#United States #San Diego #Specialty Food Association #Winter FancyFaire #Sam Kass

Winter FancyFaire 2026 Welcomes Sam Kass as Keynote Speaker

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has recently announced that Sam Kass, a well-known chef and food policy innovator, will be the keynote speaker at Winter FancyFaire 2026. The event will take place from January 11 to 13 in the vibrant city of San Diego, California. Kass brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition under President Barack Obama and as a White House Chef. He is recognized for his commitment to transforming the American food system, making him a fitting choice to speak at this influential event.

Kass’s upcoming address will focus on his collaborative vision for a sustainable food future, addressing how climate change, technology, and global innovations are influencing food production and consumption. His latest book, The Last Supper: The Future of Food and the Fate of Our Species, dives deep into these topics, exploring their implications on what and how we will eat in the coming years.

During Winter FancyFaire, Kass will tap into his extensive experience from working with various stakeholders across the food industry, from growers and retailers to policymakers and entrepreneurs. He aims to illustrate how a stronger and more resilient food system can be achieved, emphasizing that the decisions made today will shape a sustainable future. Attendees can expect practical advice on how businesses can contribute to industry-wide enhancements and changes.

Bill Lynch, President of the Specialty Food Association, expressed enthusiasm about Kass's participation, stating that he embodies the innovative and ingredient-driven spirit of the specialty food community. Through his address, Kass’s insights will align with Winter FancyFaire's mission of discovery and transformation within the food sector.

In his book, Kass introduces a concept he labels “The Core Principle,” which serves as a guiding framework for the food industry as it moves toward a sustainable future. His speech will outline how four critical elements - culture, policy and legislation, business, and technology - can synergistically work together to bring about significant change in the industry, particularly in the realm of specialty food.

Drawing on his experience as a partner at Acre Venture Partners, Kass plans to connect his theoretical insights with practical implementations, sharing how innovation and investment can foster sustainable advancements. The Winter FancyFaire serves as the first major food show of 2026, spotlighting new culinary trends while encouraging participants to think boldly about their impact on the specialty food landscape.

Kass's keynote is part of a broader program designed to help attendees prepare for the future, from flavor forecasting to sustainability tactics and beyond. Like all SFA trade shows, Winter FancyFaire will be exclusively open to qualified members of the specialty food trade, along with industry affiliates and media representatives. For further details regarding the event, including exhibit space bookings and registration information, visit www.winterfancyfaire.com.

About the Specialty Food Association

Founded in 1952, the Specialty Food Association is a not-for-profit trade organization representing the expansive $219 billion specialty food industry. With over 4,000 member businesses worldwide, the SFA aims to foster industry engagement and success among a diverse array of manufacturers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers through year-round resources, education, and engaging events. The SFA also organizes notable events such as the Summer Fancy Food Show and Winter FancyFaire, as well as the esteemed sofi™ Awards, recognizing excellence in specialty food and beverage since 1972. For more information, connect with SFA on various social platforms.