this event is a great venue for companies in the agro-food sector to connect with restaurateurs, chefs, and food service professionals. The show covers a wide range of topics, including food trends, kitchen technology, and food safety, making it a must-attend for those involved in the food service and restaurant sectors.

4. International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) Show

• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Date: June 2026
• About: The IDDBA Show is a premier event for the dairy, deli, and bakery sectors, bringing together professionals from across the food industry. It features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in dairy, bakery, and deli products, as well as trends in food production, merchandising, and packaging. This show is a key opportunity for businesses in the agro-food space to learn about innovations in these specific sectors and meet with potential buyers and partners.

5. Fancy Food Show

• Location: New York City, New York
• Date: June 2026
• About: The Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show is one of the leading trade shows for the specialty food industry in the U.S. It brings together thousands of food manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, offering a unique opportunity to explore new gourmet, organic, and artisanal products. This show is especially valuable for businesses in the agro-food sector looking to gain exposure for their unique food offerings and connect with industry influencers.

6. IFT FIRST (Institute of Food Technologists)

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Date: July 2026
• About: The IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo is organized by the Institute of Food Technologists and is one of the most renowned gatherings for food science and technology professionals. It attracts thousands of experts from across the globe, offering the latest research, trends, and technologies in food production. For agro-food businesses seeking to stay on the cutting edge of food safety, sustainability, and processing, IFT FIRST provides unparalleled opportunities.

7. Americas Food & Beverage Show

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Date: September 2026
• About: The Americas Food & Beverage Show focuses on the latest food and beverage innovations, bringing together over 4,000 industry professionals. This expo is an ideal venue for international and domestic companies looking to enter or expand within the U.S. market. It features exhibitors from across the food and beverage spectrum, including agro-food producers, distributors, and service providers.

Attending agro-food trade shows is more than just an opportunity to exhibit products; it’s a chance to position your company as an industry leader and connect with potential partners, customers, and suppliers. North America hosts a variety of key trade shows in the food and beverage sector, each offering unique benefits depending on your business’s goals. Whether you are looking to expand your product line, discover cutting-edge packaging solutions, or stay up to date on industry trends, these events are invaluable platforms to accelerate your business growth.

At Linman & Associates, we specialize in helping agro-food companies recruit the best talent to drive success in such dynamic markets. Our recruitment services are tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses in the food industry, ensuring that they find professionals who are not only skilled but also passionate about pushing the boundaries of innovation. By strategically participating in these trade shows and partnering with expert recruiters, you can ensure your business thrives in 2025 and beyond.