By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, Food Marketing Institute

Two important trends are happening simultaneously in the food retail industry that spells good news for retailers and wholesalers. First, consumers, concerned about their overall health and wellness, expect higher quality and a wider assortment of fresh products when they visit their local supermarkets – especially when they shop for “fresh” products at their local supermarket. Second, fresh food products that stores are displaying on their peripheries are driving the growth of the industry today.
That means there has never been a better time for retail and wholesale executives to connect with fresh suppliers who can help them drive those sales on the store perimeter at FMI Connect. You’ll find dozens and dozens of companies with new products available in the fresh sector throughout the exhibit hall—but that’s not all.
FMI Connect is launching the first-ever Fresh Pavilion & Zone. The 13,000 retailers, wholesalers and trading partners at FMI Connect will be able to learn everything they need to know about fresh in the supermarket industry – all in one place.
The Fresh Pavilion, focusing on fresh suppliers, will have hourly activities to help retailers and wholesalers make their decisions about how to stock the perimeters of their stores. There will be:
- Cooking and grilling exhibitions at the Fresh Pavilion Cooking Station;
- Fresh Bite Topic Talks, 20-minute presentations on fresh-related subjects conducted right on the show floor; and
- Exhibit booths from companies associated with the world of Fresh.
The Fresh Pavilion at FMI Connect is sponsored by Burris Logistics. Visit www.fmiconnect.net to plan you visit and learn more.


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