Chexpo 2026 Recap —Delivering (even more) Excellence

On January 28, 2026, the specialty and natural foods community gathered in full force at the Rhode Island Convention Center for Chexpo 2026, Chex Finer Foods’ annual showcase of innovation, collaboration, and connection. With more than 250 curated exhibitors, this year’s Chexpo built on its stellar reputation as a must-attend experience for retailers, suppliers and emerging brands.

Kickoff Party & Networking Energy

Chexpo kicked into high gear the evening before the show floor opened with the annual Chexpo Kickoff Party, where attendees reconnected and set the tone for a productive day ahead. Retail partners, brand founders, brokers and the Chex family shared networking, food & drinks, and sales plans from summer launches to back-to-school promotions. This party underscored one of Chexpo’s core values: fostering relationships that drive business long after the tradeshow ends.

Retailer & Supplier Awards — Celebrating Partnership Excellence

A cornerstone of Chexpo has always been recognizing the retailers and suppliers who exemplify excellence, innovation and partnership. At Chexpo 2026, awards included Delivering Excellence Awards, Supplier of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Innovative Supplier of the Year, and Grocery buyer of the Year as well as our 2026 Best Booth Award.

2026’s honorees were celebrated for:

• Exceptional product growth and category leadership

• Strategic retailer-supplier collaboration

• Memorable booth experiences on the Chexpo floor

These accolades highlighted not just sales success, but the strong partnerships that make Chex Finer Foods’ network so vibrant.

Discovery Pavilion — Where Innovation Took Center Stage

One of the most talked-about areas on the show floor was the Discovery Pavilion, an expanded space dedicated to new and noteworthy products. Curated to spotlight emerging trends and high-potential launches, the Pavilion gave retailers the first look at items that may soon appear on shelves regionwide.

Within the Pavilion, attendees found:

• Trend-setting food and beverage products

• Regional specialties and global flavors

• Innovative formulations and premium offerings

This space amplified discovery and made it easier than ever for retailers to find products that will inspire their customers and differentiate their aisles.

A standout of the Discovery Pavilion was the StartupCPG area, where founders of emerging brands took center stage. In partnership with StartupCPG, this section gave early-stage product innovators a platform to tell their stories, share samples and build direct relationships with retailers and category managers.

Those who visited the StartupCPG booths were energized by:

• Hands-on sampling with brand creators

• Insight into future trends and next-generation products

• The ability to vote on their favorite brands – one or more of which will launch everyday at Chex

For many retailers, the StartupCPG area was a highlight — a reminder that the next big category breakout can come from a small but passionate team.

What Attendees Are Saying

Feedback from attendees emphasized the value of Chexpo as both a business accelerator and a community hub. Retailers cited:

• Valuable face-to-face time with suppliers

• Promotional planning and volume deals

• Insights into merchandising and category management

Suppliers appreciated how the show set the stage for conversations that extend beyond traditional sales cycles — helping forge relationships rooted in mutual growth.

Looking Ahead

As Chex Finer Foods continues to invest in distribution, innovation and retailer partnerships, Chexpo 2026 reinforced why this show remains a pivotal annual event for the specialty and natural foods industry. With bigger showcases, deeper discovery opportunities and a celebration of the people powering the market forward, Chexpo once again delivered a day that will influence buying decisions well into the year.

To learn more about Chex Finer Foods and how we continue our promise of Delivering Excellence in everything we do, visit www.chexfoods.com.