Los Angeles, the vibrant culinary hub of the West Coast, hosts some of the most influential food trade events and expos each year. Whether you are an industry professional, a gourmet enthusiast, or an entrepreneur seeking fresh opportunities, the city’s food trade shows offer a unique chance to connect, learn, and grow. This comprehensive guide highlights the top food trade events & expos in Los Angeles with details on venues, product categories, visitor and exhibitor stats, nearby hotels, and the invaluable benefits of attending.
Natural Products Expo West
Industry: Natural, Organic & Healthy Products
Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim (close to Los Angeles)
Dates: Annually in March
Product Categories: Organic food & beverages, health supplements, natural beauty, eco-friendly household products
Visitor Count: Over 86,000 attendees
Exhibitor Count: Approximately 3,600 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim Marriott, Hyatt Regency Orange County
Benefits: As one of the world’s largest natural product expos, this event brings together global brands and startups alike. Attendees discover the latest trends, innovative ingredients, and sustainable solutions. It’s an excellent platform for networking with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Perks: New product showcases, educational sessions, and ample sampling opportunities make this a must-attend for natural food businesses.
The Los Angeles Coffee Festival
Industry: Coffee, Tea & Specialty Drinks
Venue: Magic Box @ The Reef, Downtown Los Angeles
Dates: Usually held in November
Product Categories: Artisan coffee, teas, brewing equipment, bakery & pastries, sustainability in coffee farming
Visitor Count: Over 10,000 coffee enthusiasts and trade professionals
Exhibitor Count: More than 200 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, The Hoxton, Hotel Indigo LA Downtown
Benefits: This festival celebrates LA’s thriving coffee culture with tastings, live demos, and industry talks. It’s perfect for baristas, roasters, and café owners wanting to stay ahead of trends.
Perks: Interactive sessions like Latte Art Live and Coffee Masters, alongside live music and local food trucks.
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Industry: Foodservice & Hospitality
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Dates: Annually in August
Product Categories: Restaurant equipment, specialty foods, beverages, décor, technology solutions
Visitor Count: Around 10,000 industry professionals
Exhibitor Count: Nearly 500 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Figueroa, Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live, Freehand Los Angeles
Benefits: This expo is designed for restaurant owners, chefs, and hospitality operators. It offers hands-on culinary demonstrations, educational workshops, and opportunities to connect with vendors and peers.
Perks: Attendees can explore new products, discover menu trends, and gain insights into foodservice management.
Plant Based World Expo
Industry: Plant-Based Foods & Alternatives
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Dates: Annually in May
Product Categories: Plant-based meat & dairy alternatives, ingredients, snacks, drinks, supplements
Visitor Count: Over 5,000 attendees
Exhibitor Count: Approximately 300 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel, JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live
Benefits: This expo is the only dedicated plant-based trade show, making it a critical event for retailers, distributors, and foodservice providers eager to meet the surging demand for plant-based options.
Perks: Networking lounges, tasting sessions, and keynote talks from industry leaders.
California Restaurant Show
Industry: Restaurants, Foodservice & Hospitality
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Dates: Annually in September
Product Categories: Food & beverage, catering equipment, technology solutions, packaging, sustainability practices
Visitor Count: Over 9,000 visitors
Exhibitor Count: Nearly 400 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Luxe City Center Hotel, Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Benefits: This event is packed with live culinary competitions, new product pavilions, and business education tracks. It’s an essential networking ground for restaurant owners and caterers looking to innovate and scale their operations.
Perks: Access to the Healthy Food Expo and Coffee Fest Los Angeles, which run alongside.
Coffee Fest Los Angeles
Industry: Coffee & Specialty Beverages
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Dates: Often co-located with California Restaurant Show
Product Categories: Coffee roasting, brewing equipment, syrups & flavorings, café technology
Visitor Count: 4,000+ visitors
Exhibitor Count: 250+ exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Same as California Restaurant Show
Benefits: Coffee Fest Los Angeles is tailored for coffee shop owners, baristas, and roasters who want to elevate their business and barista skills.
Perks: Training sessions, business seminars, and latte art competitions provide practical value.
The Fit Expo Los Angeles
Industry: Health, Fitness & Nutrition
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Dates: Annually in January
Product Categories: Nutritional products, sports drinks, healthy snacks, supplements, fitness equipment
Visitor Count: Over 50,000 fitness enthusiasts and industry buyers
Exhibitor Count: 200+ exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Sheraton Grand Los Angeles, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, The LINE Hotel
Benefits: While primarily a fitness expo, The Fit Expo has a massive food & nutrition section, perfect for discovering health-focused foods and supplements.
Perks: Cooking demos, celebrity athlete meet-and-greets, and wellness workshops.
Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show
Industry: Specialty & Gourmet Foods
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center (rotates to San Francisco or Las Vegas at times)
Dates: Typically held in January or February
Product Categories: Gourmet snacks, artisan cheeses, premium beverages, confections, condiments
Visitor Count: Around 30,000 trade professionals
Exhibitor Count: Over 1,400 exhibitors
Nearby Hotels: Omni Los Angeles Hotel, Hotel Per La, The Standard Downtown LA
Benefits: One of the most prestigious specialty food shows, this event offers buyers the chance to source high-end, innovative products from around the globe.
Perks: Tasting sessions, trend spotlights, and expert-led panels on specialty food market strategies.
Why Attend These Food Trade Events & Expo in Los Angeles
Attending these top food trade events & expos in Los Angeles can open doors to fresh business ideas, supplier connections, and growth strategies. From trend forecasting to hands-on demos, these shows help industry players stay competitive and inspired. Exhibitors can showcase new products to thousands of qualified buyers, while attendees can discover the latest culinary trends and build lasting partnerships.