#USA #San Diego #Specialty Food Association #Winter FancyFaire #Community Career Studio

Specialty Food Association Launches Community Career Studio at Winter FancyFaire 2026

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has officially announced an exciting addition to its Winter FancyFaire 2026 event: the Community Career Studio. Scheduled for January 11-13, 2026, in San Diego, the studio aims to address significant changes in the specialty food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors by providing invaluable career resources and professional support at no cost.

This initiative reflects SFA's unwavering commitment to the individuals who drive the growth of the specialty food industry. Historically, SFA's tradeshows have served as pivotal platforms for networking among manufacturers, press members, and brands. With the introduction of the Community Career Studio, attendees will now also have the opportunity to focus on their personal career development, whether they are looking to re-enter the workforce or plot their future career paths.

Mary Beth Vultee, SFA's Senior Vice President of Membership, emphasized the importance of this resource in light of recent staffing changes across the industry. "We've seen retailers and brands forced into difficult staffing decisions lately," Vultee stated. "The specialty food community is resilient, and it’s vital for SFA to lend practical support in these times.” Through the Community Career Studio, SFA intends to equip professionals with the necessary resources to enhance their career materials, bolster their confidence, and find fulfilling roles within the specialty food sector if they seek new opportunities.

Open Access for All Attendees

The Studio will be accessible to all Winter FancyFaire attendees—including exhibitors—who will benefit from a variety of complimentary resources. Active job seekers and those considering long-term career development can find guidance and support tailored to their needs. Additionally, brands and manufacturers are encouraged to visit the Center, where they can receive advice on staffing, team building, and future workforce planning.

The Community Career Studio will feature several key offerings:

• - Headshot Studio: Attendees can receive professional headshots throughout the event, with walk-ins welcome.
• - Career Counseling: Participants can have walk-in consultations covering essential topics such as resume writing and interview techniques.
• - People Operations Support: Meetings with industry experts will provide attendees with insights on hiring strategies and talent development for key roles.

A Broader Commitment to the Industry

This initiative is just one aspect of SFA’s overarching mission to fortify the specialty food community by nurturing its workforce. SFA not only aims to connect individuals with opportunities but also strives to help businesses navigate the changing market landscape. Among its various programs, SFA also offers Maker Prep, which assists entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their specialty food ventures, alongside numerous year-round educational seminars and resources.

In a move to support those impacted by recent layoffs within the industry, SFA has opened applications for complimentary admission to Winter FancyFaire 2026 for qualifying candidates. Interested individuals can complete a form, after which SFA will reach out to them directly.

About the Specialty Food Association

Established in 1952, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) operates as a not-for-profit trade organization representing a remarkable $219 billion specialty food industry. With a membership exceeding 4,000 businesses globally, SFA advocates for the success of a diverse array of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers. The association is renowned for hosting prestigious events, such as the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, along with the annual sofi™ Awards, which recognize extraordinary achievements in specialty food and beverage since 1972. More information can be found at Specialtyfood.com, and by following SFA on various social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.