This week over 10,000 visitors were welcomed to the Mandalay Bay convention facilities to participate in the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Annual Meeting and Expo. Some commented at the high number of international visitors this year and many believe that moving the show from Chicago to Las Vegas may have attracted a larger international interest. But domestic or international, both guest and exhibitors agreed that the food industry is alive and well. “Last year at this time, business owners were sitting on their hands, as were we all. But since then, we have really done well.” said Joseph Bona, President, Retail Division for CBX Strategic Branding.

The Food Marketing Institute conducts programs on behalf of its 1500 member food retailer and wholesale companies in the United States and the around the world. The FMI members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores and over 15,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of $680 billion. With a responsibility to leadership, the FMI is vigilant about educating its members on government regulations, food safety, efficiency, research and community affairs.

The annual meeting is anchored by the FMI Expo which offers products and solutions for all facets of the food and pharmacy industry including: displays, point of sale, cash management, warehouse systems and specialty food products. This year’s notable specialty products include the “Drink Plate”, the ultimate in tailgate dinnerware. The Drink Plate is like a plastic car cup holder that you slip over your hand and has a plate attached. It looks a little silly, but it was secure, well balanced and very functional. www.drinknplate.com. This year there were a number of southern specialty foods coming to market such as “Bubba Burgers”, “Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie”, “FunniBonz” barbeque sauce and “Grandma’s Easy Corn Bread Batter”. As always, the major food and beverage manufacturers were in force, lead by Miller/Coors and their 10 bartender models serving beer, bright eyes and beautiful smiles. In the words of one Miller/Coors visitor: “Thank you Las Vegas!”

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