Trade Show Focusing On Hispanic Foods & Beverages.

The myriad of flavors from Mexico, Central and South America are coming to Los Angeles to wine and dine the food industry at a trade show showcasing exclusively Hispanic foods. A food industry reception to launch, this unique trade show, “Expo Comida Latina, The Hispanic Food & Beverage Show,” was held on October 8, 2001 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“Today’s American palate craves Latin American influences. Expo Comida Latina will introduce many more flavors waiting to be discovered, savored and put on our market shelves,” says Denyse C. Selesnick, President of International Trade Information (ITI), event producer. Expo Comida Latina is a joint venture between Diversified Business Communications (DBC) and ITI, companies with a long history of international trade shows.

Show producers will announce the first Expo Comida Latina as slated for November 3-5, 2002, also to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Expo will target foodservice and retail buyers catering to Hispanic Americans, a lucrative market numbering 35 million and whose buying power is approaching $500 billion annually. Food buyers who wish to tap the growing passion for Latino fare among non-Hispanics will be a secondary show audience.

“We conducted extensive research into the market, including surveying prospective exhibitors and buyers,” said Neil Grossman, President of DBC. “We found that the industry overwhelmingly endorses Expo Comida Latina.” Key buyers are particularly interested in an event dedicated to Hispanic products, according to Grossman. “They have specific purchasing needs to serve a population clamoring for the unique flavors and brands of the Americas.”

“The U.S. has a built-in market for authentic Latino products,” adds Selesnick. “Now exporters are finding additional demand for their products among non-Hispanic Americans enticed by Latino food and drink.” In addition to Latin American exporters, exhibitors will include U.S. companies targeting Latinos and those that manufacture products largely consumed by Latinos. Exhibits will encompass traditional Hispanic foods, beverages and ingredients; U.S. manufactured brand-named goods and imports from the Americas.

Attendees to the 2002 Expo will represent the spectrum of the food industry. On the retail side, the show will draw decision-makers from neighborhood markets, independent grocery stores and supermarket chains. Foodservice buyers will also attend, representing independent and chain restaurants, hotels and institutions. Other visitor categories will include distributors, wholesalers and importers.

Expo Comida Latina will take place in Los Angeles, home to 4 million Latinos. In addition to the exhibition, the show will feature a free conference program addressing buyers’ most pressing issues and special events that celebrate Latino culture.