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 earlier this year by the National Retail Federation and FMI — The Food Industry Association, take an industry-wide look at trends and innovations, while others, like the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, are specific to one or a handful of categories. Many of these events foster connections among industry experts, executives and suppliers. They also offer educational components like workshops and panels, providing a space to learn about new trends and address common challenges.
Here’s an updated look at some of the key grocery industry events on tap for the rest of 2025 and a look back at the shows that have already happened.
Top grocery conferences in 2025
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 sectors.
The show will feature a mix of new and previous exhibitors, including international ones. Sessions will look at topics such as bakery and deli trends, successful social media strategies and how to export with government funding support.
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.
Sprouts Farmers Market CEO Jack Sinclair, Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt and Priya Nair, president of beauty and wellbeing for Unilever, will give keynotes. Top executives from Whole Foods Market, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Ahold Delhaize USA, Erewhon, Instacart and Weis Markets are confirmed speakers for the conference.
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, networking events 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 — and “food and beverages will occupy a prominent place on the 2025 Trade Show Floor,” according to the event website. 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 educational 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.
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference
Jan. 30-Feb.2
Marco Island, Florida
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference provided resources for grocery industry leaders with a mix of panels, private executive meetings, social events and a pitch competition for early-stage innovations in the food industry. . Speakers included 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 brought 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, gave the keynote. Other speakers included executives at United Natural Foods Inc., Price Chopper, Flashfood, Heritage Grocers Group and Kellanova.
Natural Products Expo West
March 4-7
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California
Expo West focused 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 let attendees connect with buyers and brands in a designated outdoor area. Speakers included representatives from ReFed, UNFI, the Organic Trade Association, Whole Foods and Target.
Seafood Expo North America
March 16-18
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston
The conference featured over 30 educational sessions and the opportunity for attendees to reach seafood buyers and processors in the U.S. This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Nomi Prins, a macro-economist, geopolitical financial expert and author. Other speakers included Jason Pride, vice president of meat and seafood operations at Hy-Vee; Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods at FMI; 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 spotlighted the opportunities and challenges facing producers of foods including beef, pork and poultry. The event attracted more than 2,500 attendees this year.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 13-15
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the conference looked at two of retail’s “highest performing categories,” showcased more than 730 exhibitors and highlighted businesses at its new products awards ceremony and reception.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on June 3 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.
