California is more than just sunshine and coastlines. It’s also a hotspot for food and beverage trade shows. With its massive agriculture industry, vibrant restaurant scene, and access to global markets, it’s no surprise that many top expos are held right here. Whether you’re a food business owner, chef, buyer, distributor, or just passionate about the industry—these events are must-attend opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll cover major food and beverage expos in California, including where they’re held, when to go, what it costs, nearby places to stay, and why it’s totally worth your time.
1. Natural Products Expo West – Anaheim, CA
- Venue: Anaheim Convention Center
- Time: Every March
- Cost: Free for approved professionals; paid passes for others
- Nearby Hotels: Hilton Anaheim, Marriott Anaheim, Sheraton Park
Why Go?
This is the biggest event in North America for natural, organic, and health-focused products. You’ll find everything from plant-based snacks to sustainable packaging.
What You’ll Love
- Thousands of food brands and product samples
- Talks from leaders in wellness and sustainability
- A great way to find new partners, clients, or trends before they go mainstream
2. Winter Fancy Food Show – Las Vegas (Formerly San Francisco)
- Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
- Time: January
- Cost: Industry access with tiered tickets
- Nearby Hotels: Sahara Las Vegas, Westgate, Hilton Grand Vacations
Why Go?
One of the top gourmet food events in the country. You’ll see premium items like fine cheeses, chocolates, sauces, and imported goods.
What You’ll Love
- Free tastings from global brands
- Top buyers from major grocery stores and chains
- Great for small producers and importers
3. Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo – Los Angeles, CA
- Venue: Los Angeles Convention Centre
- Time: August
- Cost: Free if you register early
- Nearby Hotels: Hotel Indigo, Freehand LA, The Hoxton
Why Go?
This show is perfect for those in restaurants, catering, or hospitality. You’ll find kitchen gear, menu ideas, and business tools.
What You’ll Love
- Live chef demos
- Access to the Healthy Food Expo
- Workshops on running a better food business
4. Unified Wine & Grape Symposium – Sacramento, CA
- Venue: SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre
- Time: January
- Cost: Paid passes; early bird discounts offered
- Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency, Kimpton Sawyer, The Citizen Hotel
Why Go?
This is the largest wine industry event in the U.S. It’s where wine pros go to connect, learn, and taste.
What You’ll Love
- Wine tastings and masterclasses
- Updates on vineyard technology and climate trends
- Sessions on marketing and exports
5. California Small Farm Conference – Rotating Locations
- Venue: Changes each year across the state
- Time: February
- Cost: Low-cost passes; virtual options available
- Nearby Hotels: Varies by location
Why Go?
Focused on local and sustainable farming, this event supports small growers and direct-market sellers.
What You’ll Love
- Real-world workshops and farm tours
- Talks about climate-smart farming
- A community-driven, welcoming vibe
6. Craft Beverage Expo – San Diego, CA
- Venue: Town & Country Resort Convention Center
- Time: May
- Cost: Paid passes with multiple options
- Nearby Hotels: On-site resort, Days Inn, Hilton Mission Valley
Why Go?
This expo focuses on craft beer, wine, spirits, and ciders. It’s designed for independent producers who want to grow.
What You’ll Love
- Sessions on branding, distribution, and legal tips
- Tastings and new product launches
- Direct access to industry experts and vendors
7. Plant Based World Expo – Los Angeles, CA
- Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
- Time: Fall (usually October or November)
- Cost: Free for business professionals
- Nearby Hotels: InterContinental Downtown, The Wayfarer DTLA
Why Go?
This show is all about plant-based food innovation—from vegan meats to dairy-free cheeses.
What You’ll Love
- Sampling future-forward food
- Expert panels on nutrition and retail trends
- Ideal for retailers, chefs, and health brands
Benefits of Attending These Expos
Attending food and beverage expos isn’t just exciting—it’s smart business. Here’s why:
Discover New Products
Stay ahead of the trends and spot what’s about to hit store shelves.
Build Your Network
Meet vendors, buyers, chefs, and decision-makers from across the world.
Learn from Experts
Get practical tips on marketing, sourcing, and scaling your business.
Experience Hands-On Demos
See, taste, and test before making decisions.
Expand Your Reach
Find distributors, partners, and clients all in one place.
Tips for a Great Expo Experience
- Register Early – You’ll save money and skip long lines.
- Plan Ahead – Know which booths and sessions matter most to you.
- Stay Close to the Venue – It helps you attend late-night mixers or early morning panels.
- Bring Business Cards – Even in the digital age, this still works.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – These venues are big, and you’ll walk a lot.
Where to Stay During the Events
Most events are located in major cities with plenty of hotel and travel options. Try to:
- Book early for discounts
- Stay at a hotel with a business lounge or workspace
- Choose locations with nearby restaurants or cafes for meetings