New York City is famous for its vibrant culinary scene and world-class food industry events. If you work in the food business or dream of stepping into it, attending a cooking trade show in New York is a must. These expos are not just exhibitions — they are places where you connect, learn, and see where the food world is heading.
Below, you’ll find a guide to the top cooking trade events and expos in New York. Each section includes venue details, event timing, ticket costs, nearby accommodation, and the valuable reasons why you should attend.
1. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York
Industry: Restaurants, hospitality, foodservice equipment, culinary arts
Venue: Javits Centre, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Date & Time: Annually in March — 3 days of industry networking
Cost: Tickets start at $50 for early registration
Nearby Stay: The New Yorker Hotel, Hotel Eventi, and Ink 48 are popular options within walking distance.
Why You Should Go:
- Meet hundreds of top suppliers and see the latest kitchen equipment.
- Watch live cooking demos by celebrity chefs.
- Attend business seminars on marketing and management.
- Make valuable connections with thousands of professionals.
2. New York Produce Show and Conference
Industry: Fresh produce, retail, distribution, grocery
Venue: Javits Centre, New York City
Date & Time: December — runs for 4 days
Cost: Full passes range from $195 to $395
Nearby Stay: Hudson New York and YOTEL New York are convenient choices.
Why You Should Go:
- Connect directly with growers and global suppliers.
- Discover supply chain trends and sustainability practices.
- Enjoy chef demos focused on fresh, seasonal produce.
- Expand your sourcing for grocery or restaurant businesses.
3. Coffee Fest New York
Industry: Coffee, tea, cafés, speciality drinks
Venue: Javits Centre, New York City
Date & Time: March every year
Cost: Early bird tickets start at $30
Nearby Stay: Hotels in Hudson Yards or Midtown West keep you close.
Why You Should Go:
- Meet coffee roasters, café owners, and equipment suppliers.
- Attend barista training sessions and latte art competitions.
- Learn about café business trends and new brewing methods.
- Perfect for starting or growing your coffee business.
4. Summer Fancy Food Show
Industry: Gourmet and speciality food, artisan producers
Venue: Javits Centre, New York City
Date & Time: June — a 3-day event
Cost: $45–$75 for trade attendees
Nearby Stay: Renaissance New York Midtown and The Manhattan at Times Square are nearby.
Why You Should Go:
- Taste thousands of gourmet products before they hit stores.
- Meet artisan food makers and international brands.
- Get tips on merchandising and branding speciality foods.
- Ideal for retailers, distributors, and restaurateurs.
5. NYC Hot Sauce Expo
Industry: Spicy sauces, condiments, small-batch products
Venue: Brooklyn Expo Centre, 72 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Date & Time: April — 2-day event
Cost: General admission ranges from $10 to $45
Nearby Stay: Greenpoint and Williamsburg have cosy hotels and trendy Airbnbs.
Why You Should Go:
- Taste hundreds of fiery hot sauces and unique condiments.
- Watch spicy eating contests and cooking competitions.
- Connect with small-batch makers and spice enthusiasts.
- An excellent event for speciality store owners and adventurous chefs.
Why Attend Cooking Trade Shows in New York?
1. Build Connections
You’ll meet chefs, restaurant owners, producers, distributors, and equipment suppliers. Face-to-face connections can lead to long-term partnerships.
2. Stay Ahead of Trends
Discover new ingredients, recipes, and kitchen tech before they go mainstream.
3. Learn from Experts
Workshops and live demos help you gain practical knowledge you can apply right away.
4. Find the Best Deals
Vendors often offer special pricing to expo attendees.
5. Get Inspired
Seeing what others are doing sparks fresh ideas for your own business.
Tips to Make the Most of Each Show
- Register Early: Save money and secure your spot.
- Do Your Research: Know which exhibitors you want to see first.
- Stay Nearby: Choose a hotel close to the venue to save time.
- Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use your phone to record ideas.
- Network: Always have business cards ready.
Where to Stay
New York has many great places to stay near major venues. For shows at the Javits Centre, look for hotels in Midtown Manhattan or Hudson Yards. For Brooklyn events, Greenpoint and Williamsburg offer trendy stays close to the expo centre. Book early to get better rates and more choices.
The Value You Get
Cooking expos are investments in your skills, knowledge, and connections. You’ll walk away with new ideas, valuable contacts, and the confidence to take your culinary business to the next level.
If you’re serious about your place in the food industry, add these events to your calendar. A few days at one of these shows can make a big difference for your career or your company.
Each cooking trade event in New York offers something unique. Some focus on equipment and technology, while others showcase fresh produce, gourmet goods, or niche products like hot sauces and coffee. Whatever your passion, you’ll find an expo that fits your needs.
Don’t miss the chance to see what’s new, taste what’s next, and meet the people shaping the food business.
Ready to book your next culinary adventure? Visit BookMyExpo.com to check dates and reserve your tickets today!