My Visit to the Fancy Food Show July 03 2015

If I had one word to describe the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javitz Center in New York City, it would be amazing. If I had a second word, it would probably be overwhelming.  The sheer volume of the show is enough to scare anyone away who doesn’t have a plan and a stomach made of steel, as I mentioned before there is A LOT of tasting.

The show opened Sunday and I decided to get there early to beat the crowds. It was a good idea as it was a rainy morning and the halls didn’t begin to fill up until around mid-day. I was able to walk up and down the endless aisles looking, tasting and chatting with the amazing vendors behind the amazing products.  Luckily, I had a rough plan as to what I was looking for which made it easier to navigate the stands.  Good news, I found a lot of terrific products for our marketplace. Some of the highlights from the show included Duck Fat Caramel (it really contains duck fat, I had to ask!), heritage popcorn and these fantastic lime-flavored biscuits from Spain.

In addition to all of the new products, it was nice to chat with the people behind some of our current products.  Ioannis from World Excellent Products, the producers of FIVE Olive Oil, was at the show.  They have some special products I look forward to introducing closer to the holidays.  I also spent a lot of time with the team from Rococo Chocolates.  This was their big debut in to the US Market and it was well received.  They rolled out some new packaging at the show and I look forward to sharing that with you when the next shipment arrives.  Due to the high temperatures in New York, that probably won’t be until the end of the summer. It will be worth the wait, I promise! Rick from Rick's Picks had a great stand as part of the New York aisle. I could have spent an entire day just chatting with these local artisans. I am so lucky to live in a city with an emphasis on quality artisan products!

With tired feet and a full stomach, I left the show on Tuesday feeling very satisfied with my experience.  I am excited to expand our selection of artisans and look forward to introducing them to you very soon.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Happy Friday,

Julie