Specialty Food Association Announces Fancy Food Rising Stars

Selections for Summer 2025, Recognizing the Emerging Specialty Food Buyers and Investors

NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Specialty Food Association has selected the inaugural roster of its Fancy Food Rising Stars program for buyers and investors. Recognizing emerging leaders in the specialty food industry aged 35 and under, the Rising Star initiative sought nominations from across the buying and business-financing communities, with SFA making the final roster selections.

Fancy Food Rising Star selections receive complimentary badges to the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, where SFA will support them in discovering new products, getting familiar with the trade show experience, and building connections with one another and with relevant exhibitors.

The Summer 2025 Fancy Food Rising Stars are:

Louise Ainsman, Target

Edwin Asmal, Sanniti

Becca DeLara, Salad and Go

Lily Feldman, Gopuff

Erika Fermin, Community Capital Bank

Paige Flanagan, Three Rivers Market Co-op

Jessie Kimsey, Misfits Market

Robbie Patterson, Asto Consumer Partners

Martina Pirisi, EATALY USA

Roberto Pizzoli, il Gigante

Mollye Santulli, Springdale Ventures

Roberto Scalia, Associated Supermarket

Aaliyah Walkes, Clifton Meats Limited

Anna Whiteman, Coefficient Capital

"We are very excited to launch this new program, created to recognize emerging leaders who are pushing the specialty food industry forward – and introduce them to the Summer Fancy Food Show," said Bill Lynch, SFA President. "We congratulate all the Rising Stars on their nominations and selection, and can't wait to connect with them over the myriad networking opportunities, events, and innovative specialty food and beverage products at the Show."

The Summer Fancy Food Show—June 29-July 1 at NYC's Javits Center—will showcase thousands of specialty food products from domestic and international exhibitors, educational programming, networking opportunities, and more. For more information, please click here.

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