Food and beverage innovators and entrepreneurs from throughout Central California are encouraged to submit applications for the fifth annual Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards, presented by Baker Peterson Franklin, CPA, LLP, and the third annual Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award. Applications can be submitted at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com. Deadline for submission is Friday, June 30, 2017 at 5 p.m.
Designed to build buyer and consumer awareness, the New Product Awards serve as a strategic platform to launch new products and packaging concepts debuted at the Expo’s annual trade show, putting a spotlight on the innovation and collaboration happening in Central California, and helping exhibitors establish product placement in stores, restaurants and through foodservice distribution channels. The Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards include two distinctive awards: the Buyer’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. Since the program launched in 2013, more than 160 new products have launched!
Also returning in 2017 is the Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award, which recognizes innovation in business by honoring companies who have the same vision and qualities that took Ruiz Foods from a small, family start-up to the largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer in the United States.
“The New Product Awards add a critical element to the Expo, highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Central California, and helps us tell the story about what makes our region truly unique,” said David Nalchajian, General Manager of the Fresno Food Expo. “Since the inception of the Awards in 2013, participants have benefitted from invaluable marketing exposure, helping to launch and position their new products, increase company sales overall and have opened the door to domestic and international distribution.”
Himalayan Pink Salt roast pistachios
There are already 45 produce, fruit and nut companies that have signed up to fill the Expo show floor in July, including 2016 People’s Choice Award Winner, ARO Pistachio. Since their win last year, ARO Pistachio has received an incredible amount of requests for their Himalayan Pink Salt roast pistachios, the winning product. Furthermore, their e-commerce site has been booming with activity and has grown by about 1/3 since their participation in the Expo.
Like ARO Pistachio, Central California companies such as Brandt Farms, First Quality Produce, Fowler Packing Company, Gerawan Farming, Heart Ridge Farms, Keenan Farms, Kern Ridge Growers, Nichols Farms, OK Produce and more are anxiously awaiting to connect with the more than 950 key pre-qualified international and domestic buyers who are expected to participate, as well as creating a renewed sense of pride within the community in what is offered throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
The business-to-business portion of the Expo will take place during the day on Thursday, July 27. Interested buyers can now sign up online. Tickets to the public event, Expolicious, are now available to the public starting June 1 for $50 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster Box Office, online at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com or at Cumulus Broadcasting, while supplies last. For discount ticket information, you can Like the Fresno Food Expo on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
For more information: