New York, May 10, 2025 — Specialty Food Association (SFA) has announced a major membership milestone — 160 new members joined the SFA in April alone, thanks in large part to the efforts of 30 prominent New York-based food brands. The countdown to the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York City has officially begun, and excitement in the specialty food industry is heating up. With just weeks to go, the
This membership surge not only signals renewed enthusiasm for the upcoming Fancy Food Show, scheduled for June 23–25, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but also reflects the growing influence of regional brands and small businesses in shaping the U.S. specialty food market.
160 New Members: A Sign of Strong Industry Momentum
The SFA, a nonprofit trade association representing over 3,000 businesses in the specialty food world, typically sees consistent growth. However, the addition of 160 new members in a single month is noteworthy, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape where small and mid-sized businesses continue to recover.
“This is one of the most exciting growth periods we’ve seen in recent years,” said Denise Purcell, Vice President of Resource Development at the SFA. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the quality and innovation these new members are bringing to the table.”
The April 2025 cohort of new members includes a mix of food manufacturers, startup brands, gourmet importers, and retail specialists—many of whom cite the Fancy Food Show as a major motivator for joining the association.
New York Brands Lead the Charge
What makes this recent surge particularly notable is the strong representation from New York brands. Thirty companies across the state — ranging from Brooklyn-based sauce startups to upstate organic snack producers — were instrumental in attracting new members by promoting the benefits of SFA membership.
These New York-based brands have long been at the heart of innovation in the specialty food sector. By participating in local events, mentorship programs, and collaborative marketing efforts, these companies helped spread awareness of SFA resources like industry reports, buyer connections, and trade show access.
“Being part of the SFA community gives our brand more credibility and opens doors to national buyers,” said Ravi Mehta, founder of Hudson Valley Spices, a new member as of April. “The Fancy Food Show is the perfect platform to showcase our products.”
Fancy Food Show 2025: The Ultimate Stage
The Fancy Food Show, organized by the SFA, is one of the largest food and beverage trade shows in North America. It attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world, and this year’s event in NYC is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
More than 1,200 specialty food producers are expected to showcase their goods, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and global flavor trends. The event also includes educational sessions, pitch opportunities, and special networking spaces designed to connect emerging brands with distributors and retailers.
SFA officials credit the upcoming show with inspiring renewed interest in industry collaboration. The association’s member benefits, such as discounted booth rates and brand exposure, played a major role in motivating April’s sign-ups.
To learn more about the event, visit the official Fancy Food Show page.
What Membership Means for Small Businesses
Joining the SFA offers significant advantages to new and emerging brands. From marketing support to access to detailed industry data, membership provides tools that help small businesses grow faster and more sustainably.
Some key benefits include:
- Access to buyers and retailers at major trade shows
- Educational webinars and workshops on business strategy
- Trend reports and consumer data through the SFA’s research library
- Use of the SFA Product Marketplace for year-round product promotion
More about the benefits can be found on the SFA membership benefits page.
For brands preparing for the Fancy Food Show, the association also provides coaching on booth setup, media relations, and navigating distribution channels.
“We joined the SFA to tap into their support system ahead of our first trade show appearance,” said Linda Gonzalez, co-founder of Brooklyn Gourmet Bites. “It’s made all the difference.”
A Strong Year Ahead for Specialty Foods
The recent spike in SFA membership underscores larger trends in the food industry. As consumers continue to seek out high-quality, ethically made, and flavorful alternatives to mass-market products, specialty food makers are stepping up to meet demand.
According to the SFA’s State of the Specialty Food Industry 2024 report, the U.S. specialty food market reached $194 billion last year and is projected to grow steadily through 2026. Top growth categories include plant-based snacks, artisan beverages, and global sauces.
With the industry poised for continued expansion, events like the Fancy Food Show offer both new and legacy brands the opportunity to grow visibility, expand distribution, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
Final Thoughts
As the Fancy Food Show in NYC approaches, the energy and excitement around the specialty food industry are palpable. The impressive growth in SFA membership — with 160 new members in April 2025 alone — proves that there is strong momentum behind the movement.
With 30 passionate New York brands leading the charge and hundreds more preparing to make their mark at the show, the future of specialty foods looks more flavorful than ever.
For registration details or more information on attending the Summer Fancy Food Show, visit the Fancy Food Show official site.
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