FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/13/2006

Contact: Donna Wood, Event Director
Telephone: 905-948-0470 x 231
dwood@divcomevents.com
www.ethnicfoodcanada.com

October 13, 2006, Toronto – More than 1,100 food industry buyers and decision-makers attended the inaugural Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo, a two-day event recently held in Mississauga, Ont. The successful event, which included the All Things Organic ™ pavilion, was staged at the International Centre Sept. 10 and 11.

Attendees of the Expo said in a survey conducted after event that they were very pleased with the focus, knowledge and offerings of the 72 suppliers present.

Typical praise for the Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo show organizers came from Brian Shewell, Senior Merchandiser, SYSCO of Toronto, who said: “A great concept. The industry needs an event that addresses the still emerging and growing ethnic and specialty food markets. At Sysco, we pride ourselves on keeping pace with trends and product knowledge, at this year's event I was able to source some new products and get a better understanding of these markets. Looking forward to next year for that much more.”

Show organizers say the rising popularity of these categories generated audience interest in the products shown by the 72 exhibiting companies including a 600-square-foot Brazilian pavilion and an 800-square-foot All Things Organic ™ pavilion.

The show was focused on new products, suppliers and trends for the retail and foodservice industries. Thirty exhibitors took part in the new suppliers pavilion, many launching products developed to coincide with the show supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, The City of Toronto, Economic Development and the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Organic Trade Association.

Exhibitors conducted more than 70 one-on-one meetings with 10 key US-based buyers, including representatives from: Wild Oats Markets, Global Food Marketing Group, Associated Food Service, and Sodexho Dining Services.

The industry panel moderated by Elizabeth Baird, food editor, Canadian Living magazine, incorporated much audience interaction.

Tackling the timely topic of attracting the culturally diverse customer, panelists John Mastroianni, general manager, Pusateri’s Fine Foods; Nipun Sharma, principal owner, Rasoee Indian Kitchen Food Outlets; Rob Robinson, president, Robinson & Design Inc.; and David Young, director of private-label foods for Wild Oats were able to draw on their experiences and engage the audience of more than 80 buyers for almost two hours.

This inaugural event produced by Diversified Business Communications, Canada, provided buyers with friendly, knowledgeable suppliers within a professional focused event. The 2007 event will run September 30 – October 1, International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo is produced by Diversified Business Communications Canada, a division of Diversified Business Communications (DBC).

DBC, based in Portland, Maine, provides information and market access through trade exhibitions, magazine publishing, and online resources on four continents. In addition to this successful event, other products in Diversified’s specialty food and natural/organic portfolio include Expo Comida Latina, All Asia Food Expo, Kosherfest, and All Things Organic ™.

Diversified serves a number of other industries including natural and organic products, complementary and natural health care, seafood, and business management. For more information, visit: www.divbusiness.com