F&B@Sea 2025: Conference, presentations, demonstrations and exhibition

F&B@Sea, part of the Seatrade Cruise portfolio, is of special interest to the travel retail channel, particularly those in the wine & spirits, confectionery and gourmet foods sectors.

F&B@Sea is being staged separately at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center, where the organizers say it will offer an “unparalleled celebration” of cruise drinking and dining innovation and excellence.

Building on the success of 2024, with double the number of exhibitors, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to explore the depths of food and beverage artistry at sea.

One highlight is the two-day conference, a packed program of sessions, keynote presentations, and panel discussions. Open to all attendees, the conference will provide perspectives on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of food and beverage at sea.

    The F&B@Sea Awards, sponsored by Campari Group, will take place on Thursday, April 10, in honor of excellence and innovation in cruise F&B. Recognizing the industry’s top talents, trends, supplier innovations, and break-throughs, the awards spotlight those shaping the future of cruise dining and bever-age experiences. The F&B@Sea Awards Ceremony 2025 will be presented from 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM on April 10.  

Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand Director for F&B@Sea, says: 

F&B@Sea is where the cruise industry’s brightest minds come together to shape the future of food and beverage at sea. With a packed program featuring industry leaders, trendsetters, and innovators, this is the ultimate platform to gain actionable insights, discover cutting-edge solutions, and build valuable connections. This is the place to be to stay ahead in an evolving industry.”

Campari’s Aperol Spritz bar at the 2024 F&B@Sea.

Main Stage sponsored by Café Azul

The Main Stage, sponsored by Café Azul, will feature a dynamic conference program designed to inspire cruise industry leaders as they navigate the evolving land-scape of food and beverage at sea. Sessions will delve into the future of supply and procurement, the unique landscape of luxury and expedition cruise F&B, and the growing demand for sustainable and health-conscious offerings.

By examining generational dining and drinking preferences and the integration of wellness initiatives into F&B experiences, the program offers a platform to explore the trends and strategies shaping the next era of onboard F&B.

Brown-Forman’s stand at the 2024 F&B@Sea.

The Demo Den Stage

Debuting in 2025, the Demo Den will feature live culinary and beverage demonstrations throughout the event, offering attendees an interactive experience with live tastings. Designed in collaboration with industry experts, F&B buyers, and suppliers—and informed by Seatrade Cruise’s 2025 F&B Trends Survey—the Demo Den showcases in-demand products through curated recipes tailored to evolving industry needs and guest preferences.

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Conference highlights

 The Opening Keynote will look at the 2025 F&B Trends Report, where Holly Payne, Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Seatrade Cruise Review, Seatrade Cruise will provide insights exploring evolving market trends and how suppliers can stay ahead.

Seatrade Cruise will unveil the latest shifts set to shape the future of food and beverage at sea from the F&B@Sea 2025 Trends Report. Wednesday, April 9, 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM

State of the Cruise F&B Industry: The Future of Supply & Procurement. The cruise industry’s annual F&B spend is estimated to exceed $2 billion, underscoring the scale and opportunity within this growing market. As the industry expands, evolving supply chain dynamics and unique considerations for cruise are shaping new challenges. This keynote will offer insights into how cruise lines are navigating these complexities and what they seek in trusted partners. Moderated by Jason Gelineau, Principal, JAG Hospitality, the panel of experts includes excutives from Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean Group and The Apollo Group.  12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Other session on April 9 include a look at Luxury & Expedition F&B Operations; and Sustainable F&B at Sea. To see the full program please click here