On Thursday, July 23rd the 5th edition of the Fresno Food Expo took place at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center. Out of 121 Central Valley exhibitors, more than 40 fresh produce companies showed their latest innovations in fruits, vegetables, nuts and dried fruit.
Interest for the show seemed to be large as there was a lot of traffic on the floor. Exhibitors were happy with the turnout and excited to be part of a regional show and support the communities in the nation’s largest agricultural production region, the Central Valley. With more than 900 buyer attendees, this year’s show was the busiest in its five-year history.
“In addition to meeting with customers, the benefit of a regional show is that it allows businesses to meet each other and start working together,” said Blake Smittcamp with Wawona, one of the show’s founding exhibitors. “I’ve seen partnerships being built as a result of the show and it’s nice to see camaraderie between companies. Moreover, a regional show gives smaller companies an opportunity to be exposed as well.” Some exhibitors talked about the advantage of a one-day show. "All interested buyers come by today and we don’t have two wait for another day or two for them to return."
Julius Robinson with Union Bank, the show’s lead sponsor, shared that Fresno was significantly impacted by the economic downturn. “I witnessed some of the challenges that this community was facing and that inspired us to step in and support this show,” Robinson said. “Our goal is to support communities with economic development. Today, at this show business is being done, contracts are being made and economic development is happening.”
