Trade shows for a food startup, ranked
Startup money is scarce, and trade shows are expensive by the time you add flights, hotels, and a ticket. Ranking them is less about prestige and more about return.
Start local, then go big
For a food startup, the best first show is often a regional one you can reach by train. You learn the rhythm of a show, meet local buyers, and make your mistakes cheaply. The giant international halls can wait until you know what you're doing.
The two worth flying for
When you're ready, SIAL and Anuga are the ones that matter in Europe. SIAL for innovation and discovery, Anuga for scale and volume. Both are big enough that you'll need a plan, or you'll waste the trip entirely.
What we'd skip
The huge generic consumer shows are usually a poor fit for a small B2B brand. Lots of foot traffic, little actual buying. Better to do one good trade show properly than three mediocre ones halfway.
We're a shop, not a startup, but the same maths applies to us. If you're figuring out where to begin, about us explains how we approach sourcing.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest useful first show?
A regional trade show you can reach without flying.
When should a startup do SIAL?
Once you have a real product and a clear buyer profile.
Is it worth exhibiting or just visiting?
Visit first. Exhibit once you know the room.
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