5th Year for the Pennsylvania Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show

Posted by: Hannah Copenheaver

The World Trade Center Harrisburg partnered for the 5th year with Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development in organizing the Pennsylvania Pavilion at the 62nd annual Summer Fancy Food Show.

The show was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from June 26-28, 2016.

The Fancy Food Show is North America's largest show for the specialty food and beverage industry and attracts a large number of foreign buyers.

This Year's Show Recap:

- This year was the largest since the show’s 1954 inception.
- More than 47,000 specialty food professionals filled the exhibit halls (equal to 6 football fields).
- There were over 2,670 exhibitors, from over 55 countries, displaying their delicious foods!
- Nearly 60 Pennsylvanian companies exhibited throughout the show.

Neilly's Foods

Pennsylvania Pavilion: 

The Pennsylvania Pavilion included 13 companies, with four from our southcentral region.

Companies were able to arrange pre-scheduled appointments with foreign buyers, which took place the day before the show opened.

BumbleBerry Farms (Stoystown - Southern Alleghenies Region)

DelGrosso Foods (Tipton - Southern Alleghenies Region)

Giorgio Foods Inc. (Temple - Southcentral Region)

Little Baby's Ice Cream

Irenes's Bakery & Gourmet Kitchen (Bensalem - Southeast Region)

Little Baby's Ice Cream (Philadelphia - Southeast Region)

Love Beets (Bala Cynwyd - Southeast Region)

My Boy's Baking (Allentown - Lehigh Valley Region)

Naked Granola (State College - Central Region)

Neilly's Foods (York - Southcentral Region)

Sweet Note Bakery

Nuts About Granola  (York - Southcentral Region)

Pretzel Pete (SB Global Foods, Inc.) (Montgomeryville - Southeast Region)

Sweet Note Bakery (Bensalem - Southeast Region)

Wolfgang Candy (York - Southcentral Region)

Click here to view our Facebook album to see more pictures!

ABRIN Toy Fair Brings Latin American Economy To The Forefront

By WTC Guest Blogger Jessica Toutsis, RoomMates Décor

ABRIN, the largest event in Latin America for the toy industry, brings together the most important toy makers in Brazil and introduces new products that will impact sales for the upcoming year. 

While the show provided a firsthand look at many new and exciting product lines, the current state of the Latin American economy was top of mind for many distributors. A shrinking economy and increased unemployment rate, leaves worry in many consumers’ minds, but re-regulating the economy is crucial in order for it to start growing again. The country has not experienced this type of economic restraint for 35 years, which provides hope that things can get better once again. 

This topic lingered through the ABRIN Toy Fair, allowing many exhibitors to weigh in on the topic. Viewpoints were similar. The economy is difficult, but a united sense of confidence was expressed by many. 

With the current political and economic concerns at hand, distributors have begun adapting their investment priorities. They are now looking to invest in the future, finding ways to diversity in new markets and pursue a new customer base.   

Adam Say, Director of International Sales for RoomMates Décor, the largest manufacturer of peel & stick wall stickers, agreed with this proactive thinking.

“Even though the economy is difficult, we were happy to spend time with our current customers, who took an interest in wanting to see our new designs. We were also happy to meet new customers who were looking to diversity their portfolio with RoomMates products.”

Although times are difficult, many are trying to remain optimistic that the economy will once again turn around.

Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for RoomMates Decor, headquartered in York, PA, and writes on trade show experiences for the World Trade Center blog. 

International Trade Fair for our Children's World

By WTC Guest Blogger Jessica Toutsis, RoomMates Décor

In the Eastern European toy industry, the Kids Russia Fair in Moscow is the aspirant fair everyone is flocking to. Also known as the “International Trade Fair for our Children’s World,” products including children’s toys, hobbies, baby, outdoor, playground and sports are all featured. 

Having the reputation as one of the most important trade shows for the Russian toy industry, the Kids Russia Fair is the perfect place for distributors, licensors, vendors and buyers to establish themselves in the market. For RoomMates Décor, the largest manufacturer of peel & stick wall stickers, the Kids Russia Fair is a great place to strengthen relationships with international distributors. Receiving featured booth placement with Russian toy distributor Konik Ltd. at the show, both RoomMates Décor and Konik Ltd. benefited, and also received increased foot traffic from the larger space.

Irina Fedotova, Head of Marketing and Advertising for RoomMates Russia / Konik Ltd. was very happy with the quality of the attendees. 

“Our RoomMates product planogram showcased some of our top selling designs in the Russian market, and allowed retailers to envision what our products could look like in the aisles of their stores.”

Take a quick trip straight to the Kids Russia Fair right from your desk and watch highlights from this year’s show!

Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for RoomMates Decor, headquartered in York, PA, and writes on trade show experiences for the World Trade Center blog.

New York Toy Fair: A Must on The Trade Show Checklist

By WTC Guest Blogger Jessica Toutsis, RoomMates Décor

Last month thousands of vendors and buyers attended the New York Toy Fair to explore thousands of toys, games and youth entertainment products within a record-breaking 415,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Not familiar with the New York Toy Fair? Produced by the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA), Toy Fair strives to work with businesses involved in creating and producing toys of all kinds to kids both young and old. A central meeting location for those all over the world, Toy Fair sheds insight on key trends in the industry and innovative consumer products that will hit the market in the year ahead.

For one business, RoomMates Decor, Toy Fair is a great opportunity to generate partnerships with international distributors of various countries to sell peel & stick wall decals where distribution in that country does not yet exist. Also a successful sounding board for countries’ retailers to be put in touch with distributors and establish facetime to discuss strategy and supply, Toy Fair benefits each type of attendee - vendor, retailer and distributor in one common space. 

With so many toys all in one place, it’s guaranteed to be an exciting trade show! If you weren’t able to attend this year, this is one trade show you don’t want to miss! Registration for Toy Fair 2017, taking place February 18 – 21, opens this fall. For more information, visit www.toyfairny.com.

Adam Say, International Sales Director and WTC Board Member, at the Toy Fair

 Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for RoomMates Décor, headquartered in York, PA, and writes on trade show experiences for the World Trade Center blog. 

Nuremberg: An Interactive Booth Is Key

By WTC Guest Blogger Jessica Toutsis, RoomMates Décor

Tradeshows require months of preparation including booth design, scheduling appointments with key customers, transporting all product and materials to the show, plus setting up the booth at the show. It is worth it, especially when you attend the world’s biggest toy fair in Germany and arrive back to tell your team “this was one of the best shows we’ve ever had.”

RoomMates Decor’s International Director of Sales, Adam Say, can certainly attest to that! RoomMates, the largest producer of Peel & Stick Decor and Wall Decals, sells to 75 countries around the world, and through Nuremberg was able to make contact with countries where distribution did not yet exist. Say, among many others at the show, connected with potential distributors, as well as licensing companies to discuss hot new products in the international markets.

“It was a great show to see the trends because all of the big toy manufacturers are there. We were also able to connect with new retailers and put them in touch with distributors around the world,” said Say.

One of the most memorable discussions Say revealed was discussion around the booth! “People talked a lot about how creative the booth was.” Say described that the booth featured true to size wall decals that popped out of the wall, which attracted the attention of buyers and even those who wouldn’t normally be interested in the product. Customers were encouraged to experience RoomMates wall decals firsthand by peeling and re-sticking them to the booth walls. 

A good booth display is key for attracting attendee’s attention, especially at a show like Nuremberg where interactivity and creativity are highlighted throughout the show floor. It’s tricky selecting which characters and products to feature in the booth when there are so many strong contenders. The characters that received the most attention? For RoomMates, the new Batman wall decals, Superman wall decals and Shopkins wall decals were very popular at the show, while Star Wars wall decals and Frozen wall decals continued to show strength in customer demand.

In addition to RoomMates, robots, dinosaurs, and puzzles were popular themes around the show floor as well as games for both kids and adults. Take a 70 second “virtual walk” around and discover more products and innovative toys on the market!

Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for RoomMates Décor, headquartered in York, PA, and writes on trade show experiences for the World Trade Center blog. 

Heimtex: Setting The Stage For The Year

By WTC Guest Blogger Jessica Toutsis, RoomMates Décor

The year is off to a busy start with many members exhibiting their products at popular industry trade shows. During mid-January, international manufacturers, retailers, and designers throughout the world came together at Heimtex, the biggest international trade show for the home and contract textiles in the world! Known for setting the benchmark for the entire year, Heimtex reveals leading trends and innovative designs for the home and textile industry. Buyers and distributors from around the world gather to see the newest concepts in the industry.

Among those at the show, RoomMates Decor, North America’s largest manufacturer of wall decals and peel & stick wall decor, debuted the launch of their newest product line known as StickTILES, a revolutionary Peel and Stick decorative tile. Offering customers a faster, easier and more affordable way to create backsplashes and decorate kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms, this was one product that’s sure to get excited about! 

Other products at the RoomMates booth included peel and stick wall decor and new wall art designs displayed in a creative “Under the Sea” themed display. 

Heimtex is exciting as it allows RoomMates Décor and other businesses to connect with distributors in their sector and form relationships. 

“Heimtex is one of the most important shows that we do each year because many of our international buyers are making annual purchasing decisions while attending the show.  This year’s show was certainly one of the busiest that we have had, which gives us a great indication about the year ahead!” reaffirmed Adam Say, Director of International Sales at RoomMates.

It’s a great way to start off the year! 

Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for RoomMates Décor, headquartered in York, PA, and writes on trade show experiences for the World Trade Center blog.

Hannah's Trade Show Visits

posted by Hannah Copenheaver

Hannah has been busy this year! It just so happened that she was in the same city twice this year at the same time as our members, who were exhibiting at their respective industry trade shows. This led to the great opportunity for Hannah to see both members, in action, as they showcased their products and meet with potential buyers. 

First, Hannah was able to see Fox Chapel Publishing as they exhibited at the London Book Fair in London, UK in April. This year, the Fair welcomed over 25,000 professional visitors from more than 120 countries. The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Taking place every Spring, it is a unique opportunity to explore, understand and capitalize on the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future. This year, the Fair marked 44 years of bringing direct access to customers, content and emerging markets. The Fair also continued their "market focus" initiative, with this year's focus on Mexico. The objective of the market focus is to put the spotlight on publishing trade links with the country or region that is showcased, highlighting its publishing industry and the opportunities for conducting business with the rest of the world. 

Fox Chapel Publishing

Second, Hannah had the opportunity to visit the RoomMates' booth at the ABC Kids Expo in October. ABC Kids Expo is a private trade show for the juvenile products industry and is not open to the general public. It is the premier juvenile products specialty show in the world, with nearly 1000 exhibitors utilizing 3300 booths. This trade show is a bit different because All Baby & Child, Inc. (ABC) is a non-profit organization that is also a partnership of juvenile products manufacturers and industry retailers. Their primary objective is to act as a business league that helps organize and produce trade shows and educational conferences for the benefit of juvenile products manufacturers, industry retailers, trade media, distributors and manufacturers' representatives of juvenile products.

RoomMates Peel and Stick Decor

Both members made countless connections to buyers, distributors and retailers, and both were very satisfied with the outcome for their respective company.

Hannah does not have any other surprise trade show visits planned, but don't be alarmed if she ends up at your booth next!

A Wonderful Experience at the Fancy Food Show!

Posted by Hannah Copenheaver

Hannah at the Fancy Food Show

The World Trade Center Harrisburg partnered for the 4th year with Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development (World Trade PA) in organizing the Pennsylvania Pavilion at the 61st annual Summer Fancy Food Show. The show was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from June 28-30, 2015. The Fancy Food Show is North America's largest show for the specialty food and beverage industry and attracts a large number of foreign buyers. 

This Year's Show Recap:

• Over 180,000 products including confections, cheese, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural and organic products.
• More than 2,600 exhibitors from 51 countries
• Over 25,000 foreign buyers, including organized food buying delegations from all over the globe

The Pennsylvania Pavilion included 12 companies, with three from our southcentral region. Companies were able to arrange pre-scheduled appointments with foreign buyers, which took place the day before the show opened. 

Nuts About Granola- York, PA

Participating Companies in the PA Pavilion included:

Bella Lucia	www.bellaluciaglutenfree.com
Better Batter	www.betterbatter.org
BumbleBerry Farms	www.bumbleberryfarms.com
Davis & Davis Gourmet Foods, LLC	www.davisanddavisonline.com
DelGrosso Foods	www.delgrossofoods.com
Giorgio Foods Inc.	www.giorgiofoods.com
Love Beets	www.lovebeets.com
My Boy's Baking	www.myboysbaking.com
Naked Granola	www.nakedgranola.com
Nuts About Granola	www.nutsaboutgranola.com
Pretzel Pete (aka SB Global Foods, Inc.)	www.pretzelpete.com
TorchBearer Sauces	www.torchbearersauces.com

Overall, Pennsylvania's specialty food industry was well represented with 50 different food exhibitors exhibiting throughout the show floors. Ajiri Tea, from Upper Black Eddy, PA, was honored as a Sofi Award finalist!

Giorgio Foods- Temple, PA

Torchbearer Sauces- Mechanicsburg, PA

Click here to see all of our pictures!

Want to hear what the companies thought about being in the PA Pavilion at the Fancy Food Show? 
Click here to listen to the testimonials!

Another Successful Fancy Food Show Experience!

Posted by Tina Weyant

The World Trade Center Harrisburg partnered once again with Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development  in organizing a "Pennsylvania Pavilion" at the Summer Fancy Food Show,  North America's largest show for the specialty food and beverage industry.  The show was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City and featured over 180,000 products including confections, cheese, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural and organic products.  

The "Pennsylvania Pavilion" was one of ten State Pavilions, and included 12 different companies - four of them from the southcentral region.

  

Bella Lucia	bellaluciaglutenfree.com
Bookbinder Specialties	bookbinderspecialties.com
Davis & Davis Gourmet Foods	davisanddavisonline.com
DelGrosso Foods	delgrossofoods.com
Giogio Foods Inc.	giorgiofoods.com
Irene's Bakery & Gourmet Kitchen	irenesbakery.com
My Boy’s Baking	myboysbaking.com
Naked Granola	nakedgranola.com
Neat Foods	eatneat.com
Nuts About Granola	nutsaboutgranola.com
Pretzel Pete	pretzelpete.com
The Warrell Corporation	warrellcorp.com

Pennsylvania's specialty food industry was well represented, with 50 different food exhibitors.

The show attracts many foreign buyers, including organized food buying delegations from all over the globe.  Pre-scheduled appointments with foreign buyers took place the day before the show opened.

In addition to pre-arranged meetings, the "PA Pavilion" companies were each featured in the "What's New - What's Hot" showcase, providing additional exposure to potential buyers. 

This year's show featured more than 2,730 exhibitors representing 49 countries, and over 24,000 visitors from 80 countries attended the show, making it the largest  Fancy Food show to date.

PA at the 2013 Summer Fancy Food Show

Posted by Tina Weyant


The 59th annual Summer Fancy Food Show was held from June 30th through July 2nd  at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.  The world-famous trade show for the specialty food industry featured over 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions.   The sold-out exhibit halls drew close to 24,000 buyers from across the U.S. and around the world. 

The World Trade Center Harrisburg again partnered with Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development in organizing a Pennsylvania Pavilion at the show, which was funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.   

The Pennsylvania State Pavilion highlighted 13 Pennsylvanian specialty food companies:

Getting ready for the show to start!

• Bookbinder Specialties (Media, PA)
• Brown Dog Java (Springdale, PA),
• Chef Tim Foods (Etters, PA)
• Davis& Davis Gourmet Foods (Allison Park, PA)
• DelGrosso Foods (Tipton, PA)
• Giorgio Foods (Temple, PA)
• Herlocker’s Dipping Mustard (State College, PA)
• Little Pepi’s Waffle Cookies (Hatfield, PA)
• Mavuno Harvest (Philadelphia, PA)
• My Boy’s Baking (Bethlehem, PA)
• Nuts About Granola (York, PA)
• Pretzel Pete / SB Global (Lansdale, PA)
• Sorbee International (Trevose, PA)

The "PA Team" included Janet Kolokithas from the State's Center for Trade Development and Noelle Long from SEDA-COG.  We arrived two days before the show started to set up the PA booth and help other Pavilion companies with last minute details. 

Noelle, Janet and Tina

Unlike last year, we did have a "Pennsylvania" booth and our "state pavilion" was enhanced with Pennsylvania flags at each of our participant's booths, to give our section a more uniform look.
 

Unloading PA exhibit
materials at the Javits Center

Watching for forklifts...

Assembling the PA flagpoles

Our booth happened to be in the back corner, next to a white tiled wall that needed some enhancements.  We were thinking plants would do the trick.   A kind lady at the trade show "help" desk, suggested we visit the wholesale flower section in New York City to get reasonably priced plants...which we did. We even found a taxi diver willing to transport us - and the plants - back to the Javits Center.

Janet in the cab

Enhanced wall space

The show kicked off with a Saturday evening reception that included a surprise live performance by Broadway actors who sang  "Les Digestables".   Janet's comment was simply "Only in New York!!" 
You can see the performance by following this link.

At 10:00 am on Sunday morning, the Fancy Food Show opened to visitors, and it was packed all day, every day of the show.  We took turns staffing the booth, visiting the other PA companies and meeting with partner organizations from other states and countries.  And of course we sampled amazing foods!

Our state was well represented at the Fancy Food Show, with a total of 55 PA specialty food manufacturers exhibiting their products. 

The Specialty Food Association had organized 15 educational seminars during the course of the show.  The GMO Labeling Seminar, which all three of us attended, actually featured  Brad’s Raw Foods (Pipersville, PA) as one of the examples.  

The annual Sofi Awards Gala was held Monday evening.  This event recognizes the year's most innovative products and two PA companies were among the winners:Shady Maple Farm Market (East Earl, PA) was recognized as an Outstanding Retailer during  the Gala and Jin+Ja Drink (Philadelphia, PA) took home the gold Sofi award in the Cold Beverage category.

Another Pennsylvania Fancy Food Show exhibitor, Letterman Enterprises (State College, PA), creator and manufacturer of SpiceCream was interviewed at the show by Fox News.

The show attracted many foreign buyers, including several international buying delegations.  A group of Chinese buyers had pre-arranged meetings with our pavilion exhibitors.

Giorgio Foods offers samples to a Chinese delegation

Hannah and Jan took the train to New York City on Monday and had the opportunity to see (and taste) the Fancy Food Show firsthand:

When the trade show was finally over and everyone packed up to go home, over 200,000 pounds of leftover food was donated to City Harvest, a non-profit organization in New York City that “rescues” food and delivers it to hungry citizens.