More learning sessions, excitement at the West's top grocery show

From specific category learning sessions on the trade floor to dedicated morning workshops on trends, this year’s Grocery & Specialty Food West show in Vancouver is not to be missed.

The annual trade show, formerly called Grocery Showcase West, was rebranded last year to include more ethnic, healthy, organic, artisanal, and specialty foods.

“At this year’s show, retailers will see unique products to get ahead of some of the trends,” said Tom Barlow, CEO and president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, the show’s organizers.

With the floor 95% sold out, along with more specialty food categories, for the first time there will be buying opportunities between trading partners and their suppliers. Trade show specials and offers will be optional as well, there will be dedicated meeting booths for partners to actually sit down and discuss opportunities for growth.

The floor will also provide more learning opportunities especially for category managers. There are planned sessions around meat, cheese, produce and bakery.

“On the new "Raised by a Canadian Farmer" Insights & Innovations Stage, we have planned informative demos on specific categories where experts will share their learnings,” said Barlow. For example, the Chicken Farmers of Canada will talk about how to market chicken more effectively, using the new "Raised by a Chicken Farmer" mark and how to drive chicken purchases with quick & easy meal recipe ideas.

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Attendees will not want to miss the retailer super panel on Monday morning. The panel features leaders in fresh, health & wellness: Joe Longo of Longo Bros. in Toronto; Pete Luckett of Pete's in Nova Scotia;  and Craig Hermanson of Pomme Natural Market in B.C..

Retailer workshops will also be part of the conference programming. The growth of home meal replacements will be highlighted by Maple Leaf Foods’ Nola Martin, while IGD Canada’s Stewart Samuel will provide some of the global trends impacting independents and chains alike.

Don’t delay, register now by clicking here. Interested in exhibiting? Contact Rolster Taylor at [email protected]