Summer Fancy Food 2025: Spain Leads Gourmet Exports in New York

For three days, the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 will showcase high-quality artisanal products in more than 40 different categories. This edition of Fancy Food New York offers an exceptional opportunity for Spanish companies to establish meaningful business connections, especially considering that in previous editions, Spanish participants secured more than 660 business interviews with U.S. agents.

ICEX Spain Export and Investment is therefore organizing a Spanish Pavilion to highlight national gourmet products, with a special emphasis on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In addition, attendees will be able to gain valuable insights into consumer trends and preferences in the U.S. market through exclusive seminars, while networking with thousands of food industry professionals, including retail buyers, distributors, and manufacturers.

ICEX Leads Spanish Presence at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025

ICEX Spain Export and Investments is once again strengthening Spain's presence in the North American market by organizing the Spanish Pavilion for the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. This event, considered the largest specialty food fair in North America, represents a strategic opportunity for Spanish companies seeking to expand their footprint in one of the most competitive gourmet markets in the world.

Official Call for Entries and Objectives of the Spanish Pavilion

The official call for entries to participate in the Spanish Pavilion at Summer Fancy Food 2025 is now open, with registration remaining open until October 21, 2024. The cost for participating companies has been set at €5,940 per company (plus 21% VAT), an amount that already includes the grants provided by ICEX.

The main objective of Spain's participation is to strengthen the presence of Spanish gourmet and specialty products in the United States, a market where the specialty food sector generates annual sales of $194 billion, of which $159 billion corresponds to the retail segment.

ICEX has designed this pavilion as an ideal platform for Spanish companies to:

- Launch and test new products in the North American market

- Present industry innovations to international buyers

- Establish business contacts with American distributors and retailers

- Analyze trends and innovations in the food industry

Collaboration with Andalucía TRADE and other entities

Furthermore, Andalucía TRADE is joining this initiative through a collaboration agreement with ICEX, which allows both institutions to work together to organize trade meetings following the most relevant trade fairs in the sector. This year, Andalucía TRADE has specifically invited Andalusian companies to participate in a direct agri-food mission and visit to the Summer Fancy Food fair in New York.

This interinstitutional collaboration responds to a coordinated strategy that seeks to boost the internationalization of the Spanish agri-food sector, with a special emphasis on premium products such as Andalusian extra virgin olive oil. Andalucía TRADE is particularly promoting Andalusian EVOO in the United States, one of its priority markets.

This synergy between entities is no coincidence; during 2023, Andalucía TRADE organized 559 activities aimed at the agri-food sector with the participation of 1,015 companies, thus demonstrating the importance of working together to facilitate access to international markets for Spanish products.

Location and key dates of the event in New York

The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show will be held from Sunday, June 29 to Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located at 655 West 34th Street in New York City. This event, organized annually by the Specialty Food Association (SFA) since 1955, is considered the premier showcase of food innovation on the American East Coast.

The trade show is held twice a year: Winter Fancy Food in Las Vegas during the winter, and Summer Fancy Food in New York during the summer, the latter being its flagship edition. The event brings together thousands of industry professionals, including representatives from chains such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Williams-Sonoma, making it a key meeting point for Spanish companies interested in the North American market.

It is worth noting that Summer Fancy Food is considered the premier showcase of innovation in the food industry, making it an ideal platform for companies seeking not only to market their current products but also to test new offerings and analyze emerging trends in the American market.

Spain Strengthens Its Gourmet Internationalization Strategy

Gourmet exports have become a strategic pillar for Spain, consolidating its position as a global leader in high-quality agri-food products. The agri-food sector represents almost 10% of total Spanish manufactured exports, tripling the value of its foreign sales since the beginning of the century. This evolution is no coincidence but the result of a coordinated national strategy.

Commitment to the premium sector and products with designations of origin

Spain currently has 377 differentiated quality seals, including Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). Andalusia leads the way with 61 distinctions, followed by Castile and León with 37 and Galicia with 36. These seals guarantee the superior quality and specific geographical origin of products.

Spanish gourmet products are internationally recognized for:

- Their exceptional quality and differentiation, ranking them among the best in the world

- The food-gastronomy-tourism trilogy, driving their international success

- The simplicity, honesty, and generosity they convey, values ​​highly appreciated in foreign markets

The food and beverage industry is the leading industrial sector in Spain and the fourth in Europe by turnover, showing the greatest growth within the eurozone. Furthermore, according to the Spanish Image Barometer, our gastronomy is the second most appreciated element by foreign public opinion.

Relationship with the Recovery Plan and European funds

The Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed with Next Generation EU funds, has significantly boosted the internationalization of the gourmet sector. The State Secretariat for Trade implements specific lines of action aimed at supporting foreign trade and internationalization through:

- Aid for Expenses in Opening Foreign Markets

- Support for strengthening the communication systems of official Chambers of Commerce abroad

- Non-reimbursable funding for studies funded by the FIEM (Financial Institute of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance)

Furthermore, ICEX manages specific projects within the Plan, channeling European funds to strengthen the international presence of Spanish companies and facilitate their access to foreign markets. Digitalization also plays a fundamental role, with aid aimed at the digital transformation of the tourism sector and, by extension, of gastronomy as an integral part of the Spanish tourism experience.

Participation in trade fairs as a tool for economic diplomacy

Gastronomy has become a valuable tool of soft power and a vector of economic diplomacy. In this context, events such as the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 represent strategic opportunities not only in terms of trade but also in terms of reputation for Spain.

The Royal Academy of Gastronomy considers gastronomic diplomacy to be "the use of gastronomy as a tool to promote our country." Through its participation in the ICEX Gastronomy Roundtable, this institution works to harmonize Spain's gastronomic image abroad.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, together with FIAB, regularly lead Spanish participation in prestigious international fairs such as Winter Fancy Food 2025, consolidating the "Foods of Spain" strategy. FIAB develops an annual calendar of international promotion activities in collaboration with this ministry, ICEX, and other organizations, complemented by training programs in internationalization.

The commercial expansions derived from these fairs, such as those organized by ICEX and FER in La Rioja, allow international buyers to visit Spanish companies in situ, strengthening direct business relationships. However, finding local partners or clients remains essential, identified as a crucial factor for successful exports.

Which Spanish products are featured at the fair?

Spanish gourmet products have achieved unprecedented prominence at Summer Fancy Food 2025, consolidating their presence in the demanding North American market. The Spanish delegation, made up of more than 80 companies, presents a wide variety of specialties that reflect the nation's gastronomic richness.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and its positioning in the US

Spanish EVOO has achieved a historic milestone in the United States: for the first time, American consumers pay more for Spanish oil than for Italian oil. The average price of imported Spanish olive oil reached €8.81 per kilo, surpassing that of Italian olive oil, which stood at €8.62. This difference marks a significant change in trend, considering that a decade ago, Spanish oils were sold up to 25% cheaper than Italian ones.

During the first half of 2024, Spain increased its olive oil exports to the United States by 20.50%, reaching 70,000 tons, allowing it to achieve a market share of 35.45% in volume and 37.60% in value. ICEX has also designed a gastronomic space where seminars and tastings will be held to showcase the unique characteristics of Spanish EVOO.

Wines, cheeses, and preserves: ambassadors of Spanish flavor

In addition to oil, other products stand out in the Spanish pavilion:

- Preserved fish and seafood, highly valued for their quality

- Artisanal cheeses with designation of origin

- Wines from different Spanish regions

- Serrano and Iberian ham, iconic products of Spanish gastronomy

The United States received Spanish agri-food products worth nearly €3 billion last year, consolidating its position as the seventh-largest destination for these exports. These figures confirm the success of initiatives such as 'Alimentos de España' and 'Spain Food Nation,' which associate the Spanish image with high-quality food.

Spanish companies will carry out promotional activities in the Gastronomic Space of the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, where there will be tastings and culinary demonstrations that will allow attendees to directly experience products such as Spanish ham and cheeses.

Innovations in Vegan and Gluten-Free Products

The US market is showing growing interest in healthy food alternatives. In 2021, the vegan food sector in the United States reached $7 billion, a trend that Spanish companies have capitalized on.

During the fair, visitors will be able to discover innovative offerings such as dairy alternatives (oat, soy, or hazelnut milk), vegan pastries, and increasingly creative gluten-free options, from cauliflower pizza bases to cheese-based pancakes.

The Spanish offering thus adapts to new consumer trends, combining tradition and innovation to satisfy an increasingly diverse and demanding market that values ​​both traditional products and alternatives for specific diets.

How is the impact of Spanish participation measured?

Evaluating the economic and commercial impact is essential to understanding the return on investment of Spanish participation in international events such as the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Export figures from previous editions

The results speak for themselves: Spanish agri-food exports have accumulated 12 consecutive years of surpluses, representing almost 20% of the country's total exports, with a value of €70 billion in 2023. The United States, the seventh largest destination for these exports, received Spanish products worth nearly €3 billion last year.

In particular, olive oil and wine stand out as star products, with exports valued at €640 million and €313 million, respectively. Furthermore, in recent years, Spanish participation in Summer Fancy Food has increased by more than 50%, going from 50 companies to more than 80, thus consolidating Spain's presence in this strategic market.

Success stories of participating companies

Companies' assessments after their participation reflect positive results. According to data from the last edition:

- 75% considered the fair to be of interest to their company

- 42.2% rated the quality of the audience as good

- 73.4% had a favorable opinion of the Spanish pavilion

- 53% expressed their intention to participate again

A significant fact is that, of the 77 companies participating in the last edition, 35 attended for the first time, representing 45.5%. Of these new entrants, 52% stated they had made contacts that met their expectations.

Interviews with ICEX representatives and companies

The opinions gathered from participants underscore the strategic importance of the event. The Spanish pavilion enjoyed a prime location, while the Gastronomic Space served as a significant added value, attracting the attention of numerous visitors.

A recurring recommendation among representatives is the importance of contacting professionals and potential clients before the fair, informing them of their presence. Consequently, ICEX has incorporated this suggestion into its preparation protocols for Summer Fancy Food 2025.

What challenges and opportunities does Spain face in the US gourmet market?

Participating in the US gourmet market represents both significant challenges and extraordinary opportunities for Spanish exports, especially during Summer Fancy Food 2025.

International Competition at the Summer Fancy Food Show

Competition is fierce at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Countries such as Italy and France also compete intensely for the US market with products similar to those of Spain. Furthermore, nations such as Chile actively participate through ProChile, inviting exporting companies from the innovative food sector.

This international competition requires Spanish exporters to differentiate their products, which experts say is essential. Differentiation can be achieved through innovation, exclusivity, superior quality, or distinctive packaging. To stand out in this environment, it is essential to have a good distributor or agent established in the area and with a specific network of clients.

Logistical and Regulatory Barriers

Spanish exports face multiple obstacles on their way to the US. Mainly:

Strict regulations: US regulations for food imports are complex and costly, requiring compliance with requirements established by the FDA, USDA, and CBP.

Increased operating costs and bureaucracy: The paperwork burden has increased, requiring more detailed certificates of origin and additional evidence, slowing down procedures and increasing the cost of the logistics process.

Tariff barriers: Trade conflicts persist, such as the Airbus-Boeing case, which led to the imposition of tariffs on 113 Spanish agricultural products, although they are temporarily suspended until 2026.

US consumer trends that favor Spain

However, several trends favor Spanish products. The US market has experienced a significant shift in consumer preferences. The demand for healthy, sustainable, and high-quality products has boosted the popularity of Spanish products, especially those with certifications of origin and artisanal processes.

Furthermore, the increasingly heterogeneous US population is showing a greater appetite for ethnic and international products. Furthermore, data analysis reveals that consumers on platforms such as Andronicos-Community-Markets, Balduccis, and Barbur-World-Foods are willing to pay premium prices for Spanish-origin products with guaranteed quality.

The rise of e-commerce also represents an exceptional opportunity, allowing Spanish brands to reach American consumers directly, supported by AI technologies to analyze data on prices and regional preferences.

The promising future of Spanish gastronomy in the US

Spain is consolidating its position as a gourmet export powerhouse to the United States thanks to strategic events such as the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. Evidently, the results of previous participations support this strategy, with agri-food exports reaching €70 billion and twelve consecutive years of trade surpluses.

The numbers speak for themselves: Spanish olive oil surpasses Italian olive oil in the US market for the first time, reaching €8.81 per kilo. However, this success is no coincidence. Collaboration between institutions such as ICEX, Andalucía TRADE, and the Ministry of Agriculture has been essential to positioning Spanish products in premium segments.

Challenges certainly persist. International competition remains intense, while regulatory and logistical barriers complicate the export process. Therefore, differentiation through quality, innovation, and certifications of origin is essential to stand out in this highly competitive market.

Adapting to new consumer trends, especially toward healthy, sustainable products with vegan or gluten-free options, represents an exceptional opportunity for Spanish companies. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce opens additional doors to reach North American consumers directly.

Spain's 377 designations of origin and protected geographical indications constitute a unique gastronomic heritage that reinforces Spain's image as a global leader in quality food. Finally, gastronomic diplomacy is confirmed as an effective tool of soft power, projecting a positive image of the country and generating concrete business opportunities.

The Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 is not just a trade fair, but a strategic platform where gastronomy, culture, and business intertwine to boost Spain's presence in one of the most demanding and profitable markets in the world.