Gourmet News

SFA, Tastemaker Conference Converge at Winter Fancy Food Show

Published September 3, 2024

The Specialty Food Association is aligning with Tastemaker Conference, which will co-locate its annual gathering of food bloggers and content creators with the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show in January 2025. The first major expo in the food industry’s cycle, the Winter Fancy Food Show will showcase thousands of specialty food and beverage products from domestic and global suppliers, with an emphasis on new-to-market and trend-centric artisanal goods.

Taking place across three days (Jan. 19-21) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Show will also feature a variety of networking events, educational sessions, and never-before-seen features.

“Influencer marketing is an efficient and effective way for established and emerging makers to drive consumer awareness of, and demand for, their products,” said Leana Salamah, SFA SVP of marketing & communications. “Our alliance and co-location with Tastemaker Conference will not only amplify social media buzz around all of the products and trends on display at the Winter Fancy Food Show, but also provide opportunities for our members to identify specific content creator partners who can work with them with on year-round promotional efforts.

“By incorporating consumer awareness and demand opportunities into the Winter Fancy Food Show, SFA is taking the traditional push marketing model of b2b trade shows and evolving it to also include opportunities for pull marketing through end-user activation. We will be announcing additional programming that brings our members together with these content creators at the Winter Fancy Food Show to discover potential partnerships extending long after the three days of the show.”

“Tastemaker Conference looks forward to our first co-location with the Winter Fancy Food Show in 2025. This alliance presents an unparalleled opportunity for creators and makers to come together, explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry, and provide education and networking to drive growth through influencer marketing,” said Abbey Rodriguez, Tastemaker Conference, CEO & founder.

“The Winter Fancy Food Show is renowned for its diverse product categories, ensuring there is something for everyone! We are hosting a panel on the show floor with a few of the food community’s leading creators. We look forward to introducing our community to the Specialty Food Association members, in order to establish a space where creativity and innovation can thrive, and where new products, experiences, and ideas will be unveiled to the world for the first time.”

Registration for the Winter Fancy Food Show will open in October, and is exclusive to qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates and media. For more information, please visit https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/winter/.

Tastemaker Conference was founded by and for food bloggers and content creators, with the goals of fostering community, providing education, and delivering unique experiences. Dedicated to legitimizing the creator economy, Tastemaker Conference offers unparalleled education focused on content creation, business development, marketing, SEO, technology, and DEI. Our events provide valuable educational and networking opportunities for both aspiring and seasoned food creators.

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Bonne Maman Launches 2024 Limited-Edition Advent Calendar

Published September 3, 2024

Bonne Maman, America’s #1 premium preserves brand is bringing surprise and delight to all this holiday season with the return of its highly anticipated 2024 Limited-Edition Advent Calendar – its eighth advent season to date!

This year’s design of the beloved Advent Calendar boasts a festive train with stops at each countdown door to reveal one of the 24 Limited-Edition mini jar flavors created just for the holidays. Capturing the joy and anticipation of the holidays, the calendar offers a new taste experience as each day unfolds, from traditional favorites to unique new creations.

The delicious lineup includes delightful new flavors such as Wild Blueberry with Maple Syrup, Caramel with Coffee, Guava, Rhubarb with Spice, White Nectarine and Peach, and Pineapple and Yuzu.

Made with simple, premium ingredients that deliver a homemade, authentic taste, Bonne Maman is a staple in homes around the world. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cherished holiday tradition. The 2024 Advent Calendar retails for $44.99 and is available now for purchase on Bonne Maman’s e-shop, Amazon, and select retailers nationwide, but hurry – it always sells out!

For more information, visit bonnemaman.us.

Bonne Maman is the #1 premium preserves brand in the United States. The brand provides consumers with products of the highest quality that follow timeless French culinary traditional recipes. Bonne Maman Preserves, Jellies, and Spreads are Non-GMO Project Verified.

Produced in France, Bonne Maman Preserves are made with premium ingredients, have no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial additives, and no added preservatives. Made with simple ingredients, you might find in your grandmother’s kitchen, Bonne Maman is crafted to capture that homemade taste. To learn more about Bonne Maman, visit http://www.bonnemaman.us or follow us on FB @bonnemamanusa or IG @bonnemaman_us.

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Whole Foods Names Local and Emerging Accelerator Program Participants

Published September 3, 2024

Whole Foods Market has announced the participants for its latest cohort in the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program, celebrating brands selected for the program’s Early Growth track. Launched in 2022, LEAP highlights Whole Foods Market’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local and emerging brands through specialized, educational programming and individual mentorship. Participants may also qualify for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund overseen by the Austin Community Foundation, with the funds supporting the Whole Foods Market Foundation through the work of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet.

The 2024 Early Growth cohort consists of 10 innovative brands not yet available in Whole Foods Market stores: Aahana’s, Bowlcut, Date Better Snacks, Edenesque, Freezcake, Geem, Maté Party, Sam + Leo, Sibeiho and Tuyyo Foods. After completing the 12-week curriculum, these suppliers’ products will be considered for inclusion on Whole Foods Market shelves in their own cities or regional areas. This year, Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Brands team reviewed more than 1,600 applications for the Early Growth cohort, marking a 60 percent increase from 2023.

“Our Local and Emerging Brands team is thrilled to have selected a mix of diverse founders and products from various backgrounds for this year’s Early Growth program track,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “Connecting with new brands and business owners who are hungry to grow allows our team to diversify product selection in stores, support small businesses, and stay committed to our local communities. We look forward to seeing these 10 brands strive for continued growth and carve their path to success through Whole Foods Market’s mentorship.”

Brands seeking more information on LEAP can visit the Information for Potential Suppliers page on the Whole Foods Market website.

Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 530 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Whole Foods Market, please visit https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/.

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