Product Innovations and Changing Consumer Tastes Will Be Spotlighted in New Product Showcase at 2005 FMI Show

WASHINGTON, DC — February 28, 2005 — Food, beverage and consumer products companies worldwide will feature their latest innovations in the Third Annual New Product Showcase and compete for the coveted Retailers Choice Awards at the 2005 FMI Show, May 1-3 in Chicago. Sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute, the annual convention is a global marketplace where food industry leaders come to shop.
     

The New Product Showcase will feature products in 14 different categories: bakery; beverages; condiments and sauces; dairy products and dairy substitutions; entrees/prepared foods/meal solutions; ethnic/international foods; processed and fresh meats and seafood products; shelf stable grocery (baby foods, canned foods, cereals, pastas, etc.); snacks, confectionary and candies; vegetarian; seasonal; health and beauty care; equipment; and technology. The submitting company may only select one category per product.
     

To qualify, products must have been launched in the past year and they must be completely new, a category or line extension or, in exceptional cases, re-launched or repackaged. In addition, product manufacturers must be exhibiting at the FMI Show or the U.S. Food Export Showcase. An entry fee of $350 is also required.
     

Companies whose products are selected for inclusion in the Showcase will be afforded key benefits:

• Highlighted in the official show guide.




• Given a “New Product” logo sign that can be posted at their booth.




• Provided the opportunity to place product samples in private Retailer Conference Suites.

“FMI is pleased to present the New Products Showcase to recognize outstanding product innovations that bring exceptional value and quality to consumers,” stated FMI Senior Vice President Brian Tully. “After only two years, it truly has become a ‘must-see’ focal point of the FMI Show exhibit floor.”

Retailers Choice Awards

Companies with the most popular products in the Showcase will be presented with the 2005 Retailers Choice Awards. Under this program, retailer and wholesaler company representatives attending the FMI Show will vote for their favorite products in each category. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 3, during the Show.
     

For details about the 2005 FMI Show, the New Product Showcase and the Retailers Choice Awards, please visit the FMI Web site at www.fmi.org.