Orbital

Grocery Stores · Vertical x Month

Top 7 Grocery Stores Conferences in January 2026

Grocery store conferences in January 2026 are front-loaded with events worth planning around, and this page covers seven of the most relevant ones for buyers, category managers, and retail operators.

Ranked list

7 conferences
  1. PlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Winter Fancy Food Show

    Jan 17–19, 2026San Francisco, CA10k+ attendees$ ticket

    Our take

    With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, Winter Fancy Food Show sits firmly as a Platinum-rated show across the Grocery Stores space. Ticket pricing at $ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and our team places it among Platinum events reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Exhibitors focused on the Grocery Stores industry, this event belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  2. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    California Grocers Association Symposium

    Jan 11–18, 2026Ko Olina, HI500–1k attendees

    Our take

    Considering 500–1k registered participants, California Grocers Association Symposium stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Grocery Stores vertical. If you're selling into the Grocery Stores market, this conference is worth a serious look.

  3. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Dairy Forum IDFA

    Jan 25–28, 2026Palm Desert, CA1k–2k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    Given its 1k–2k expected attendees, Dairy Forum IDFA has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Grocery Stores industry. Attendance pricing of $$$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. For teams targeting the Grocery Stores vertical, this show should be on your shortlist.

  4. SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    FMI Midwinter Executive Conference

    Chula Vista, CA1k–2k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    Given its 1k–2k expected attendees, FMI Midwinter Executive Conference has cemented its place as a dependable event in the Grocery Stores industry. Attendance pricing of $$$ signals a serious operator audience, and the Orbital team rates it in the mid tier drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. If you're selling into the Grocery Stores category, this gathering deserves a line item in your event budget.

  5. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    NPFDA Convention

    Jan 25–27, 2026Atlanta, GA500–1k attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Based on 500–1k annual attendees, NPFDA Convention ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Grocery Stores sector. Entry at $$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, which is why Orbital rates it at Gold reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Sales teams working the Grocery Stores market, this conference should be on your shortlist.

  6. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    NRF Big Show

    Jan 10–12, 2026New York, NY10k+ attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    Considering 10k+ registered participants, NRF Big Show stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Grocery Stores vertical. Registration at $$$ signals a serious operator audience, leading Orbital to rate it as a Gold event drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. Operators building pipeline in the Grocery Stores market, this conference merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.

  7. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    The NGA Show

    Feb 1–3, 2026Las Vegas, NV2k–5k attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Given its 2k–5k expected attendees, The NGA Show has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Grocery Stores industry. Attendance pricing of $$ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Grocery Stores space, this conference belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

Quick reference

All 7 conferences at a glance

ConferenceTier
Winter Fancy Food ShowPlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
California Grocers Association SymposiumGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Dairy Forum IDFAGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
FMI Midwinter Executive ConferenceSilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
NPFDA ConventionGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
NRF Big ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
The NGA ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

Frequently asked questions

How many Grocery Stores conferences are happening in 2026?

This guide covers 7 Grocery Stores conferences for 2026. Scroll up to see dates, locations, and details for each event.

When is the biggest Grocery Stores event?

Winter Fancy Food Show is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 10k+ attendees. It takes place Jan 17–19, 2026. Location: San Francisco, CA.

What's the cheapest Grocery Stores conference to attend?

Winter Fancy Food Show has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in San Francisco, CA. Expected attendance: approximately 10k+.

Which Grocery Stores events are happening in 2026?

6 of the 7 conferences on this list have confirmed 2026 dates. Check each event above for the latest schedule and registration details.

Further reading

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