There are numerous exciting food-related trade shows year-round and worldwide, but the 11th Americas Food & Beverage Show – Sept. 24-26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center – continues to be the largest Americas-focused food and beverage event in the Western Hemisphere.

In this issue, Food and Drink brings you an overview of what to expect at the event and why you should consider attending if you are not already.  

“This show [is expected to be] our biggest ever, with thousands of innovative new products from the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia; top-tier buyers; and a full schedule of events, educational seminars and extras,” Show Director Jelena Meisel says.

‘Gateway to New Products’
Expected to attract more than 5,000 domestic and international retailers, distributors, importers, foodservice professionals and exhibitors, “the 2008 Americas Food & Beverage Show is a proven gateway to new products and global food and beverage trends of the future,” Meisel says.

Over the past decade, the show, presented by the World Trade Center Miami – with support from the Foreign Agricultural Service and the USDA – has generated more than $3.2 billion in reported sales for exhibitors and attendees. “[We had more than] 300 exhibitors last year,” Meisel adds. “[This show has been a vehicle for companies taking] their first steps toward exporting.

“This show is a platform for companies to expand and grow, and indeed, the success of the show is the number of companies that get picked up by big distributors or retail giants during the show.”

In addition to exhibitors’ booths, the show floor features an expanded beverage pavilion, a new pavilion for kosher foods and 15 country pavilions.

Also, the show includes a Fresh Ideas Market Conference Forum, the Americas Chef Competition, the New Products Showcase, the Americas Food & Beverage Awards, international buyer events and “A Tribute to South Florida Chefs” events.

Genesis of the Show
The idea to launch an expo bridging food companies from the Americas and beyond began with World Trade Center Miami President Charlotte Gallogly.        

“With Miami being the import/export capital of the United States, Gallogly had the idea to promote the World Trade Centers Association message of promoting peace and stability among nations through two-way trade,” Meisel says.

“This became really the only hemispheric trade event. It grew from a few companies who exported less than 10 percent of their goods to a major show with hundreds of exporters and that involves organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture,” he adds. “We grew to include companies from all over the country and Latin America.”

Latin Flavor
Latin America has been an important cornerstone of the show, she says, because of the increasing demand for Hispanic and Latino foods, as well as the largely forward-thinking Latin American food industry.

“There has been growth in the number of Hispanic products, as well as a trend of Latin food companies being progressive in their approach to food – from functional foods to organic foods programs,” she says.

Latin America was a gateway to adding other countries, and now more than 20 countries worldwide exhibit at the show. “We’re expecting more this year,” Meisel says. “Our show is focused on Americas-based companies – from Canada to Chile.”

Working the Floor
The show floor is organized by country and includes sections for kosher, equipment, beverages and World Trade Centers. “Trade is a key focus in every country and there are more than 300 World Trade Centers around the world,” Meisel says.

The show differentiates itself by offering exhibitors and attendees tools to facilitate networking and business partnerships.  

“One thing specific about our show is that once you sign up to attend or exhibit, a sales agent contacts you to discuss tools that will help you promote your company before, during and after the show,” she explains.

“We focus on all clients, exhibitors and attendees with a full marketing program and matchmaking services that includes post-show follow-up. “The sooner a company signs up, the more benefits they can enjoy. This allows us to really stand out from other shows.”

This Year’s Trends
Meisel notes several trends that the show expects to highlight this year, particularly sugar- and natural foods-based energy drinks, kosher foods, as well as organic and natural foods. “The kosher trend is really all about how the food is prepared – from a natural, clean perspective,” she explains. “More kosher food is consumed for health reasons than religious ones, as indicated by the variety of kosher products available.”

As for energy drinks, “this is part of a younger generation and also [reflects a] lifestyle that is always looking for ways to fuel its activities,” she says, adding many energy drink makers have begun using acai berries.