Top Food & Beverage Trade Shows in 2026
The food and beverage industry continues to grow and evolve at a rapid pace, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for innovation, branding, and consumer engagement. As the market becomes more competitive, exhibiting at top-tier industry trade shows has become one of the most effective ways for food and beverage brands to connect with buyers, showcase new products, and stay ahead of trends.
But standing out in a crowded show hall takes more than great products. It requires a well-designed exhibit that draws attention, tells your story, and reflects the quality of your brand. West Coast Exhibit is here to help companies do just that. As a full-service exhibit house specializing in custom and rental solutions, we help brands make a lasting impact on the show floor. Whether you’re a startup ready to launch or an established name looking to elevate your presence, we’re your partner in building exhibits that perform.
Let’s explore the top food and beverage trade shows in 2026—and how to make the most of them.
The Importance of Food & Beverage Industry Trade Shows in 2026
Industry trade shows remain a critical part of brand strategy in 2026. While digital marketing plays a role in visibility, nothing replaces the value of in-person interaction. Trade shows offer an unmatched opportunity to put your product directly in front of buyers, media, retailers, and consumers—allowing people to taste, touch, and experience what makes your brand unique.
For the food and beverage space, this sensory engagement is especially important. Flavors can’t be sampled online. Packaging can’t be held through a screen. Attending the right shows allows companies to get real-time feedback, build distributor relationships, and generate buzz. It’s not just about attending; it’s about being memorable—and your booth plays a huge part in that.
At West Coast Exhibit, we understand that food and beverage brands need more than just booth space. They need exhibit environments that feel welcoming, express brand identity, and create moments people remember. That’s what we build.
Natural Products Expo West
Location: Anaheim, California
Date: March 2026 (Estimated)
Natural Products Expo West continues to be the cornerstone event for organic, clean-label, and wellness-focused food and beverage brands. Held annually in Anaheim, this show draws over 60,000 attendees including retail buyers, natural product enthusiasts, and major media outlets.
The show’s focus on transparency and sustainability means exhibitors need booths that reflect those same values. Earthy materials, open layouts, and branded storytelling walls work especially well here. Whether you're launching a new plant-based snack or introducing eco-friendly packaging, your booth should reflect the mission behind your brand.
West Coast Exhibit helps clients exhibit with purpose by designing custom and rental booths that not only attract foot traffic but embody brand ethics. When you’re competing with hundreds of other natural products, visual communication is everything—and we make sure your booth speaks clearly.
Fancy Food Show – Winter & Summer Editions
Locations: Las Vegas (Winter), New York City (Summer)
Dates: January and June 2026 (Estimated)
The Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows are the premier destinations for specialty and gourmet food brands. From fine chocolates to imported cheeses and artisan beverages, these events are full of high-end culinary innovation. Buyers from boutique stores, major chains, and global distributors attend these shows looking for what’s new and exciting.
Presentation is everything at Fancy Food. Your booth needs to match the level of sophistication your product offers. That doesn’t mean complicated—it means clean lines, cohesive branding, and displays that highlight your product as a premium item.
West Coast Exhibit understands how to create a luxurious yet functional environment. Whether you need tasting stations, elegant shelving, or lighting that enhances your product’s appeal, we provide full-service support to help your brand shine.
SIAL America
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: March 2026 (Estimated)
SIAL America is gaining traction as a global food trade show that brings international and domestic brands together in one place. It emphasizes global flavor trends, innovation, and food technology, making it an ideal platform for companies looking to reach a broader market.
This event has a distinctly international flair, and booths need to be designed with clarity and cultural appeal in mind. Clean branding, universal messaging, and flexibility are key. Exhibitors benefit from modular layouts that can adapt to different product categories or languages.
At West Coast Exhibit, we build scalable booths that travel well and perform across multiple shows. If your brand is preparing for a U.S. launch or expanding from overseas, we can help you create a visually strong and functionally efficient space that works for your unique needs.
National Restaurant Association Show (NRA Show)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Date: May 2026
The NRA Show is one of the largest foodservice-focused trade shows in the United States. While many food brands attend, this event also includes equipment manufacturers, packaging companies, and restaurant technology providers.
If you’re targeting foodservice operators or restaurant chains, this is a show you can’t miss. And because many exhibitors feature demos, samples, and presentations, your booth must support functionality as much as it supports branding.
Custom exhibits from West Coast Exhibit are built to handle heavy use—whether you're grilling onsite, displaying machinery, or hosting product previews. We build with purpose, ensuring your space accommodates your team, engages attendees, and supports your goals for the show.
IFT FIRST 2026 (Institute of Food Technologists)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Date: July 2026
IFT FIRST is all about what’s next in food science. This show brings together researchers, scientists, and innovation leaders from across the globe to talk about food safety, functional ingredients, biotechnology, and more.
Attendees at this show are analytical and data-driven. That means your booth needs to communicate clearly and professionally. Clean visuals, interactive touchpoints, and product information displays go a long way here.
West Coast Exhibit can help translate your complex ideas into simple, engaging formats that resonate with a more technical audience. Whether it’s ingredient sourcing or process innovation, we’ll design a space that makes your story easy to understand and hard to forget.
New Hope Network Events / Expo East
Location: To Be Announced
Date: Q3 or Q4 2026
Expo East has traditionally served as the East Coast counterpart to Expo West, but recent changes in format mean exhibitors should stay tuned for updates from New Hope Network. Whether it returns as a full-scale expo or takes on a new format, it will still be an important event for natural product brands.
If you're planning to exhibit at one of these events, agility is key. That’s why many brands choose a rental or modular exhibit that can be scaled up or down depending on the show’s size and location. With West Coast Exhibit, you get the flexibility to adapt quickly and still make an impact.
Emerging Shows to Watch in 2026
In addition to the major expos, 2026 is expected to bring a wave of smaller, more targeted events focused on trending categories like low-alcohol beverages, alternative proteins, functional foods, and sustainability.
These emerging shows may be more niche, but they offer valuable access to early adopters, investors, and media. Smaller shows often allow more time for deep conversations, which means your booth should be designed to invite interaction and spark engagement.
We help brands break through the clutter, no matter the show size. From compact configurations to high-end finishes, our designs are tailored to your needs and your audience.
How West Coast Exhibit Helps You Maximize Trade Show Success
West Coast Exhibits understands the specific needs of the food and beverage industry. Whether you’re doing back-to-back shows or launching a new product line, your exhibit needs to perform just as well as your team does.
We offer a full range of services—including custom builds, rental exhibits, logistics, and show coordination—so your team can focus on connecting with buyers while we handle the rest. Every project starts with a conversation about your goals, followed by a design strategy that delivers visual impact and functional flow.
Our booths are designed for flexibility, built for durability, and always delivered with your timeline in mind. If you’re ready to own your presence at the top industry trade shows in 2026, we’re ready to build something that puts your brand front and center.
From Anaheim to Chicago and Las Vegas to New York, the top food and beverage trade shows in 2026 are packed with potential for brands that show up ready to impress. These industry trade shows offer more than networking—they're platforms for visibility, storytelling, and growth.
With West Coast Exhibit as your exhibit partner, you’ll have the tools, team, and expertise to make every show count. Whether it’s a custom booth built from the ground up or a flexible rental designed for convenience, we help bring your brand to life in ways that capture attention and drive results.
Let’s make 2026 your best trade show season yet. Reach out to West Coast Exhibit and let’s start building an exhibit that’s as unforgettable as your brand.