FRESNO, Calif. — The 2013 Fresno Food Expo presented by Union Bank announced plans to shift the season of its annual food show from March to July 24 in 2014, to accommodate the more than 2,500 fresh produce growers and packers in the San Joaquin Valley accounting for an economic impact of $105.81 billion in 2011. The announcement was made during a press conference featuring City of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, Julius Robinson, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Union Bank and Denver Schutz, Technical Services Manager at Gerawan Farming, which was held at Johanson Transportation Service, a significant industry service provider to the agricultural industry. Fresno Food Expo organizers have received feedback from some of the largest grape, nut and stone fruit growers in the nation, as well as large retail fresh produce buyers who have visited the region, expressing their interest to specifically see the Fresno Food Expo move its date to the San Joaquin Valley’s peak growing season so fresh commodities can be exhibited at the show, as well as site visits to key facilities secured for buyers.
The date change of the 2014 Fresno Food Expo will allow the largest regional food show in the nation to further showcase an expanded variety of fresh commodities from large to small growers, established cooperatives and ethnic produce grown in the San Joaquin Valley. This shift will open a new category of buyers – both nationally and internationally – attending the show, creating new business opportunities and growth for the region’s economy.
“The timing of our date change and plans for future growth could not be complemented any better than by the new three year strategic partnership we have forged with Union Bank,” said Mayor Ashley Swearengin, City of Fresno. “They believe in the mission of the Fresno Food Expo and want to be part of this effort to build our Valley’s food production industry.”
The Fresno Food Expo was first developed in 2011 as part of the City of Fresno’s economic development strategy under Mayor Swearengin to find innovative ways to help local companies grow their business; specifically export oriented businesses that bring in new dollars to the Valley’s economy. Since its launch, the Fresno Food Expo has provided a platform for Valley-based food producers to network, share industry relationships, create new business contacts and increase their exposure to broaden their markets and increase sales opportunities by introducing local food producers with key buyers from international, domestic, regional and local food and beverage buying channels. The Expo has also built a heightened awareness among the Valley’s consumer base, creating a deeper level of brand recognition, driving consumers to seek out local product on grocery store shelves, thus increasing demand and encouraging economic growth for the region.
As a self-funded regional food show, support such as that of Union Bank, along with the shows existing sponsors, is critical to its growth and mission. The Fresno Food Expo not only matches exhibitors to buyers across all categories, but it provides training opportunities and directs them to critical resources.
“Union Bank is proud to serve as Presenting Sponsor of the Fresno Food Expo and support its future growth and vision,” said Julius Robinson, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Union Bank. “Our sponsorship of the Fresno Food Expo is one of many ways Union Bank has worked to tangibly give back in the communities where we do business. In conjunction with the Fresno Food Expo, we will be hosting a meeting for attendees with institutional investors who are looking for ways to provide capital to help grow businesses in the San Joaquin Valley. We look forward to partnering with the Fresno Food Expo team as they work to expand this regional food show that helps drive economic growth in the region.”
The San Joaquin Valley is internationally known as one of the world’s most productive, diverse and distinct agricultural regions and generated more than $105.81 billion in economic impact in 2011 alone. The San Joaquin Valley represents over 69% of the commodities in California and is home to 7 of California’s top 10 Agricultural producing counties. Of the top 25 stone-fruit growers in the nation, 11 are located in the San Joaquin Valley including four Fresno Food Expo exhibitors – Gerawan Farming, Wawona Packing, Fowler Packing and Simonian Fruit Company.
Since 2011, the awareness of the broader food production industry – a natural extension of the many fresh products grown in the San Joaquin Valley – has grown tremendously. Expo organizers have worked hard to provide an expanded platform for finished products to gain a heightened recognition in the world’s food industry. A strategic partnership with California Centers for International Trade Development will further support that effort by bringing 25 international buyers from Canada, Latin America and the Pacific Rim to the 2013 Fresno Food Expo as part of organized buying missions.
“Our Fresno Food Expo partnership marks the first time the California Centers for International Trade Development has collaborated with a regionally-based food show, and we have found that the fit could not be better as Fresno County is the #1 Ag producing county in the world and California’s 8-county San Joaquin Valley region accounts for billions of dollars in economic impact tied to agriculture production,” said Candy Hansen-Gage, Director, State Center Community College District, California Centers for International Trade Development. “Our partnership will help elevate the awareness of the San Joaquin Valley on the international buying stage and provide qualified international buyers the opportunity to see fresh, healthy and innovative programs across a variety of platforms.”
The opportunity to host international buying missions at the Fresno Food Expo adds to the already wide range of buyers who attend the show and will provide even greater opportunities for economic growth in the San Joaquin Valley, culminated by a larger trickle-down effect. The impact comes from expanded production capabilities; job creation to meet those expanded production needs; increased demand for ingredients, packaging and brand marketing; expanded infrastructure to support increased volume and delivery systems needed to move the product.
Buyers and exhibitors may pre-register for the 2014 Fresno Food Expo to be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014 by visiting www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.
Source: 2013 Fresno Food Expo
