Food Industry Highlights Emerging Talents to Watch Before Upcoming Exhibition
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has unveiled the inaugural roster for its Fancy Food Rising Stars program, recognising emerging leaders in the specialty food industry. This prestigious honour is bestowed upon individuals who showcase innovation and potential for significant impact in the sector.
Among the chosen Fancy Food Rising Stars for 2025 are Robbie Patterson from Asto Consumer Partners, Lily Feldman from Gopuff, Jessie Kimsey from Misfits Market, Erika Fermin from Community Capital Bank, Paige Flanagan from Three Rivers Market Co-op, Roberto Pizzoli from il Gigante, Anna Whiteman from Coefficient Capital, Roberto Scalia from Associated Supermarket, Aaliyah Walkes from Clifton Meats Ltd., Mollye Santulli from Springdale Ventures, Louise Ainsman from Target, Becca DeLara from Salad and Go, and Edwin Asmal from Sanniti.
The Fancy Food Rising Stars program, now in its first year, is designed to introduce these rising stars to the Summer Fancy Food Show, a major event in the specialty food industry. The SFA will aid these newcomers in finding new products, leveraging the trade show experience, and creating connections.
As part of their recognition, the chosen Fancy Food Rising Stars will receive complimentary badges to the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, which is scheduled to take place in New York City from June 29 to July 1. The event, now in its 69th year, showcases thousands of specialty food products from domestic and international exhibitors at the Javits Center.
The Summer Fancy Food Show offers more than just a platform to showcase products. It also provides educational programming, networking opportunities, and more, making it an invaluable resource for these emerging leaders.
The SFA, a not-for-profit trade association of the $207 billion specialty food industry, owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, the Winter FancyFaire event, and the sofi Awards, which have been honouring excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972.
Mary Beth Vultee has been named SVP, Member Relations at the Specialty Food Association. She previously worked at Whole Foods Market.
For more detailed information about the benefits these Rising Stars will receive, it would be best to consult the Specialty Food Association’s official announcements or the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show communications directly. INFRA is also partnering with GFI to help independent grocers build subcategory sales for specialty food offerings.
The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show will feature keynote speakers Hungryroot CEO Ben McKean and Chef Michael Symon. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of the specialty food industry and its future leaders.
- These Fancy Food Rising Stars, such as Robbie Patterson, Lily Feldman, and Erika Fermin, are expected to explore various specialty food products and technology at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, which may inspire innovative food-and-drink solutions and lifestyle enhancements in their respective sectors.
- The sports of networking and business strategy are set to be in the limelight for these emerging leaders, including Mollye Santulli, Louise Ainsman, and Becca DeLara, as they leverage the educational programming and opportunities at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show to broaden their understanding and make connections within the technology and specialty food-and-drink industries.
