Renowned Culinary Expert Brings His Distinct Epicurean Perspective to Food Summit

At the Summer Fancy Food Show, thousands of domestic and international food brands showcase products ranging from artisanal cheeses and chocolates to energy drinks and plant-based snacks, the food and beverage industry's premier trade event. Hosted by the Specialty Food Association (SFA), this year’s event runs June 28-30, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Along with networking opportunities and culinary trend insights, organizers have scheduled a star lineup of speakers, including celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Born in Ethiopia, Chef Samuelsson was adopted by a Swedish family after losing his mother to tuberculosis as a toddler and grew up in Gothenburg. He rose to fame in 1995 as executive chef of Aquavit in New York, becoming the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from The New York Times. He later opened iconic spots like Red Rooster Harlem in 2010, which celebrates African American and global cuisines, as well as other restaurants in Miami, Atlanta, Newark, and internationally.

“SFA seeks to present a blend of inspirational and tactical, how-to content through our Summer Fancy Food Show programming,” said Mary Beth Vultee, SVP of Membership at SFA. “This year’s lineup of speakers and topics is exceptionally timely and intriguing as the specialty food category continues to grow in impact and influence within both the B2B and B2C spaces.”

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Chef Samuelsson has won multiple James Beard Awards, cooked for the Obamas’ first state dinner, authored bestsellers like “Yes, Chef” (2013) memoir and “The Rise” (2020), and appears regularly as a judge on “Chopped” and other Food Network shows. He is also a food activist focused on community and supporting Black chefs. His presentation will focus on culture, identity, and storytelling, and how all three enrich the experience of food.

As the first-ever Chief Culinary Coach for the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) MLS team, he will deliver his keynote amidst the buzz of the World Cup, just across the Hudson River, amplifying his unique perspective on culinary authenticity through a global lens nurtured by his upbringing.

For event details and registration, visit the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show website today.

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