From the Land of Kansas members exhibited at the 2016 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City June 26-28, 2016. The show is America’s largest specialty food & beverage trade show, with over 47,000 industry professionals in attendance. The 2016 show was the largest ever, with more than 2,600 exhibitors representing the latest in specialty foods and beverages from across the U.S. and many other countries and regions. The Fancy Food Show is an opportunity for the individual companies to showcase their products and promote the state of Kansas at one of the specialty food industry’s premier events.
“The Fancy Food Show is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages in North America,” said Julie Roller, From the Land of Kansas specialist. “The show provides a forum for companies to connect with attendees from top names in specialty retailing, restaurants and food service including Kroger, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s and Dean & DeLuca.”
Kansas was represented by four From the Land of Kansas members:
- Fine Foods Artisan Ketchup, Leawood
- Original Juan’s, Kansas City
- Rabbit Creek, Louisburg
- Sunflower Food Company, Lenexa
The displays by these four businesses were enhanced with live demonstrations. “The From the Land of Kansas brand ambassador, Chef Alli, presented in the Kansas pavilion and prepared sample dishes featuring exhibiting companies,” Roller said. “Kansas is one of eight states to coordinate a pavilion for its companies.”
The Kansas Department of Agriculture houses the From the Land of Kansas trademark program, which supports businesses which grow, produce, process or manufacture products in Kansas. The program helps members promote their Kansas products and provides members with a variety of business development tips and benefits, like representation at national food shows.
“The Fancy Food Show was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with existing buyers and meet new ones,” said Donna Cook, Rabbit Creek Products owner. “All of the Kansas companies in the pavilion were busy and we are excited to follow up on leads and take orders. This was a great chance to grow our business.”
To see the recipes that were showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show visit FromtheLandofKansas.com/recipes. To purchase Kansas products visit the From the Land of Kansas Marketplace at Shop.FromtheLandofKansas.com
If you are interested in being a part of the Kansas pavilion at upcoming food shows, please contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s international trade director, Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, at suzanne.numrich@ks.gov or call 785-564-6704.