Winter FancyFaire San Diego is one of the most important events for the specialty food industry in 2026. The show brings together food brands, buyers, chefs, distributors, and press from across the country to explore new products and trends.
Taking place January 11–13 at the San Diego Convention Center, this trade-only event is designed for people working in the specialty food world and is not open to the general public.
Event Details You Should Know
Winter FancyFaire San Diego is produced by the Specialty Food Association and focuses on product discovery, business connections, and education. The event showcases specialty food products, from pantry staples and baked goods to beverages, sauces, and international foods. Attendees will get the chance to see the latest trends in the specialty food industry and connect directly with makers and brands.
Exhibitors at Winter FancyFaire San Diego
Hundreds of exhibitors participate in Winter FancyFaire San Diego. These range from small specialty food makers to established brands, featuring products like snacks, sauces, condiments, grains, beverages, baked goods, and plant-based items. The exhibitor floor also includes regional and international pavilions, offering a global look at emerging food trends. Many exhibitors will be debuting new products or showcasing award-winning items during the event, giving attendees a chance to discover what’s next in specialty food.
aficio22
Aficio22 is a premium, California-grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) known for its high quality, COOC certification, and unique flavors. At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, they will be showcasing their three varieties of olive oil. Their Delicate variety is ideal for salad dressings and everyday cooking. The Medium variety pairs well as a dipping oil and for marinades. The Bold variety is robust and earthy and perfect for meat sauces, chimichurri, and steak.
GOOD HONEY
Good Honey is the highest-rated honey in America. It is made by U.S. beekeepers and is 100% raw & pure. They will be showcasing their 16 oz. Montana Clover, Citrus, and Creamed Clover honey at the show. Montana Clover received First Place at the London International Honey Awards.
Ciao Pappy
Ciao Pappy sauces are a brand of premium jarred Italian-style pasta sauces made in California. They focus on using simple, high-quality ingredients with no added sugar, no pastes, and non-GMO produce. The sauces blend Italian traditions with a fresh California twist. At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, they will showing their Marinara Classico (Garlic & Basil Tomato Sauce), Marinara Alla Pappy and Creamy Calabrian Marinara Sauce.
alldae
At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, alldae Superfruit Soda will be showcasing their better-for-you soda made with real fruit juice and zero added sugar or stevia. The soda includes a light amount of caffeine for a mid-afternoon boost, sourced from the fruit of the coffee plant that is often wasted. The brand was created as a way to give back to coffee producers, many of whom live below the poverty line. Flavors include Black Cherry Vanilla, Passionfruit Guava, Hibiscus Dragonfruit, and Ginger Yuzu.
Zen StaX
At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, Zen Stax will showcase its premium, ready-to-pour frozen pancake batter as well as its Chaga Maple Syrup. Made with clean, plant-based ingredients and superfoods, Zen Stax focuses on providing a healthy, convenient breakfast option. Attendees can see how the brand emphasizes whole foods and minimal preparation, perfect for modern, health-conscious consumers.
Elephant Green Chili Chutney
At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, Elephant Green Chili Chutney will feature their bold and versatile condiment that has been recognized for its zesty sweet heat and all-natural ingredients. It’s created from scratch with no artificial ingredients, and is gluten and dairy free. They will be at the Good Food Mercantile on Sunday at 10 a.m. at booth 5006. You’ll want to try, as they are a Sofi Finalist.
Lentil Telepathy
At Winter FancyFaire San Diego, Lentil Telepathy will be showing off their seasoned snack flavors, lentil toppers for meals, and their ready to eat breakfast lentils that turn milk into chocolate milk. This is not a puff or a chip. It is a whole lentil with a clean crunch. Everything is oil free, plant based, gluten free, and Non GMO Project Verified, with 7 grams of protein and 100 calories per serving.
Brisket Chips Co.
Brisket Chips Co. makes thin, crispy beef brisket snacks ranging in flavors from Cracked Black Pepper to XXX Super Spicy. It started in the Bay Area when the founder began making his own with fresh, Asian-inspired seasonings. You’ll be able to taste them at Winter FancyFaire San Diego.
Campus Tasting Trail in San Diego
One unique feature of Winter FancyFaire San Diego is the Campus Tasting Trail. This program connects the trade show to local restaurants in San Diego. Participating restaurants will be creating tasting dishes using products from Specialty Food Association member brands. Badge holders can visit these restaurants and enjoy complimentary tastings (while supplies last). In the Gaslamp Quarter, Huntress, Lumi, and Rustic Root are among the featured restaurants participating in the tasting trail.
LIA's LUMPIA
Lia’s Lumpia in San Diego is a popular family Filipino fusion food truck known for creative lumpia flavors blending Filipino traditions with Black soul food influences. They have been featured on Food Network. For Winter FancyFaire San Diego, they will be making a lumpia trio using Bitchin Sauce:
- Honey Sriracha Pork n Broccoli LUMPIA: Sriracha pork, garlic, onion, soy sauce, broccoli, honey + Bitchin’ sriracha sauce glaze, sesame seeds, green onions
- Smothered Bistec Beef LUMPIA: Cast iron seared ribeye steak, caramelized onions, Bitchin’ original sauce, calamansi juice, soy sauce, garlic, served with Smothered Bistec sauce
- Chipotle Chicken LUMPIA: Bitchin’ chipotle sauce, shredded chicken, garlic, onion, cheddar jack cheese, served with chipotle sauce
HUntress
Huntress in Gaslamp Quarter will be featuring a dish using Bluebird Grain Farms.
LUMI
RUSTIC ROOT
Rustic Root in Gaslamp Quarter will be featuring a dish using Prime Shrimp.
sofi Awards and Industry Programs
Winter FancyFaire San Diego is also where the sofi Awards winners are celebrated. The awards recognize excellence and innovation in specialty food products across multiple categories. The event includes educational sessions, trend discussions, and career-focused programs designed to support professionals at every stage of their food industry journey.
How It Impacts the Specialty Food Community
Winter FancyFaire San Diego sets the tone for the year ahead in specialty food. It allows brands to gain exposure, buyers to discover new products, and the industry to connect with local restaurant and culinary communities. For anyone working in specialty food, attending Winter FancyFaire San Diego is a key opportunity to stay informed, build relationships, and see the latest in product innovation.
If you are attending the event and are looking for restaurant recommendations, look at my Best Gaslamp Quarter and Best Little Italy restaurant recommendations.
2 Responses
How do I register and who is the Group sponsoring this Conference please ?
Thanks
Tom Schiff
Schiff & Associates
6418 Caminito Listo
San Diego, CA 92111 email: tschiffsd@aol.com Land Line: 858-565-7722
Hi Tom, you can register here: https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/winter-fancyfaire/register/