Boise Hosted Second Annual Freeze-Dried Summit

The event drew 160 participants from 12 countries to discuss food preservation and waste reduction.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Food and Drink

Screen-print poster illustration of a metal tray filled with dehydrated fruit slices, rendered in a vintage, textured graphic style. — Boise hosted 160 participants at the second annual Freeze-Dried Summit to address agricultural surplus and grocery costs through advanced food preservation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you consider using long-term food preservation methods to save money in your household?

Boise recently hosted the second annual Freeze-Dried Summit, bringing together 160 attendees from 12 countries. The gathering focused on managing agricultural surplus and utilizing vacuum-sealed preservation techniques to extend food shelf life.

Why it matters

The summit serves as a hub for professionals and hobbyists looking to address food waste and rising grocery costs through modern preservation technology. Organizer David Leaman created the event to transition his online educational platform into a community-based, in-person resource.

The worldwide freeze-drying market is projected to reach nearly $83 billion over the next decade. These methods can extend the shelf life of food products to 25 years, helping farmers preserve surplus produce like onions and potatoes.

The players

David Leaman

He is the founder of Freeze Dry Depot and the organizer of the Freeze-Dried Summit who initially launched a YouTube channel to educate viewers on food preservation.

The details

Attendees gathered in Boise to explore the science of using vacuum chambers to remove moisture from food followed by high-heat processing. The sessions covered practical business operations, food safety standards, and packaging solutions for both small-scale farmers and home producers.

David Leaman launched Freeze Dry Depot in 2020.
Leaman launched his YouTube channel in 2022.
The first Freeze-Dried Summit took place in early 2025.
The second annual summit occurred in September 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The summit seeks to mitigate the 40% food waste rate in America by providing agricultural producers with technical means to preserve excess crops. As home and commercial interest in long-term food security grows, the industry is shifting from niche survivalist activity to a broader market segment.

Participants can reduce household food waste and manage costs by learning to preserve produce for up to 25 years. Those interested in the technology can access educational resources through online platforms and future summit events.

The takeaway

Freeze-drying technology offers a viable path for both farmers and consumers to drastically extend the usability of seasonal harvests. By investing in vacuum-sealed preservation, producers can effectively turn temporary agricultural surpluses into a long-term supply.