Fresno, California – The 8th annual Fresno Food Expo will connect more than 140 California food and beverage brands with an estimated 700 pre-qualified local and national buyers at its annual food industry trade event, and will open its doors for over 1,200 members of the public during its evening celebration – Expolicious.
Since the Expo’s recent announcement that it will now welcome food and beverage brands from all of California, the Expo has seen an uptick in its exhibitor base from around the state. The diverse mix of exhibitors on the show floor, all showcasing products from different categories, brings to life the robust food production and innovation that thrives in the Golden State.
The Expo’s mobile application, available to all Apple and Android users, can be found by searching “Fresno Food Expo” in the preferred app store. The app conveniently includes exclusive details about the trade show such as the Expo’s exhibitor listings, schedule of events, map of the show floor, social media feeds and more.
TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES:
TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2018
6:00 P.M. NEW IN 2018 – THE CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD JUDGING
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, New Exhibit Hall
The final round of judging for the Consumer Choice Award finalists will be conducted by the Expo’s official Consumer Panel, made up of 20 individuals chosen from anonymous submissions to mirror the demographics of California for gender, ethnicity, age, income and education. This judging session is not open to the public.
The first round of voting is open now to members of the public online at http://bit.ly/2018Consumer and closes Sunday, July 22 at 11 p.m. The winner will be announced during the Expo’s Welcome Breakfast & Keynote on Thursday, July 26.
- ATTENTION: Media interested in taking footage or conducting an interview with an exhibitor/Expo representative prior to or immediately after judging should contact Christy Viramontes at christy@cohencommunications.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018
2:00 P.M. NEW PRODUCT AWARDS JUDGING
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, New Exhibit Hall
Products submitted for the New Product Awards will be evaluated by members of the California Retail Advisory Panel and Co-Chair, Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru. A first, second and third place winner will be announced during the Expo’s Welcome Breakfast & Keynote on Thursday, July 26. This judging session is closed to the public.
- ATTENTION: Media interested in taking footage or conducting an interview with an exhibitor/Expo representative prior to or immediately after judging should contact Christy Viramontes at christy@cohencommunications.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018
8:00 A.M. WELCOME BREAKFAST
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Halls II & III
Pre-Qualified buyers, sponsors and exhibitors are invited to enjoy refreshing local bites, coffee and refreshments before tradeshow activities begin.
9:00 A.M. AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS & KEYNOTE
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Halls II & III
- Immediately following the breakfast, the official program will begin and include: The announcement of the New Product, Consumer Choice and Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award winners.
- Keynote Address by California Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross.
- ATTENTION: Media interested in interviews or special media accommodations should schedule them in advance no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, July 20 by contacting Christy Viramontes atchristy@cohencommunications.com.
10:00 A.M. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS TRADESHOW
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Hall I
The Expo tradeshow will open its doors to pre-qualified local and national buyers to see, taste and discover the diverse food and beverage products grown and manufactured in California.
Stop by the Demonstration Stage from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to see what fun recipes local caterers at The Painted Table, will be serving up this year. All recipes will be made with Exhibitor products from the show floor.
5:00 P.M. EXPOLICIOUS, PUBLIC EVENT
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Halls I, II & III
Members of the public who purchase tickets in advance are invited to the tradeshow floor to see, taste and discover California’s finest food and beverage brands from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Find items you like? The public can also purchase local products from their favorite exhibitors onsite! Tickets for Expolicious are $50 and available for purchase at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com until 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the Convention Center will-call window located on M Street.
7:30 P.M. EXPOLICIOUS RESTAURANT AWARDSAWARDS
Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Halls II & III – Entertainment Stage
Returning in 2018, 10 restaurateurs will be cooking up hand crafted hors d’oeuvres and beverages, using ingredients from 2018 Fresno Food Expo exhibitors! Restaurateurs will be judged on their creations by food writer, cook and Food Network TV Personality Simon Majumdar who will award the top creations. This year’s participating restaurants include: Ampersand Ice Cream, Bella Luna Bistro & Bar, Bobby Salazar’s Mexican Foods, Max’s Bistro & Bar, PressBox Sports Grill, Quesadilla Gorilla, Riley’s Brew Pub, Sam’s Italian Deli & Market, The Annex Kitchen and The Elbow Room. Awards will be given for the following categories:
- Best Taste
- Best Presentation
- Best Use of Local Ingredients
- Consumer Choice
8:00 P.M. FLAMBÉ
Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, 745 Fulton Street
Join us as we celebrate the close of a great 2018 Fresno Food Expo Event!
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About Fresno Food Expo
The Fresno Food Expo was launched in 2011 by the City of Fresno in an effort to connect the region’s food industry companies to new retail and foodservice customers, and put a spotlight on California’s San Joaquin Valley thriving and diverse food industry. Since then, the Expo has transitioned to a 501c-6 governed by a 13-member Board of Directors made up of Presidents and CEOs from some of California’s largest and most productive food companies. The Expo’s prime function is to connect California food and beverage companies to retailers and foodservice buyers actively seeking California brands and make it a priority to locally source products. For more information on the Fresno Food Expo, visit www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.
Source: Fresno Food Expo
