Summer Fancy Food Show Largest Ever in New York City
July 8, 2016
The 2016 Summer Fancy Food Show was the largest in exhibit space since it was established in 1954. More than 2,670 exhibitors filled the halls of Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, with the latest in specialty food and beverages from across the U.S. and 55 countries.
Owned and produced by the Specialty Food Association, the show ran June 26-28. More than 47,000 specialty food professionals were in the exhibit halls, which spanned the equivalent of six football fields.
"The show is the place to be to discover the latest in specialty food and what's next for stores and restaurants," says Laura Santella-Saccone, the association's CMO. "Record sales for specialty food have contributed to the strength of our show."
Offerings were plentiful from Italy, the largest international exhibitor, and Tunisia — the show's official partner country sponsor — was front and center with olive oil, harissa, dates and many more North African specialties.
Here is some of what to watch for on store shelves as noticed in the packed exhibit halls by the Specialty Food Association's panel of trendspotters:
· "Everything bagel" is not just for bagels anymore. The flavor cropped up in yogurt, nut mix, mustard and hummus.
· New twists on classics included savory yogurt, spicy granola, chocolate chip hummus and pepper-packed honey.
· Coconut and pumpkin were everywhere, as was maple. Elderflower made a strong showing in teas and bottled drinks and pickled products were plentiful.
Show highlights included Shelf Showdown, a specialty food pitch competition where four first-time exhibitors presented their products to a panel of seasoned specialty food buyers.
The winner: lawyer turned farmer and meat entrepreneur James Faison of Milton's Local won a promotional package from the Specialty Food Association for his uncured bacon sausage.
The 2016 sofi Awards, the "Oscars" of the specialty food industry, were showcased at the show's opening night party and in special showcases. This year ,there were a record 3,200 entries, 28 winners and 100 finalists.
The show had a full education program with industry experts speaking on topics from how to get started in the specialty food business to a futurist panel looking at ideas that will change how we produce, sell and eat.
The event ended on a high note. Exhibitors donated more than 100,000 pounds of specialty food, enough to fill six tractor-trailers, to the Specialty Food Foundation, which in turn donated it to City Harvest, New York City's pioneering food rescue organization.
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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