The NGA Show to Feature Seven Specialty Pavilions on an Expanded Showfloor

January 8, 2019

The annual trade show for independent grocers, the NGA Show, has announced plans to feature seven specialty pavilions with exhibits specifically focused on meat, produce, specialty foods, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise and Latino cuisine. 

To be held Feb. 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center, the new pavilions are designed to provide attendees with greater opportunities to make connections with specialty exhibitors as well as learn about the latest developments in the grocery industry, according to show officials. 

“We thank our returning partners, the North American Meat Institute, the Produce Marketing Association, the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, and the World of Latino Cuisine, as well as our new partners, the Specialty Food Association, Coffee Fest and the Halloween & Costume Association, all of which will bring a new breadth and depth of products onto the Show floor,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, the national trade association that represents the retail and wholesale grocers comprising the independent sector of the food distribution industry. 

He added, “During the 2019 event, over 400 companies will display the most innovative and exciting new products in the market for the 3,500 industry professionals who visit the Show floor.”  

The Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) pavilion will feature companies providing attendees with valuable tools and products to help improve their businesses. CART advances retail by connecting the industry to innovation, and retailers, wholesalers and brands utilize CART to find, research and connect with solutions that are appropriate for their businesses. 

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) pavilion will feature the most innovative and advanced companies in the meat industry to showcase their products and solutions. NAMI is a national trade association representing companies that process 95 percent of red meat and 70 percent of turkey products in the U.S. and their suppliers throughout the country. 

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) pavilion will feature best-in-class companies providing solutions and products that will help grocers best handle produce. The PMA is a trade organization representing companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. 

NGA

The World of Latino Cuisine pavilion will offer attendees access to frozen foods, groceries, organic products, dairy, beverages and in addition, non-food products from the Caribbean and many Latin American countries.  

New to The NGA Show this year, the Coffee Fest Market Place will feature top coffee, tea and specialty beverage companies, while the Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) pavilion will provide attendees with access to the best seasonal merchandise solutions for the grocery industry including costumes, decor, novelty items and party supplies. 

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is also new to The NGA Show floor this year and its pavilion will showcase the SOFI award winners that have been honoring the best in specialty food for more than 45 years. The SFA is a membership-based trade association founded in 1952 and currently representing more than 3,500 specialty food businesses.

According to show officials, the NGA Show 2019 will feature more than 60 educational workshops and sessions, more than 400 exhibiting companies and several special events including the National Best Bagger Championship, the NGA Creative Choice Awards and the NGA Student Case Study Competition.  

The NGA Show has been the gathering place for independent grocers for more than 30 years, connecting supermarket retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the globe to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel.

The event is produced and managed by Clarion UX as part of the Food & Beverage Portfolio in partnership with the National Grocers Association (NGA).

 

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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.