NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Specialty Food Association has announced its keynote speakers for the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show: Ben McKean, Founder and CEO of Hungryroot, and Chef Michael Symon, TV personality, author, and partner in POP Mustards.
The story of Hungryroot, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the U.S., will come to life on the Main Stage in an inspiring keynote from McKean on Sunday, June 29. The founder and CEO will take the Fancy Food Show audience behind the scenes of the company's evolution from healthy food brand into a tech-driven grocery and recipe service. McKean will discuss the critical decisions that shaped the company, embracing the power of AI, unlocking sustainable, rapid growth, as well as how staying customer-obsessed and data-informed helped Hungryroot build a loyal community and stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
"Being at the Fancy Food Show is always a highlight for me—it's where innovation meets passion. Engaging with so many incredible brands and entrepreneurs reminds me why I started in this industry in the first place," said McKean.
On Monday, June 30, Chef Symon will take the stage to present "Foodservice Trends, Food Network Stories, and Finding Your Path." A cornerstone of Cleveland's dining scene for more than two decades, and a mainstay of food TV for nearly as long, Chef Symon has headlined and appeared on mega-hit shows including The Next Iron Chef and The Chew building his brand as a soulful yet playful personality. With his latest foray into the CPG market, Chef Symon's journey has taken him to all corners of the food industry. The Fancy Food Show audience will get to hear the latest news about his new condiment line, POP Mustards, and the chef's unique perspectives on foodservice trends, the "secret sauce" of success in food, and more.
"I couldn't be more excited to be a keynote speaker at the Fancy Food Show in New York City," said Chef Symon. "The food world has given me so much over the years, and to be part of an event that celebrates innovation, passion, and the people behind the plate—it's an absolute honor. Can't wait to share some stories, a few laughs, and of course, talk about what's next in food!"
"In a moment of immense change and innovation across the food industry, we're thrilled to welcome keynote speakers who demonstrate the power of evolving and adapting to change," said Bill Lynch, SFA President. "Chef Michael Symon and Ben McKean will bring unique insights and ideas from their careers to the Fancy Food Show Main Stage for the benefit of all participants."
Featuring thousands of new specialty food products from around the world, educational programming, events, and networking opportunities, the Summer Fancy Food Show will run June 29-July 1 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. The Show is open only to qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates, and journalists. To learn more and register for the Show, visit specialtyfood.com.
About the Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $207-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. SFA also produces the e-newsletter Specialty Food SmartBrief, the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions, and Show reports. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com, and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
SOURCE Specialty Food Association
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