SAN DIEGO, California — The 2026 edition of Winter FancyFaire, part of Fancy Food Shows, wrapped up Jan. 11–13 at the San Diego Convention Center, kicking off the year with strong momentum for the specialty food industry. Organized by the Specialty Food Association, the three-day event brought together retailers, distributors, importers, producers, and media for an early look at the products and trends shaping the months ahead.
Positioned as the industry’s first major marketplace of the year, Winter FancyFaire focused on helping buyers discover emerging brands and fresh ideas ahead of spring and summer category resets. The show floor featured an expansive mix of specialty food and beverage offerings, from global flavors and artisanal snacks to better-for-you innovations and premium pantry staples.
An immersive feast
Tastings and direct conversations between founders and buyers remained at the heart of the experience, reinforcing the event’s business-driven, relationship-focused purpose.
Beyond the exhibit hall, the program included live demonstrations, educational sessions, and keynote discussions exploring market resilience, supply chain realities, and evolving consumer preferences. The blend of curated content and active deal-making underscored the trade-only nature of the gathering.
As the first major specialty food event of 2026, Winter FancyFaire served as both a trend indicator and a platform for building partnerships, setting the tone for product launches, retail placements, and distribution opportunities across the year ahead.
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Featured exhibitors
Thailand-based Tao Kae Noi is best known for its crispy roasted seaweed snacks, offering a wide range of savory flavors that have helped the brand expand into more than 40 countries. Founded in 2004, the company has become a global leader in better-for-you seaweed snacks across Asia and North America.
Sunny Fruit® is a premium organic dried fruit brand from Turkey, specializing in naturally sun-dried, clean-label snacks sourced from the Aegean region. The company emphasizes additive-free, vegan-friendly products designed for convenient everyday wellness.
Originating in Latvia, Long Chips stands out for its unusually long, thin, crunchy potato chips offered in flavors ranging from sea salt and vinegar to Thai chili. The brand’s playful shape and international flavor lineup position it as a distinctive alternative to mainstream chips.
Alexian Pâté is a family-owned gourmet food company producing premium pâtés, mousses, terrines, and charcuterie-style spreads inspired by European tradition. Known for clean ingredients and artisan positioning, the brand is a favorite for entertaining and specialty cheese boards.
UK-based Firetree Chocolate sources rare single-estate cacao from remote volcanic islands, crafting award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate with a strong emphasis on terroir and traceability. Its luxury bars and tasting sets appeal to consumers seeking a fine-chocolate experience.
Women-owned Top Seedz, based in Buffalo, New York, specializes in organic seed crackers and roasted seed snacks made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients. The brand has grown from farmers markets into national retail distribution, including Whole Foods.
Located in Long Valley, New Jersey, Valley Shepherd Creamery produces small-batch sheep’s milk cheeses alongside goat and cow milk varieties. Known for its aging caves and farm-to-table approach, it is both a respected artisan producer and agritourism destination.
Launched by Nissin Foods, Kanzen Meal is a nutrient-dense frozen entrée line designed to balance comfort food with complete nutrition. Each meal is high in protein and fiber, with a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.
California-based Octonuts elevates everyday nuts with flavored cashew butters, roasted snacks, and cold-pressed almond oil. With playful branding and clean-label positioning, the company targets the growing plant-based pantry category.
Indianapolis-based El Capitan Foods manufactures Mexican-style tortillas, tortilla chips, and masa products for both retail and foodservice. The company also offers private-label production and technical support for Latin snack businesses.
Seattle’s Spinnaker Chocolate is a family-owned bean-to-bar maker producing small-batch chocolate from single-origin cacao. The company also donates 1 percent of revenue to marine conservation, blending craftsmanship with sustainability.
MillPress Imports curates premium extra virgin olive oils and specialty vinegars sourced from respected Mediterranean producers. The company supplies gourmet retailers nationwide with a focus on freshness, authenticity, and award-winning flavor.
SKINERGY is a functional energy drink positioned at the intersection of wellness and beauty, formulated with green tea caffeine, marine collagen, and B vitamins. Its zero-sugar approach reflects the growing “beauty-from-within” beverage trend.
Suu offers powdered drink mixes built around apple cider vinegar and gut-health support, combining prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in portable stick packs. The brand aligns with rising consumer demand for functional, daily wellness hydration.
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