The Fancy Food Show started in the early 1950s as a way for foreign exporters to promote products to American consumers. Laure Tall is from Senegal.

"They are really intrigued by one of our jams, the red hibiscus flower jam. It is made from fresh hibiscus flowers and they really are intrigued and they want to taste it," said Tall.

Mariam Toure is from Ivory Coast. She said that selling her cashew products in the U.S. helps about 800 workers back home.

"The factory is located in the poorest region in Ivory Coast where we employ those women and men that work in our factories so that they are able to provide food at home," she said. "For us to be able to come here [to the U.S.] and showcase our company and get buyers that will help us grow so we can provide more food on the table for those people [workers]."

U.S. producers also are a big part of the Fancy Food Show. Walter Nash runs Lefty's Barbecue in Maryland, not far from Washington.

"We have been picked up by two chains, two chains of stores already," said Nash.

Economists say the U.S. speciality food industry will continue to thrive as American consumers look for unique products to satisfy their ever-changing appetites.