2026 Ice Cream Industry Fairs & Exhibitions
- Sarah McKenzie
- 23 hours ago
- 9 min read
The ice cream industry is evolving faster than ever—from new flavor innovations and functional ingredients to sustainability breakthroughs and tech-driven production. To stay competitive, it’s no longer enough to simply keep up with trends; you need to be part of the conversations shaping them.
That’s where industry fairs and exhibitions come in. These events are more than just opportunities to sample what’s new (though that’s always a perk!)—they’re where connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and the future of frozen desserts is defined.
To help you plan your upcoming year, we’ve consolidated key international trade shows and fairs for 2026—gathering each event’s own description so you can easily evaluate which ones align with your goals.

JUMP TO 2026 INDUSTRY FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS DURING:
JANUARY
SIGEP WORLD (ITALY)

Now in its 47th edition, SIGEP WORLD stands as the leading international event for the entire foodservice community. It brings together top professionals across the Gelato, Pastry & Chocolate, Coffee, Bakery, and Pizza sectors.
Covering every aspect of the industry—from products, ingredients, and services to equipment, furnishings, packaging solutions, and technologies—SIGEP WORLD serves as a vibrant hub where networking sparks innovation and unlocks new business opportunities.
Location: Rimini Expo Centre (Rimini, Italy) Dates: January 16–20, 2026
More Info: https://en.sigep.it/
GULFOOD (UAE)

For the first time, the world’s largest F&B sourcing event will span two iconic venues—Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City—delivering its most expansive, immersive, and strategically connected edition yet.
With 6,500+ exhibitors, representation from 130+ countries, and 12 dynamic sectors including a brand-new food tech vertical and future-focused platforms, Gulfood 2026 won’t just showcase where the global food industry stands—it will shape where it’s headed.
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
Dates: January 26–30, 2026
More Info: https://www.gulfood.com/
FEBRUARY
ICE CREAM & ARTISAN FOOD SHOW (ENGLAND)

The UK’s only dedicated ice cream trade show is back—designed to help your business thrive. From cutting-edge equipment and ingredients to packaging, point-of-sale ideas, and expert-led seminars on real business challenges, this is where innovation meets practical solutions.
Connect with suppliers who understand your trade, discover products that set you apart, and network with peers who share your passion—and your pressures.
Location: NEC Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Marston Green (Birmingham, England) Dates: February 3–4, 2026 More Info: https://ice-cream.org/ice-cream-and-artisan-food-show/#!form/ExhibitorEnquiry
FERIA INTERNACIONAL DEL HELADO (FIHEP), MEXICO

Feria Internacional Del Helado (FIHEP) is described as “the only forum where the latest technologies and processes in the dynamic, innovative, and profitable ice cream and cold desserts industry are unveiled and discussed.
Explore the trends defining the season with cutting-edge products, and join a series of conferences led by experts and internationally renowned exhibitors, covering innovation, new products and services, marketing, health, and more.
Location: World Trade Center (WTC) Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico
Dates: February 5–7, 2026
More Info: https://www.feriadelhelado.org/index.php
THE AFRICA DAIRY INNOVATIONS SUMMIT (KENYA)

The Africa Dairy Innovations Summit is the continent’s leading platform for education, capacity building, and networking in the dairy industry.
The Summit will be held in dual formats, with conference sessions and the Expo Hall available both virtually and in person, enabling participation from delegates and visitors across Africa and around the world. The event will bring together 2,000+ investors, managers, and professionals from across the dairy value chain.
Location: Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport (Nairobi, Kenya) Dates: February 25–27, 2026 More Info: https://africadairysummit.com/
MARCH
NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST (USA)

Expo West is the unmissable gathering of the natural and organic CPG and retail ecosystem.
Discover your next big hit among the largest collection of emerging and innovative brands and connect with industry leaders shaping the future.
Location: Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, California, USA)
Dates: March 3–6, 2026
More Info: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html
CHINA INTERNATIONAL ALLFOOD EXPO/CHINA ICE CREAM AND FROZEN FOODS EXPO 2026 (SHENZHEN ICE EXPO), CHINA

The 2026 China International AllFood Expo and the China Ice Cream & Frozen Food Expo (ICFFEX) will span 150,000 square meters of exhibition space and are expected to host over 2,800 exhibitors and approximately 180,000 professional visitors.
Location: The Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center (Bao’an), Shenzhen, China
Dates: March 6–8, 2026
More Info: https://allfoodex.com/
APRIL
ANUGA SELECT BRAZIL (BRAZIL)

Anuga Select Brazil is the largest food and beverage trade fair in the Americas, offering unmatched opportunities to expand your business globally.
Open exclusively to food industry professionals, the event offers a neighborhood supermarket, business matchmaking, and an international pavilion.
Location: Anhembi District - SP, Brazil
Dates: April 7–9, 2026
More Info: https://anuga-brazil.com.br/en/
FOOD AND DRINK EXPO (ENGLAND)

Food & Drink Expo brings together buyers from retail, wholesale, foodservice, manufacturing, and hospitality for unmatched insights and product sourcing—all in one place.
In 2025, thousands of visitors connected with 1,200+ suppliers across the UK Food & Drink Shows. In 2026, the event will return alongside the Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, and Forecourt Show.
Location: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK
Dates: April 13–15, 2026
More Info: https://www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk/
THE ICE CREAM & CULTURED INNOVATION CONFERENCE (USA)

The Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference is the leading event for makers of ice cream, frozen desserts, yogurt, dips, and spreads—spotlighting the latest in research, technology, and market trends.
Attendees gain insights into food safety, labeling, and regulations while joining dynamic discussions on processing innovations. It’s “a must-attend” for anyone looking to stay ahead, with hands-on sessions, tastings, and unmatched networking opportunities.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón (Naples, Florida)
Dates: April 14–15, 2026
SIAL (CANADA)

For over 20 years, SIAL Canada has been the annual catalyst for the food industry, offering a targeted approach that meets the specific needs of retail, food service, and food processing sectors.
Each year, it brings together 800+ exhibitors and brands from 55 countries and attracts 23,000 professionals from 78 countries.
Location: Palais des Congrès (Montréal, Canada)
Dates: April 29–May 1, 2026
More Info: https://sialcanada.com/en/
MAY
AFRICA FOOD MANUFACTURING EXPO (AFMASS) ZAMBIA & SOUTHERN AFRICA EDITION (ZAMBIA)

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Zambia’s No.1 international trade show for the food, beverage, and milling industry.
AFMASS showcases food ingredients, milling, processing, packaging, and supply chain technologies, laboratory equipment, and the latest food and beverage products for Zambia and surrounding countries.
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Dates: May 6–8, 2026
More Info: https://www.afmass.com/south/
THE SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO (USA)

The Sweets & Snacks Expo unites brands, buyers, brokers, and industry leaders—where trends emerge, shelves are shaped, and deals are made.
Explore 1,000+ candy, snack, and frozen exhibitors, 40+ education sessions, and connect with over 15,000 industry and retail professionals.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas, USA)
Dates: May 19–21, 2026
More Info: https://sweetsandsnacks.com/
THE WORLD OF PRIVATE LABEL INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW (PLMA), THE NETHERLANDS

Today, private label accounts for over 30% of value in 15 European countries—and 50% in six. The event brings together 3,200+ exhibitors from 75 countries across nine food and five non-food halls, covering 47,000+ m² of exhibit space.
Attendees can explore 70+ national and regional pavilions, discover 350+ new products in the New Product Expo, and network with 32,000+ private label professionals from 120+ countries.
Location: RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Dates: May 19–20, 2026
More Info: https://www.plmainternational.com/
JUNE
SALON GOURMET SELECTION (FRANCE)

Gourmet Selection unites producers, artisans, and distributors to celebrate flavor and innovation. Over two days, discover the latest market trends, experience competitions showcasing product excellence, and connect with French and international professionals.
The upcoming edition will welcome approximately 5,300 visitors and 360 exhibitors, featuring emerging brands, bold initiatives, and thematic spaces dedicated to new products and trends.
Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (Paris, France)
Dates: June 7–8, 2026
More Info: https://www.salon-gourmet-selection.com/
FREE FROM SPECIALTY FOOD (AUSTRIA)

The annual Free From Food and Ingredients Expo is filled with energy, offering valuable insights, meaningful connections, and plenty of excitement.
Last year’s event brought together over 250 producers from 31 countries, including Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Algeria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and welcomed more than 4,200 buyers—a 15% increase from the previous edition.
Location: TBD (Vienna, Austria)
Dates: June 16–17, 2026
More Info: https://vienna.freefromfoodexpo.com/
THE SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW (USA)

The Summer Fancy Food Show is “the industry’s premier product discovery event,” featuring a curated showcase of high-quality, artisan products across 40+ categories.
From gluten-free and vegan options to spicy drinks and protein-centric snacks, the show offers a firsthand look at the trends shaping consumer demand.
Location: Javits Center (New York City, USA)
Dates: June 28–30, 2026
JULY
AFRICA FOOD MANUFACTURING EXPO (AFMASS) KENYA & EASTERN AFRICA EDITION (KENYA)

The 11th edition of AFMASS Eastern Africa is the region’s No.1 international trade show for the food, beverage, and milling industry.
The event showcases food ingredients, milling, processing, and packaging technologies, supply chain solutions, laboratory equipment, and the latest food and beverage products from Africa and around the world.
Location: Sarit Expo Centre (Nairobi, Kenya)
Dates: July 15–17, 2026
More Info: https://www.afmass.com/east/
AUGUST
NEWTOPIA NOW (USA)

Newtopia Now is the ultimate destination for product innovation and discovery, bringing together retailers and industry leaders to explore what’s next in natural and organic. It connects emerging and established CPG brands with buyers, investors, and experts who offer insights, spark opportunities, and support their next stage of growth.
Location: Colorado Convention Center (Denver, Colorado)
Dates: August 18–20, 2026
More Info: https://www.newtopianow.com/en/home.html
FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA (AUSTRALIA)

Australia’s leading B2B food event, Fine Food Australia, is strictly trade-only, featuring 900+ exhibitors across 12 product categories. From food and drink to catering equipment, tech, and packaging, find everything you need to stay ahead—all under one roof over four days.
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Melbourne, Australia
Dates: August 31–September 3, 2026
More Info: https://finefoodaustralia.com.au/
SEPTEMBER
SIAL GUANGZHOU (CHINA)

Serving as your gateway to the booming F&B markets of South China and Southeast Asia, the exhibition leverages its base in the high-consumption food market of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, linking you to top F&B buyers in Southeast Asia.
Covering 60,000 m², the event is expected to host over 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions, attracting more than 65,000 professionals. The event will feature six Highlight Villages, along with multiple competitions and activities running simultaneously.
Location: Poly World Trade Center Expo (Guangzhou, China) Dates: September 3–5, 2026 More Info: https://www.sialchina.com/
AMERICAS FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW (AF&B) USA

The Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference is an exclusive B2B event open only to industry professionals. Over three days, the conference features seminars, presentations, and workshops covering the latest food and beverage trends, evolving consumer behaviors, U.S. import regulations, packaging insights, strategies for reaching the Hispanic market, and economic forecasts.
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center (Miami Beach, Florida, USA)
Dates: September 14–16, 2026
More Info: https://www.americasfoodandbeverage.com/
AFRICA FOOD MANUFACTURING EXPO (AFMASS) NIGERIA & WESTERN AFRICA EDITION (NIGERIA)

Welcome to the No.1 international trade show for the food, beverage, and milling industry in Nigeria and West Africa.
AFMASS showcases food ingredients, milling, processing, packaging, and supply chain technologies, laboratory equipment, and the latest food and beverage products for Nigeria and surrounding countries.
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Dates: September 15–17, 2026
More Info: https://www.afmass.com/west/
ANUGA FOODTEC INDIA (INDIA)

Anuga FoodTec India is the leading trade fair for food and beverage technology, bringing together global industry leaders, cutting-edge innovations, and emerging trends in food processing and packaging.
Connect, showcase, and explore new business opportunities at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
Location: Bombay Exhibition Centre (Mumbai, India)
Dates: September 29–October 1, 2026
More Info: https://anugafoodtec-india.com/
OCTOBER
THE NATIONAL FROZEN & REFRIGERATED FOODS ASSOCIATION (NFRA) CONVENTION (USA)

The NFRA Convention brings the entire frozen and refrigerated foods industry together under one roof, offering unmatched opportunities to showcase your products, connect with leaders from emerging to established brands, and grow your business through one-on-one meetings, sampling, and networking—all while discovering the latest trends and innovations shaping the market.
Location: Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD, USA)
Dates: October 17–20, 2026
More Info: https://nfraweb.org/events/nfra-convention/
SIAL PARIS (FRANCE)

Throughout SIAL, Paris will be a source of inspiration for the entire food community—discover the latest trends and innovations, connect with the right partners, and tackle the industry’s biggest challenges together.
Location: Paris Nord Villepinte (Villepinte, France)
Dates: October 17–21, 2026
More Info: https://www.sialparis.com/en
NOVEMBER
THE ICE CREAM ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION (USA)

This popular event is the ultimate opportunity to build, expand, and strengthen your business. Explore the latest products and services in the exhibit hall, gain insights from dynamic speakers, and connect with industry peers through unmatched networking and social events.
Location: The Vinoy Resort (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA)
Dates: November 2–4, 2026
More Info: https://www.iaicdv.org/pastconventions
NORTH AMERICAN ICE CREAM ASSOCIATION CONECON (USA)

Conecon is the North American Ice Cream Association’s annual convention and trade show, bringing together frozen dessert professionals to explore innovations, attend educational sessions and workshops, and connect through networking and competitions.
Location: TBD (Palm Springs, California, USA)
Dates: November 10–12, 2026
More Info: https://icecreamassociation.org/page/conecon
Conclusion: Don’t Just Watch the Trends—Help Create Them
The frozen dessert market is moving at record speed, and those who show up to learn, share, and connect are the ones driving it forward. Attending industry events is your chance to build partnerships, discover emerging technologies, and turn inspiration into innovation.
At Innodelice, we believe collaboration is the key ingredient to success. Our global network of manufacturers, distributors, and brand partners is designed to help you grow smarter and faster in this dynamic marketplace. Whether you’re launching new products, exploring private label opportunities, or sourcing innovative ingredients, we can connect you with the right people to make it happen.
Let’s shape the future of ice cream together, one partnership at a time! Connect with us to learn more.
Which ice cream fairs are you planning to attend this year? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear where we might see you next!
ABOUT INNODELICE
Founded by former executives in the ice cream industry, INNODELICE aims to create a worldwide ecosystem of solutions within the frozen dessert industry. Thanks to the relationships fostered by INNODELICE, manufacturers, brands, importers, distributors, and suppliers can discover, buy, and sell solutions to grow their businesses. These solutions include co-manufactured and branded products and innovative and competitive ingredients, packaging, and services. Our collaboration model generates lower costs and fewer risks for our participating partners while optimizing their time to market. To learn more about INNODELICE, contact Andrea Montreuil or visit www.innodelice.com.




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