Fancy Food Rising Stars Revealed Ahead of Show
In advance of its annual Summer Fancy Food Show, scheduled to take place in New York City June 29-July 1, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) has chosen the inaugural roster of its Fancy Food Rising Stars program for buyers and investors. Created to honor emerging leaders in the specialty food industry aged 35 and under, the Rising Star program sought nominations across the buying and business-financing communities, with the trade association making the final roster selections.
Fancy Food Rising Stars will receive complimentary badges to the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, where SFA will aid them in finding new products, leaning into the trade show experience, and creating connections with one another and with relevant exhibitors.
The Summer 2025 Fancy Food Rising Stars are as follows:
Louise Ainsman, Target
Edwin Asmal, Sanniti
Becca DeLara, Salad and Go
Lily Feldman, Gopuff
Erika Fermin, Community Capital Bank
Paige Flanagan, Three Rivers Market Co-op
Jessie Kimsey, Misfits Market
Robbie Patterson, Asto Consumer Partners
Martina Pirisi, EATALY USA
Roberto Pizzoli, il Gigante
Mollye Santulli, Springdale Ventures
Roberto Scalia, Associated Supermarket
Aaliyah Walkes, Clifton Meats Ltd.
Anna Whiteman, Coefficient Capital
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“We are very excited to launch this new program, created to recognize emerging leaders who are pushing the specialty food industry forward – and introduce them to the Summer Fancy Food Show,” said Bill Lynch, president of New York-based SFA, the not-for-profit trade association of the $207 billion specialty food industry. “We congratulate all the Rising Stars on their nominations and selection, and can’t wait to connect with them over the myriad networking opportunities, events, and innovative specialty food and beverage products at the show.”
Held at the Javits Center, the Summer Fancy Food Show showcases thousands of specialty food products from domestic and international exhibitors, as well as offering educational programming, networking opportunities, and more.
Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, the recently created Winter FancyFaire* event and the sofi Awards, the last of which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972.
