Food and beverage innovators and entrepreneurs from throughout Central California are encouraged to submit applications for the fifth annual Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards, presented by Baker Peterson Franklin, CPA, LLP, and the third annual Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award. Applications can be submitted at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com and the deadline for submission is Friday, June 30, 2017 at 5 p.m.
The 2017 Fresno Food Expo will take place July 26 and 27. Registration is currently open for buyers and exhibitors. For more information on the Fresno Food Expo, visit www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.
Food Writer, Cook and Food Network TV Personality Simon Majumdar also returns this July to continue exploring the innovation, creativity and regional food movement taking place.
“I said it last year when I was here and I will say it again, Central California is a hidden gem with a rising food scene that people absolutely need to take notice,” stated Majumdar. “The quality and array of products I discovered was incredible and the talent among chefs in the region is on par with San Francisco and Los Angeles. I am excited to return this year, connect with these companies to see how their products are doing and continue to be part of telling the story of the incredible food culture brewing in this vibrant region.”
Designed to build buyer and consumer awareness, the New Product Awards serve as a strategic platform to launch new products and packaging concepts debuted at the Expo’s annual trade show, putting a spotlight on the innovation and collaboration happening in Central California, and helping exhibitors establish product placement in stores, restaurants and through foodservice distribution channels. With more than 160 new products launched since the program began in 2013, the Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards include two distinctive awards: the Buyer’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award.
The Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award also recognizes innovation in business, honoring companies who have the same vision and qualities that took Ruiz Foods from a small, family start-up to the largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer in the United States.
