As the grocery industry grapples with a rapidly evolving environment, from tech to food prices, executives have a variety of trade shows throughout 2025 where they can meet with fellow experts and follow along with industry trends and changes.
Some, like the ones hosted by the National Retail Federation and FMI — The Food Industry Association, take an industry-wide look at trends and innovations, while others, like the Sweets & Snacks Expo, are specific to one or a handful of categories. Many of these events not only foster connections among industry experts, executives and suppliers but also provide educational components like workshops and panels, providing a space to learn about new trends and address common challenges.
Here are some of the most notable 2025 conferences announced so far. We plan to continue updating this list as more details are released and new events are announced.
Top grocery conferences in 2025
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference
Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Marco Island, Florida
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference provides resources for grocery industry leaders with a mix of panels, private executive meetings and social events. The event includes a pitch competition for early-stage innovations in the food industry.
Rick Keyes, a more than 30-year Meijer veteran, and Steven Williams, a 26-year PepsiCo veteran, will co-chair the conference. Speakers will include Meijer President and CEO Rick Keyes, PepsiCo North America CEO Steven Williams and Northgate Gonzalez Market Co-President Oscar Gonzalez.
The NGA Show
Feb. 23-25
Caesars Forum, Las Vegas
The NGA’s annual show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers for educational sessions and workshops as well as more than 350 exhibits. William McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, will give the keynote. Other speakers at the show will include executives at United Natural Foods Inc., Price Chopper, Flashfood, Heritage Grocery Group and Kellanova.
Natural Products Expo West
March 4-7
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California
Natural Products’ convention focuses on trending health and beauty items; organic and natural products; and specialty foods, connecting industry experts with innovative offerings as well as educational opportunities. The Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace on March 4 will let attendees connect with buyers and brands in a designated outdoor area.
The speaker list includes representatives from ReFed, UNFI, the Organic Trade Association, Whole Foods Market and Target.
Seafood Expo North America
March 16-18
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston
The annual Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Processing North America conference will feature over 30 educational sessions and the opportunity for attendees to reach seafood buyers and processors in the U.S.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Nomi Prins, a macro-economist, geopolitical financial expert and author.
Slated speakers so far include Jason Pride, vice president of meat and seafood operations at Hy-Vee, Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods at FMI – The Food Industry Association, and Anne Zollner, chief of the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Affairs.
Annual Meat Conference
March 24-26
World Center Marriott, Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by the Meat Institute and FMI, the Annual Meat Conference spotlights the opportunities and challenges facing producers of foods including beef, pork and poultry. The event attracted more than 2,400 attendees in 2024 and featured over 30,000 square feet of exhibit space.
The conference will include Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, discussing this year’s Power of Meat report; a session back “by popular demand” on pork carcass fabrication; and another session on understanding regenerative agriculture.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 13-15
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the conference takes a look at two of retail’s “highest performing categories,” showcasing more than 730 exhibitors and highlighting businesses at its new products awards ceremony and reception.
IDDBA 2025
June 1-3
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s annual industry-only conference focuses on top-of-mind issues and opportunities for people who work in the dairy, bakery, deli and foodservice sector.
Groceryshop
Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
The annual Groceryshop conference promises to serve up a packed agenda focused on the grocery sector’s future. Look for keynote sessions featuring top industry executives, panel discussions on a wide range of retail-specific topics, a technology-oriented exhibit hall and myriad networking opportunities.
Global Produce & Floral Show
Oct. 16-18
Anaheim, California
Hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association, the Global Produce & Floral Show lets attendees explore the two key categories with an exhibit hall filled with vendors and sessions where industry leaders share their insights.
PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show
Nov. 16-18
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago
The Private Label Manufacturers Association’s conference is a prime opportunity to explore the vibrant role store brands play in retailing, from food and beverages to cosmetics to general merchandise. The event provides wholesalers and retailers with access to products from a broad range of suppliers, including small producers and top-tier CPGs.
Frozen IQ
Dates TBD
Location TBD
Co-sponsored by FMI and the American Frozen Food Institute, the yearly Frozen IQ show is geared toward professionals representing companies across the frozen food industry. Look for a wide array of informational and education sessions aimed at fostering discussion around essential topics such as food safety and improving the public’s perceptions about frozen products.
A look back at the top trade shows from the start of 2025
NRF’s “Big Show”
Jan. 12-14
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York
The National Retail Federation’s annual conference is a marquee event for the retail industry, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to the Javits Center to share ideas and show off products. Speakers this year included Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner and Target CEO Brian Cornell. Flo Rida performed at the conference on Jan. 13
The SFA Winter Fancy Food Show
Jan. 19-21
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
The Specialty Food Association’s first show of the year brought together “tastemakers” in retail, distribution and foodservice for a “first look” at products and ideas coming to shelves throughout the year.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 30 to include additional information on the events.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the dates for Groceryshop. The conference is set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1.
