The Americas Food & Beverage Show opened its 30th edition Monday, Sept. 14, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. More than 900 exhibitors from more than 25 countries filled the hall after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Three-day event draws thousands of buyers

The three-day trade event runs through Wednesday, Sept. 16, and draws food and beverage producers, distributors and buyers from across the Western Hemisphere. Organizers expect more than 10,000 industry decision makers to walk the floor at 1901 Convention Center Drive.

World Trade Center Miami, the nonprofit that produces the show, is behind the event. Ivan Barrios, the organization's president and chief executive, said the anniversary carries weight beyond the milestone itself.

"This 30th anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating, but it's also a reminder of why this show exists," Barrios said in a LinkedIn post about a week before the show opened. "Over three decades, AF&B has stayed true to its mission of helping small and medium-sized businesses find real opportunities to grow internationally …"

US pavilion anchors 2026 country of honor role

The United States is the 2026 Country of Honor. A pavilion called "A Taste of the States: Miami," produced by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, spans 22,200 square feet.

It brings together 165 U.S. food and beverage companies and 12 state agriculture departments, according to the show's LinkedIn page.

International delegations expand show's global reach

International participation stretches well beyond the Americas this year. Guatemala sent a 15-company delegation backed by its Ministry of Economy and consulate. Kenya is making its debut at the show, part of a push to diversify its export markets. A Spain Pavilion in Hall B features 52 Spanish companies organized by the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Attendance has climbed steadily over the years

The show has grown steadily. Its 2023 edition drew a record 7,300 attendees and more than 700 exhibitors, according to a recap on the show's website. The 2026 edition's exhibitor count of more than 900 and projected attendance of more than 10,000 would represent a significant jump.

The City of Miami Beach confirmed the ribbon-cutting on its official social media account Monday. The Convention Center's own account followed Tuesday, Sept. 15, posting that the show was "officially underway."

Sessions to address tariffs and compliance

Conference sessions this year address tariffs, Food and Drug Administration compliance and international logistics. The show closes Wednesday, Sept. 16.