Magazines Archives - 2007 November

A show rich in products and knowledge

Retailing is a knowledge-based, information-rich industry and one of the most efficient ways to stay current in consumer and lifestyle trends and latest product developments is to attend a well-organised trade show. Read on to find out why the brand-new Global Food & Style Expo 2008 is one such show that you should mark on your calendar in April next year.

The Global Food & Style Expo 2008 (GFSE 2008), coming to Chicago, Illinois, USA, from April 27-29 may be a brand-new show but the names behind this international exposition are wellestablished and highly reputable industry- wide organisations that have years of experience in the food industry.

They are the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA); the National Association for the Speciality Food Trade (NASFT); and the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the joint organisers of GFSE 2008.

In fact, the new expo brings together three seasoned shows under one roof: All Things Organic, The Fancy Food Show and the US Food Export Showcase. These shows will simultaneously feature more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing over 56,000 products, making it “the largest display of speciality, natural, organic and American-made, ready-to-export products in the US”.

GFSE 2008 provides an opportunity for buyers (retailers, distributors and food marketers) to source for some of the latest and most innovative products from the fastest-growing segments across the full spectrum of the food industry — from fresh and frozen, speciality, gourmet, organic and packaged goods to artisanal and natural products (food and non-food).

A single registration entitles the attendee admission to all three events. This new global show is helmed by three very experienced and capable trade professionals: Ann Daw, president, NASFT; Caren Wilcox, executive director, OTA; and DeWitt Ashby, director, Trade Shows, NASDA. Says Ashby: “By pooling our resources, the three associations are able to offer tens of thousands of exciting products and also put together some insightful educational programmes that will appeal to both the domestic and international attendee. We will be having three shared keynote sessions, including one featuring major chain retailers from around the world.

“People coming from far, far away need to justify their investment in time and money. Buyers from other countries are looking for a broad array of foods and education.”

Ashby notes that the focus of the US Food Export Showcase is building export business for US companies. “We expect buying missions from at least 20 countries, including fast-growing economies such as China, Malaysia and others looking for quality US-produced foods. Buyers from growth areas offer long-term opportunities for our exhibitors and when the fit is right, they can grow their businesses together.”

Comments OTA’s Wilcox: “Having NASFT, OTA and NASDA each bringing its strengths to the table will make for an event that is greater than the sum of its parts. All together, the Global Food & Style Expo will be a must-attend event for anyone in the business of or wanting to learn about organic food, fibre and personal-care products and speciality foods, and for those using exports from the US.”

Adds NASFT’s Daw: “Each of the partners will bring an unprecedented breadth of offerings that will cover 150,000sqf of exhibit space. Busy retail and food-service buyers will discover in one place at one time the foods and trends that can differentiate their store or establishment.”She points out that speciality foods are leading the trends of the food industry.

“Speciality foods are exploding and all channels of retailers, restaurants and other food-service businesses are looking for these products.”

GFSE 2008 provides Asian food retailers and importers a first-to-market opportunity to shop for some of the latest US F&B products for their customers.

“More and more consumers around the world are beginning to appreciate the quality and diversity of foods from the US and the growing world economy has made these foods more affordable,” says Ashby.