SFA's Summer Fancy Food Show Breaks Attendance Records Back in New York
July 28, 2013
After a two-year hiatus in Washington, D.C., the Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show broke attendance records back in New York City at its recent show.
The event ran June 30-July 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and drew a record 24,100 buyers, breaking its previous record when the show was held in New York in 2010.
In 2011 and 2012, the show had moved to D.C. because of renovations on the Javits Center.
“New York is the birthplace of the Fancy Food Show and its home. Our return to the city coincided with unprecedented interest in specialty food and the passionate entrepreneurs who create it,” said Ann Daw, SFA’s president.
She added, “With the record showing, all indications point to another strong year for our industry.”
The sold-out showfloor also broke records, with 354,000 square foot of exhibit space featuring 180,000 specialty foods and beverages from more than 1,500 U.S. exhibitors.
First-time pavilions were displayed by Bulgaria, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Italy had the largest international presence, followed by Turkey, France and Spain.
Exhibitors gave the show positive reviews.
“The quality of the buyer who has come by has just catapulted. Balducci’s. Wegmans. Target,” said exhibitor Peggy Shannon of Cincinnati-based Queen City Cookies. “It has been the best show ever.”
The show opened with the president’s reception with a “Les Misérables” parody by Broadway actors signing "Les Digestibles,” about the craft, care and joy that go into making specialty food.
“Craft, care, and joy,” is the theme of the Specialty Food Association’s new brand for the industry that was prominently featured throughout the show.
Other show highlights included a keynote by Marcus Samuelsson, the internationally acclaimed chef, owner of Red Rooster in Harlem and The New York Times bestselling author of Yes, Chef; the presentation of the 41st annual sofi Awardsfor the outstanding specialty foods of the year; and several workshop and seminar sessions.
This year also marked a record one for the amount of food donated to local Nonprofit City Harvest - 220,300 pounds of specialty food.
The Winter Fancy Food Show will take place Jan. 19-21 in San Francisco.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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