The global food industry is undergoing rapid change as artificial intelligence, alternative proteins, sustainable packaging, food safety, climate-smart agriculture and nutrition reshape the way food is produced, processed and consumed. These developments are creating new opportunities across the food value chain while also bringing new challenges around sustainability, technology adoption, regulation and changing consumer expectations.
For food manufacturers, retailers, researchers, investors, policymakers and technology providers, conferences and trade shows provide opportunities to discover emerging innovations, explore new markets, build industry connections and understand where the food sector is heading. The following are some of the notable food events to consider attending in 2027.
Next in Food Conference
Date: May 25–27, 2027
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Focus: Sustainable food systems, nutrition, alternative proteins, food safety and food security.
Next in Food brings together perspectives from across the food value chain, with a focus on the technologies, research and strategies shaping the future of food. Its program is expected to explore areas including food safety and nutrition, alternative proteins, AI-enabled food innovation, sustainable packaging, climate-smart agriculture and resilient food production.
The conference can also provide a platform for researchers, universities, NGOs, technology providers and food businesses to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches to emerging food-system challenges.
Natural Products Expo West
Date: March 2–5, 2027
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA
Focus: Natural, organic, plant-based, functional and wellness food products.
FOODEX JAPAN
Date: March 9–12, 2027
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan
Focus: food and beverage products, sourcing, market opportunities and foodservice
Future Food-Tech San Francisco
Date: March 11–12, 2027
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Focus: Food technology, sustainable innovation, startups and investment.
Gulfood
Date: March 15–19, 2027
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre,
and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.
Focus: Global food sourcing, hospitality, ingredients, foodservice and manufacturing.
SIAL Canada
Date: April 27–29, 2027
Location: Enercare Centre, Toronto, Canada
Focus: Food and beverage innovation, retail, foodservice, food processing and international markets.
FOOMA JAPAN
Date: June 8–11, 2027
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan
Focus: Food processing machinery, automation, packaging and manufacturing technology.
IFT FIRST
Date: July 11–14, 2027
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Focus: Food science, research, ingredients, product development and manufacturing.
Anuga
Date: October 9–13, 2027
Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany
Focus: International food and beverage products, retail, foodservice, innovation and global trade.
Food Technology and Beverages Conference
Date: May 27–28, 2027
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Focus: Food technology, beverages, processing, nutrition and product innovation.
Why Attend Food Conferences in 2027?
Attending food conferences and trade shows can help organizations:
• Identify emerging consumer, technology and market trends.
• Discover new ingredients, products, machinery and packaging solutions.
• Connect with retailers, distributors, investors, researchers and policymakers.
• Explore partnerships across food technology, alternative proteins, agritech and related sectors.
• Keep track of developments in regulation, sustainability and food safety.
• Explore international markets and potential business opportunities.
• Gain insights that can support new products, services and business models.
• Build industry visibility through exhibitions, speaking opportunities and networking.
Food conferences in 2027 will bring together many of the forces reshaping the sector, from sustainable production and alternative proteins to advanced processing, food safety and digital innovation. Whether the goal is to explore new technologies, identify market opportunities, connect with research communities or develop international partnerships, these events can provide valuable insights and connections across the global food industry.