National Restaurant Association Show Celebrates 28 Innovative Food Products at 2026 FABI Awards
The excitement surrounding the food and beverage industry is palpable as the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show announces the recipients of its 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards. Celebrating its 15th year, the FABI Awards honor products that address the dynamic needs of restaurant operators while catering to evolving consumer trends. This year, 28 products were recognized, with 10 earning the distinguished FABI Favorites title, the highest accolade in the awards' history.
Scheduled to take place from May 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, the award-winning products will be front and center, highlighting their diverse approaches to flavor, allergy considerations, organic ingredients, and functional formats aimed at streamlining food preparation.
Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group, remarked on the significant role these awards play in the industry. 'The FABI Awards have spent 15 years putting the spotlight on suppliers who are genuinely advancing the food landscape,' he explained. According to Cindric, this year's awardees represent innovative solutions that not only enhance flavors but also bring operational practicality—essential elements for restaurant operators seeking to revitalize menus and maintain competitiveness.
The FABI Awards serve as a platform for food and beverage innovators, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their originality in a competitive market. A panel of independent judges from prominent industry brands such as Wendy's and California Pizza Kitchen carefully evaluate each submission based on key criteria, including taste, relevance to contemporary menus, operational practicality, and potential for profitability.
This year, the panel introduced the FABI Favorites designation, recognizing products that demonstrate a broad and significant impact on restaurant menus and consumer preferences. The selected items exhibit remarkable flavor and versatility alongside operational efficiency, promising to transform dining experiences.
Among the 2026 FABI recipients are the following FABI Favorites:
1. Dairy Free Single-Serve Cream Cheese from Daiya Foods Inc.
2. Original egglife Egg White Wraps from Egglife Foods, Inc.
3. Elote Butter from Epicurean Butter.
4. Perfect Kebabs™ Halal Beef Kefta Links from Grecian Delight Kronos.
5. Churro Chata Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwich from Klimon.
6. Mini Waffle from Overseas Food Trading.
7. Maple Granules from Roland Foods.
8. Calabrian Truffle Crunch from Sabatino Truffles.
9. Plum Gochu Syrup from The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley.
10. Citrus Ginger Organic Craft Haymaker from Tractor Beverage Co.
Alongside the FABI Favorites, several other products also received the FABI Award distinction. Notable mentions include:
The showcase will include tastings and culinary demonstrations, providing attendees an up-close experience with these innovative products. Special sessions for FABI Favorites and awardees will be a highlight, featuring:
As the industry evolves, recognizing innovative contributions through awards like the FABI Awards encourages further creativity and adaptation. For more details on the FABI Awards or to register for the National Restaurant Association Show, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com. This event not only showcases current trends but also sets the stage for future culinary advancements, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the restaurant sector.
Scheduled to take place from May 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, the award-winning products will be front and center, highlighting their diverse approaches to flavor, allergy considerations, organic ingredients, and functional formats aimed at streamlining food preparation.
Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group, remarked on the significant role these awards play in the industry. 'The FABI Awards have spent 15 years putting the spotlight on suppliers who are genuinely advancing the food landscape,' he explained. According to Cindric, this year's awardees represent innovative solutions that not only enhance flavors but also bring operational practicality—essential elements for restaurant operators seeking to revitalize menus and maintain competitiveness.
The FABI Awards serve as a platform for food and beverage innovators, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their originality in a competitive market. A panel of independent judges from prominent industry brands such as Wendy's and California Pizza Kitchen carefully evaluate each submission based on key criteria, including taste, relevance to contemporary menus, operational practicality, and potential for profitability.
This year, the panel introduced the FABI Favorites designation, recognizing products that demonstrate a broad and significant impact on restaurant menus and consumer preferences. The selected items exhibit remarkable flavor and versatility alongside operational efficiency, promising to transform dining experiences.
Among the 2026 FABI recipients are the following FABI Favorites:
1. Dairy Free Single-Serve Cream Cheese from Daiya Foods Inc.
2. Original egglife Egg White Wraps from Egglife Foods, Inc.
3. Elote Butter from Epicurean Butter.
4. Perfect Kebabs™ Halal Beef Kefta Links from Grecian Delight Kronos.
5. Churro Chata Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwich from Klimon.
6. Mini Waffle from Overseas Food Trading.
7. Maple Granules from Roland Foods.
8. Calabrian Truffle Crunch from Sabatino Truffles.
9. Plum Gochu Syrup from The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley.
10. Citrus Ginger Organic Craft Haymaker from Tractor Beverage Co.
Alongside the FABI Favorites, several other products also received the FABI Award distinction. Notable mentions include:
- - Fred's Salt & Vinegar Cheese Curds from Ajinomoto Foods North America.
- - Tiramisu Cheesecake-Style Danish from Bridor USA.
- - Moroccan Spice Cubes from Chunk Foods.
- - Hibiscus Flower Beverage Concentrate from Gordian, and many more that are paving the way for culinary creativity.
The showcase will include tastings and culinary demonstrations, providing attendees an up-close experience with these innovative products. Special sessions for FABI Favorites and awardees will be a highlight, featuring:
- - Culinary Demo - Cooking Up Menu Magic with Award-Winning FABI Favorites on Monday, May 18.
- - FABI Favorites Tasting sessions on Monday, May 18.
- - Awardee Tasting sessions spanning from May 16 to May 17.
As the industry evolves, recognizing innovative contributions through awards like the FABI Awards encourages further creativity and adaptation. For more details on the FABI Awards or to register for the National Restaurant Association Show, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com. This event not only showcases current trends but also sets the stage for future culinary advancements, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the restaurant sector.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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