DAY 1
12 p.m.
The State of the Specialty Food Industry 2021
Join the team behind our annual research for an exclusive preview of this
year's report, coming in early June. This is your chance to look at the retail and
foodservice sales data of specialty foods and sales forecasts, including analysis
and commentary on the continuing impact of COVID-19 on the industry.
DAY 2
10:45 a.m.
2021 sofi Products of the Year Announcement
12 p.m.
Buying in 2021 and Beyond: DEI, Sourcing, and Q4
The list of considerations that go into buying decisions is more complicated
than ever. Data is key to sourcing vendors; diversity, equity, and inclusion are
increasingly important; and pandemic-influenced supply chain issues continue
to confound some categories, while newly minted home cooks are demanding an
exciting new product mix. Join a panel of retailers and e-tailers to get the scoop.
DAY 3
12 p.m.
Foodservice Update: Looking Ahead
What will the landscape look like for specialty foodservice in a post-
pandemic world? The restaurant industry, demographics, locations,
and eating habits are changing, and there are even bigger adjustments
to come. Join us for a look at the opportunities ahead.
DAY 4
12 p.m.
E-Commerce Speed Round – Ask the Experts
Online sales of specialty food are booming – but can you be sure that you're
selling the right way for your products and your goals? Join experts in Amazon,
Shopify, and bricks and clicks for this "flipped" Q&A session. No slides, just
answers to the most important e-commerce questions on your mind.
DAY 5
12 p.m.
Trendspotters Take on Specialty Food LIVE!
SFA's Trendspotter panel of food buyers, educators, writers, researchers,
and industry watchers explore the event's virtual aisles, seeking
out patterns and predicting shifts in food and beverage categories.
Join us on the final day of Specialty Food LIVE! to hear from the
panel on the trends that will take us to 2022 and beyond.
SFA to Host Next Specialty
Food LIVE! Event in May
The third Specialty Food LIVE! event, hosted by the
Specialty Food Association, will run from May 10-14,
2021, bringing together makers and buyers in a
digital marketplace. Similar to the event in January,
exhibitors will include makers from across the U.S.,
as well as international pavilions. Education session
and events will be held throughout the five days.
Here is a look at the schedule:
SPRING ŒŽ
ASSOCIATION NEWS
