SFA Expands Its Impact with Good Food Foundation and Natural Products Consulting Institute
Today, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced new collaborations with the Good Food Foundation (GFF) and the Natural Products Consulting Institute (NPCI), bringing their programs into the SFA family and uniting three trusted industry forces for the specialty food sector. This milestone strengthens SFA’s role in the specialty food industry and marks a defining moment in the organization’s evolution into a year-round resource for innovation, education, and connection for buyers and makers of all sizes.
By aligning with GFF and NPCI, SFA is expanding its ability to empower the entrepreneurs, makers and buyers who are shaping the next wave of specialty food. Together, these three organizations will advance their shared dedication to the craft of specialty food, creating lasting opportunities to elevate and educate the industry for years to come.
“This collaboration builds on our mission to champion and connect the specialty food community,” said Bill Lynch, President of the Specialty Food Association. “By joining forces with Good Food Foundation and NPCI, we’re ensuring that makers, retailers, and innovators have access to the tools, community, and inspiration they need to thrive in an evolving market.”
“The Good Food community has always been about celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and connection,” said Sally Rogers, President of the Good Food Foundation. “Collaborating with SFA allows us to preserve that spirit while opening new doors for values-driven makers across the country.”
The collaboration’s first major milestone will take place at the winter Good Food Mercantile, co-locating with SFA’s Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego on January 11, 2026. The collaboration continues at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City in June, which will also host an East Coast Good Food Mercantile and the announcement of the 2026 Good Food Award winners. The Good Food Awards and the sofi Awards, two of the industry’s most respected honors, will continue to recognize winning products, creating new synergies between the programs.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Natural Products Consulting Institute Seminars will run December 9–11 in Boston, featuring leading executives, retailers, and investment professionals.
“I’ve long been a champion of the specialty food industry and of SFA, recognizing the impact this community has on the broader food and beverage ecosystem,” said Bob Burke, founder of NPCI and a longtime SFA volunteer and mentor. “I’m excited that this new alignment will help sustain and grow programs that directly benefit the members of an organization I’ve supported for years.”
Together, these alliances mark a new era for SFA and the specialty food movement—one defined by collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to elevating the passion, creativity, and impact of food makers and buyers everywhere.
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ABOUT SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $219-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards , which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. SFA also produces the e-newsletter Specialty Food SmartBrief, the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions and Show reports. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com, and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
ABOUT THE GOOD FOOD FOUNDATION
The Good Food Foundation (GFF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that champions the broad and diverse community of food crafters, grocers, chefs, food writers, activists, and passionate food-lovers. Since 2011, initiatives like its Good Food Awards and Good Food Mercantiles have been celebrating food that is both delicious and responsibly produced. GFF promotes the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and social responsibility, connecting and elevating those committed to creating a better food system for all.