NASFT Changes Name to Specialty Food Association

March 4, 2013

The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade has gone for a shorter name, now calling the organization instead more simply the Specialty Food Association.

The name change, according to association officials, is part of a larger effort to draw attention to the $75 billion specialty food industry and also will highlight new branding that will be launched June 30-July 2 at SFA’s Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

The new branding is Specialty Food: Craft. Care. Joy. “The brand is designed to express who our members are, honors our history and sets us on an exciting path for the future,” said Ann Daw, president of the Specialty Food Association.

She added, “It makes sense that we now call ourselves the Specialty Food Association.”

SFA, based in New York City, is a nonprofit trade association for food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs that is known for its Fancy Food Shows, sofi Awards that honor outstanding specialty foods of the year, Specialty Food Magazine and education program.

The name change caps off a year-long celebration of the association’s 60th anniversary and comes as membership has reached a record 3,040 companies, according to association officials.

Based on research that indicated both brands were strong on their own, the Fancy Food Shows and sofi Awards will not have name changes in any way, though all association branding will feature new logos and updatedgraphics.

The Summer Fancy Food Show will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and typically attracts more than 15,000 attendees and 2,400-plus exhibitors.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.