Lipari Foods brought its global food expertise to New Orleans last month for the NACUFS Showcase, held July 16-17 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as part of the National Association of College & University Food Services’ 2026 National Conference. More than 900 campus dining leaders from across the country attended, coming together to explore new products, trade ideas, and connect with partners who understand the realities of collegiate dining operations.

Lipari’s booth was a hub of activity throughout the two-day showcase, with a steady stream of dining directors and chefs stopping by to talk international and specialty foods. That energy translated into meetings with more than 40 colleges and universities – conversations that are already turning into next steps on how to redefine and reinvigorate campus food retail.