Designed around the journey of the food manufacturer rather than the journey of the product, the event aims to bring together the people, technologies, services, and expertise that manufacturers need as they move from concept and commercialization to production, operations, and scale.

"Food manufacturers don't think in silos, and their challenges don't exist in silos either," says Constantin Von Vieregge, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Inc. "A growing processor may be dealing with formulation challenges, food safety requirements, labor shortages, automation decisions, and expansion planning all at the same time. We created this event to reflect how food businesses actually operate and to make it easier for manufacturers to find practical solutions that move them forward."

Across North America, food manufacturers are under pressure to do more with less. Labor remains difficult to find. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve. Consumers expect higher levels of quality, transparency, and consistency. At the same time, manufacturers are being asked to improve efficiency while preparing for future growth. For startup, small, and mid-sized processors in particular, these decisions often shape the trajectory of the business.

The Food Production Solutions Show aims to help manufacturers navigate those decisions by connecting them with the expertise, technologies and partners needed to solve problems, improve operations, and support growth.

The event is designed to serve emerging brands, entrepreneurs, startup food businesses, small and mid-sized processors, co-manufacturers, and growing food companies while continuing to provide value for larger manufacturers seeking innovation, partnerships, acquisition opportunities, and operational improvements.

The show floor is organized into four Solution Zones that mirror the major stages of a food manufacturer's growth journey:

• Product development and planning: Supporting concept development, formulation, ingredient sourcing, market validation, innovation, pilot production, and commercialization.
• Regulatory and compliance: Providing expertise and solutions for food safety, quality assurance, certifications, labeling, traceability, testing, and regulatory requirements.
• Production and facilities: Connecting manufacturers with processing equipment, engineering services, facility design, co-manufacturing partners, infrastructure solutions, and operational technologies.
• Operations and scaling: Delivering solutions for automation, packaging, workforce development, inventory management, manufacturing software, logistics, distribution and business growth.

The event also will feature a series of interactive experiences designed to move beyond traditional conference presentations and create meaningful collaboration between manufacturers and solution providers.

Collaboration labs will bring together industry experts and food manufacturers to work through real operational challenges. Through peer discussion, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable solutions that can be applied within their own organizations.

Education hubs located within each Solution Zone will provide complimentary, solution-focused programming addressing commercialization, food safety, compliance, production optimization, workforce development, and scaling strategies.

Production line demonstrations will showcase how equipment, technologies, software platforms, and service providers work together to solve common industry challenges such as labor shortages, throughput constraints, food safety requirements, and operational efficiency.

“The food manufacturing industry depends on collaboration across a wide range of disciplines, from product development and food safety to production, automation, packaging, and distribution," says Chris Lyons, president and CEO of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA). "The Food Production Solutions Show creates a platform where manufacturers and solution providers can connect, discover, and educate. We want attendees to bring the challenges and constraints that are keeping them from growing and scaling to the FPSS, and we want them leaving with a clearer path to their own success and their place in America’s food production industry.”

Exhibitor sales will open later this year, with priority consideration available for companies submitting an Intent to Exhibit form. Attendee registration will open in mid-2027.

Related: FPSA, PMMI debut Processing State of the Industry Report