Twice a year, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) hosts Fancy Faire. It’s an event that introduces the best of the best food and beverage products to specialty food makers, buyers, retailers, distributors, media and industry innovators.
In short, it connects people to providers of the BEST ingredients.
Spotlight on Winter 2026
One of the most exciting things about Fancy Faire is the feeling that the world, or at least its food, is literally at your fingertips. The best of the best food isn’t limited to Southern California where the event is held.
Specialists are showing off the absolute pinnacle of what Japan, Hawaii, Spain, Italy, Idaho, Wisconsin and other locations have to offer.
Trends at Fancy Faire
Prebiotic and Probiotic Beverages
People are adding a bit of POP to their prebiotics and postbiotics. We love water but sometimes it’s just nice to mix things up and have a fun, fizzy beverage. As a result, brands are looking to not just make something that isn’t bad for you, but actually healthy. Is a drink with prebiotic fiber and probiotic strains as satisfying as your favorite soda? It’s definitely worth checking out.
Hidden Vegetables
It’s never easy to get kids (and many adults) to eat their vegetables. Now, vegetables are increasingly inconspicuous in your favorite foods allowing you to get the nutritional value without the struggle.
Vegetables were hiding in pancakes, soups and other pantry favorites. There was even a savory energy drink with flavors like chicken broth and tomato soup. Perfect for a pick-me-up on a cold winter day!
Food’s Global, Millennial Makeover
“Modern” is what the food scene is all about. Right? Not quite, as with Hollywood, fashion, and product design, millennial nostalgia is coming for your food.
Top chefs are deconstructing and remixing all of our childhood favorites from the 80s and 90s with global flare.
Examples
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Retro favorites reinterpreted; cereals, granola, churros, and cookies are getting remixed for modern palates featuring ingredients like ube, miso, or pandan.
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South Asian flavors are being featured in ready-to-go meals or ice cream.
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Southeast Asian flavors showing up in more sauces and desserts.
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Chili crisps from different cultures and with new ingredients.
Do you have a favorite childhood food you hope gets a makeover? Let us know in the comments below!