The 2015 Fresno Food Expo is excited to debut 32 innovative new products, varietals and packaging concepts that were entered into the New Product Awards from 29 different San Joaquin Valley businesses. Now in its third year, the New Product Awards have become a strategic new product launching pad and this year features products ranging from traditional and organic produce; to flavorful wines, beers and juices, specialty cheeses, zesty peppers and tangy seasonings; to conveniently packaged dips, nuts, snacks and everything in between, all highlighting the quality and diversity of food and beverage products from California’s San Joaquin Valley.
All products entered are competing for the coveted Buyer’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards. The 32 products entered were reviewed, ranked and narrowed down to 10 finalists for the Buyer’s Choice Award by a panel of marketing and food industry leaders at the New Product Awards Preview event on July 8, 2015.
“This judging panel brings extensive experience to the Awards with their unique understanding of an ever-changing consumer market from different categories within the food buying industry,” said Amy Fuentes, Director of the Fresno Food Expo, on behalf of the City of Fresno. “They understand the critical attributes a new product needs to be a success in a very competitive industry.”
The Buyer’s Choice Award will be announced during the Fresno Food Expo business-to-business portion on July 23, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. The following companies are finalists in the Buyer’s Choice Award category: Baloian Farms Mini Pepper Dipper Cups, Brandt Farms Grape Jammers, Busseto Foods Natural Salami Snack Cups, Heart Ridge Farms Flavored Dry Roasted Almonds, Molucca Chocolate Craft Chocolate Bars, Organic Pastures Truly Raw Shredded Cheese, Rosa Brothers Milk Company Lactose Free Chocolate Milk, Scout Olive Oil Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Top O’ The Morn Farms Farmstead Sweet Cream Butter and Traina Foods Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup.
The public can vote as well through the People’s Choice Awards. All 32 new products entered can be viewed on the Fresno Food Expo’s website or Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/FresnoFoodExpo). Votes are counted by the number of “Likes” on Facebook combined with the votes cast via email through the Fresno Food Expo website between now and the Fresno Food Expo on July 23, 2015. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced that night by Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin at approximately 6 p.m.
Nearly 4,600 votes were cast last year during the three-week People’s Choice Award voting period resulting in Baloian Farms being crowned as the 2014 People’s Choice Award winner for their Squash Sauté Kits. The attention garnered through the People’s Choice Award boosted product awareness online and gave added promotional value and marketplace energy to not just Baloian Farms, but all participating companies and the San Joaquin Valley as a whole. Known as one of the most agriculturally rich and diverse regions in the world, the San Joaquin Valley has become a powerhouse for innovation in the food industry with its proximity to fresh products and access to international markets.
The 2015 Fresno Food Expo will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center New Exhibit Hall. There is a closed business-to-business portion from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. that is only open to pre-registered, pre-qualified buyers. Then there is a public event in the evening from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. where members of the public can attend to taste and discover the innovative, quality products produced in the San Joaquin Valley and meet the companies behind those products.
For more information: www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.
Contact:
Ashlee Wolf
Cohen Communications
Tel: (559) 222-1322 / Cell: (559) 916-5101
Amy Fuentes
City of Fresno
Tel: (559) 621-8362 / Cell: (559) 790-3204