Who’s Winning in Specialty Food in 2026: Brands, Trends, and Strategies Driving Breakout Growth

Earlier this year at SFA's Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego, The Food Institute and MenuData identified four macro trends shaping the specialty food industry in 2026: the rise of challenger brands, value obsession, next‑gen global flavors, and functional health & wellness.

Now, midway through 2026, a critical question remains: who is actually winning? In this must-see session, Brian Choi of The Food Institute and Sunny Khamkar of MenuData will analyze the brands and operators delivering outsized growth across CPG, retail, and foodservice. Using proprietary data and real-world case studies, they will unpack how successful companies are turning macro trends into real revenue growth, even in a challenging operating environment.

Attendees will gain insights into the specialty brands gaining the most traction in 2026, the strategies separating breakout companies from the rest of the market, and how evolving consumer behavior is shaping the next wave of category leaders. For founders, retailers, and investors alike, this session delivers a clear look at what it takes to win in specialty food today.