Today I’m going to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in Manhattan. The NASFT is a not-for-profit business trade association established in 1952 to foster trade, commerce and interest in the specialty food industry.

If food is you passion, this is pig heaven. There are plenty of educational seminars for food producers and retailers. But the best part is the exhibit hall where you get to see the latest in food products. Yes, there are many products full of high-fructose corn syrup but in recent years the show has attracted companies that produce all-natural and organic fare to go along with the current popularity. (Watch for future planned post regarding what those terms really mean).

The show is only open to member of the trade but watch local media for food stories related to show publicity.

“Show Facts

Recent Fancy Food Shows have attracted from 19,000 to 32,000 attendees from specialty food, wine, gift and department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, mail-order and other related businesses.

These attendees come to see more than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, presenting more than 100,000 specialty foods to discover and sample.

Business booms at these trade-only shows, in a unique decision-maker to decision-maker environment. An impressive 87% of all attendees either authorize or recommend purchasing decisions.”

Link to show site.

Link to exhibitor list.