FRESNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2016 Fresno Food Expo today brought together 132 of Central California’s food and beverage growers and manufacturers with nearly 950 pre-qualified regional, national and international foodservice and retail buyers, and nearly 1,000 members of the public looking to discover food and beverages made in Central California.
This is nothing new to the nation’s largest regional food show, originally developed as an economic development initiative by the City of Fresno in 2011 to spur business and innovation among Valley-based food and beverage companies. Its mission is to act as a platform that increases the commerce and connectivity of these Central California companies, while creating a regional identity centered on the celebration of food production and the experience food inspires.
“The innovation I saw here today at the Expo is remarkable. There were so many diverse, quality products that I had never seen before,” said Tracy Sellers, host of California Bountiful, produced by the California Farm Bureau Federation.
In its sixth year, the Expo has evolved into a standalone 501c6 nonprofit organization under the oversight of a 13-member Board of Directors, which includes a collaborative group of top food industry leaders who have all witnessed first-hand the importance of food in the region.
“Becoming a standalone entity is integral to the growth of the Expo,” said Agnes Saghatelian, Vice Chair of the Fresno Food Expo and President, Valley Lahvosh Baking Company. “We can continue to grow and foster beneficial relationships for the food and beverage companies in our region; a passion of our Board and why we are involved. We want to ensure the Expo remains an entity that will help and support them.”
The Expo’s elevated attention drew buyers with high levels of purchasing power from some of the largest and most recognized domestic retail outlets including ALDI, Costco Wholesale, Food 4 Less, Grocery Outlet, Save Mart Supermarkets, Walmart and Whole Foods Market, who walked the Expo floor looking to connect directly with companies from the region.
To read the entire release, go to http://www.fresnofoodexpo.com/news/nation%E2%80%99s-largest-regional-food-show-garners-international-and-domestic-attention-central
