The annual trade show for independent grocers, the NGA Show, has announced plans to feature seven specialty pavilions with exhibits specifically focused on meat, produce, specialty foods, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise and Latino cuisine. 

To be held Feb. 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center, the new pavilions are designed to provide attendees with greater opportunities to make connections with specialty exhibitors as well as learn about the latest developments in the grocery industry, according to show officials. 

“We thank our returning partners, the North American Meat Institute, the Produce Marketing Association, the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, and the World of Latino Cuisine, as well as our new partners, the Specialty Food Association, Coffee Fest and the Halloween & Costume Association, all of which will bring a new breadth and depth of products onto the Show floor,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, the national trade association that represents the retail and wholesale grocers comprising the independent sector of the food distribution industry. 

He added, “During the 2019 event, over 400 companies will display the most innovative and exciting new products in the market for the 3,500 industry professionals who visit the Show floor.”  

The Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) pavilion will feature companies providing attendees with valuable tools and products to help improve their businesses. CART advances retail by connecting the industry to innovation, and retailers, wholesalers and brands utilize CART to find, research and connect with solutions that are appropriate for their businesses. 

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) pavilion will feature the most innovative and advanced companies in the meat industry to showcase their products and solutions. NAMI is a national trade association representing companies that process 95 percent of red meat and 70 percent of turkey products in the U.S. and their suppliers throughout the country. 

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) pavilion will feature best-in-class companies providing solutions and products that will help grocers best handle produce. The PMA is a trade organization representing companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. 

The World of Latino Cuisine pavilion will offer attendees access to frozen foods, groceries, organic products, dairy, beverages and in addition, non-food products from the Caribbean and many Latin American countries.  

New to The NGA Show this year, the Coffee Fest Market Place will feature top coffee, tea and specialty beverage companies, while the Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) pavilion will provide attendees with access to the best seasonal merchandise solutions for the grocery industry including costumes, decor, novelty items and party supplies. 

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is also new to The NGA Show floor this year and its pavilion will showcase the SOFI award winners that have been honoring the best in specialty food for more than 45 years. The SFA is a membership-based trade association founded in 1952 and currently representing more than 3,500 specialty food businesses.

According to show officials, the NGA Show 2019 will feature more than 60 educational workshops and sessions, more than 400 exhibiting companies and several special events including the National Best Bagger Championship, the NGA Creative Choice Awards and the NGA Student Case Study Competition.  

The NGA Show has been the gathering place for independent grocers for more than 30 years, connecting supermarket retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the globe to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel.

The event is produced and managed by Clarion UX as part of the Food & Beverage Portfolio in partnership with the National Grocers Association (NGA).

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