Fancy Food Show

To be considered for participation in the Incubator Village with the CoE at the Summer Fancy Food Show, companies must meet the following requirements:

• Product Innovation: Must be a food or beverage item (not nutritional/health supplements, pet food, or products containing CBD* or THC) that demonstrates innovation.
  • *Due to FDA rulings that food/beverages may not contain CBD, no CBD products may be promoted at SFA events. See this link for more information.
     
• Market Availability: Product must have been sold in the U.S. marketplace for a minimum of six months. As required for Tier 2 membership from the Specialty Food Association.
   
• First-Time Exhibitor: Company must not have previously exhibited on the main floor of the Fancy Food Show.
   

• New York Presence: Company must be based in New York State or have a significant presence in the state.

   

• Active Collaboration: Company must have an active relationship with the Center of Excellence (CoE) and/or affiliated partner services, such as:
  • Cornell Food Venture Center
  • Cornell Food Innovation Lab
  • Seneca Foods Foundation Pilot Plant
  • Cornell Fermentation Farming Lab
  • Other recognized partners
• Economic Impact Reporting: Company must submit an annual economic impact letter (CoE or Food Spark metrics) upon request. This letter is essential to support continued funding from New York State.
   
• Specialty Food Association (SFA) Membership: Preference given to companies who have not held Specialty Food Association (SFA) membership at any level.

To be considered for participation in the Incubator Village at the Summer Fancy Food Show, please complete the interest form.
 

The form will ask you to:

• Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
• Describe your relationship with the Center of Excellence (CoE).
• Describe your relationship with CoE partner programs, such as:
  • Cornell Food Venture Center
  • Cornell Food Innovation Lab
  • Seneca Foods Foundation Pilot Plant
  • Cornell Fermentation Farming Lab
  • Other recognized partners
• Describe your innovative product
• Explain why attending the Summer Fancy Food Show aligns with your current company goals.
   

Timeline: Applications to attend the Summer Fancy Food Show with the Center of Excellence (CoE) in 2026 are now closed. We will begin accepting interest forms for the 2027 Summer Fancy Food Show later this year.