May 22–25, 2027
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Food, Ingredients & Menu Innovation
Bring Your Next Menu Innovation to the Industry’s Biggest Stage
Today’s foodservice operators are constantly evolving their menus to meet changing consumer preferences, increase profitability and create memorable dining experiences. From innovative ingredients and globally inspired flavors to prepared foods and specialty products, buyers attend the National Restaurant Association Show to discover what’s next.
Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding into new markets or growing your brand, exhibiting puts your company in front of thousands of qualified buyers actively searching for food and ingredient solutions that help them stay ahead of industry trends.
Category Insights
The National Restaurant Association Show is where operators come to discover the products that inspire tomorrow’s menus.
Restaurant owners, executive chefs, menu developers, purchasing teams and foodservice leaders attend with one goal in mind: finding innovative ingredients and products that help them improve consistency, reduce labor, maximize profitability and create unique guest experiences. From emerging food trends to everyday menu staples, buyers compare suppliers, sample products and make valuable purchasing decisions all in one place.
Featured Products & Solutions
Showcase products including:
- Proteins
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Plant-based foods
- Dairy
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Bakery products
- Desserts
- Prepared foods
- Ethnic and global flavors
- Sauces
- Spices
- Oils
- Condiments
- Snacks
- Specialty foods
- Health & wellness products
- Gluten-free products
- Organic products
- Private label solutions
- Menu innovation
Who You’ll Meet
Connect with decision-makers from every corner of foodservice, including independent restaurant owners, executive chefs, corporate chefs, menu development teams, multi-unit chains, hotels, healthcare and education foodservice, caterers, convenience stores, grocery prepared foods, dealers, distributors and purchasing groups.
Industry Trends Driving Demand
Foodservice buyers are actively investing in products that help them meet evolving customer expectations while improving operational efficiency.
Current areas of interest include:
- Global and regional flavors
- Plant-forward menu development
- Better-for-you ingredients
- Functional and wellness-focused foods
- Premium and locally inspired products
- Labor-saving prepared foods
- Clean-label and minimally processed ingredients
- Gluten-free and allergy-friendly options
- Sustainable sourcing
- Seasonal and limited-time menu innovation
Why Exhibit
Exhibiting at the National Restaurant Association Show gives your brand direct access to thousands of operators actively evaluating new food products and ingredient suppliers.
Whether you’re introducing a breakthrough product, expanding distribution, growing your retail presence or increasing brand awareness, the Show provides unmatched opportunities to connect with purchasing decision-makers from every segment of foodservice.
Benefits include:
- Generate high-quality sales leads
- Launch new products to an engaged audience
- Build relationships with distributors and dealers
- Increase brand visibility across the industry
- Meet qualified buyers ready to make purchasing decisions
- Receive valuable market feedback
- Create new business opportunities across multiple foodservice segments
Success Opportunities
Maximize your impact before, during and after the Show by:
- Sampling new products
- Demonstrating menu applications
- Introducing seasonal innovations
- Meeting one-on-one with buyers
- Building distributor partnerships
- Networking with chefs and operators
- Increasing media and industry exposure
- Positioning your company as a leader in menu innovation
Sponsorships Keep the Opportunities Flowing
2027 Restaurant Show sponsorships are now available, offering unmatched access to foodservice decision-makers seeking solutions and partnerships. Sponsors gain premium visibility across digital channels, educational content, and high-traffic areas, positioning your brand as an industry leader. Secure your sponsorship early to maximize ROI, build connections with qualified buyers, and stand out in the competitive foodservice market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this category right for my company?
If your business offers food products, ingredients or menu solutions that help operators improve quality, efficiency or profitability, this category is designed for you.
Can I launch a new product at the Show?
Yes. Many exhibitors use the National Restaurant Association Show to introduce new products, gather feedback and build excitement among buyers and industry professionals.
Who attends this category?
You’ll meet restaurant owners, executive chefs, purchasing teams, distributors, dealers and operators representing every major foodservice segment.
How do buyers find exhibitors?
Buyers use the online exhibitor directory, mobile app, product categories and Show floor navigation tools to locate companies offering the products they’re looking for.
Ready to Put Your Products in Front of Qualified Buyers?
More than 34,000+ foodservice operators attend the National Restaurant Association Show to compare products, evaluate suppliers and make purchasing decisions. They represent every major segment of the industry—and they’re actively looking for innovations that help them improve operations, delight guests and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you provide food, equipment, technology, services or breakthrough innovations, there’s a place for your business in the industry’s largest marketplace.
Reserve your booth today for the 2027 Show and connect face-to-face with operators, dealers, distributors and decision-makers who come ready to talk to you and discover what’s next in foodservice.
