[1] The SFA was established in 1952 to foster trade, commerce and interest in the specialty food industry in the U.S., worth $148 billion as of May 2020.

[3] Among the Association's programs are the annual Winter Fancy Food Show, traditionally held in January in San Francisco, CA, at the Moscone Center and the annual Summer Fancy Food Show, traditionally held at the end of June in New York, NY at the Jacob Javits Center.

[8][9] The Association's quarterly digital publication, Specialty Food magazine, has a circulation of more than 30,000 trade professionals.

[11] Gold, Silver, Bronze and New Product winners are announced in the spring and highlighted at both Fancy Food Shows.

[13] The annual Leadership Awards honor industry leaders who are active members of the SFA and who are spearheading positive environmental, community, and business practices.