Win the chance to showcase your upcycled food products at Grocery & Specialty Food West 2023
Upcycler Showcase at
Grocery & Specialty Food West
As part of our work with Metro Vancouver to build a regional food recovery network, FoodMesh is organizing an upcycler showcase at the upcoming Grocery & Specialty Food West trade show happening in Vancouver this April.
Upcycling is a crucial segment in the food waste solution ecosystem, and we at FoodMesh firmly believe in the need to help nurture these start-ups as they build out their businesses.
Food upcyclers in BC are invited to enter a draw to win sponsored booth space, access to the main sampling stage, and the chance to meet retail buyers from across Canada.
Slow Bottled Sunday
Creates sauces and condiments with “ugly” fruit, saved in collaboration with BC farmers
Reroot
Makes simple and affordable pre-made frozen meals from surplus ingredients
Susgrainable
Crafts delicious easy-to-make baking mixes from spent grains upcycled from craft breweries
Goodly Foods
Makes nourishing soups and stews using imperfect produce
Luv the Grub
Creates gourmet fusion chutneys and spreads from “ugly” produce and produce seconds
About the event
What
Grocery & Specialty Food West is Canada’s premier western grocery trade show, bringing together retailers and manufacturers from across the nation to discover new innovations, network, and build relationships within the grocery industry.
When
April 23: Opening reception: Sample your product on the main sampling stage
April 24 and 25: Trade show: Host a booth (each booth shared by two upcyclers)
Who is eligible to win
You must be creating food products containing one or more ingredient that is upcycled*
*Upcycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment (according to the Upcycled Food Association)
The upcycled ingredient(s) you use must be sourced from within BC
What is required from you
If you win sponsorship to this event, we ask that you inform FoodMesh of any new business you get as a result of your participation.
FAQs
Why is FoodMesh sponsoring upcyclers to participate in this event?
We are on a mission to end food waste and we firmly believe that food waste only occurs when there is no end-user for that food. This is why we are big supporters of the upcycled food movement because these incredible organizations are creating new value from the food that would otherwise be destined for waste streams. We want to see these businesses grow!
Who will be at this event?
This event expects 3000 participants, 95% of which are grocery owners, operators and decision-makers. Some major attendees include corporate and franchised retailers from companies such as Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Fortino’s, No Frills and Food Basics, as well as warehouse retailers and mass merchandisers such as Costco and Wal-Mart.
Are travel/accommodation expenses included in the sponsorship?
No. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodation expenses. Visit the Grocery and Specialty Food West website for hotel and travel options, including discount codes.
What is included with the booth?
Half a booth (50 sq. ft) to showcase your products and tell your story during the tradeshow (located near the main Stage area and adjacent to the Sustainability Sentral Pavilion). Each booth comes with:
8′ back & 3′ side drape in pavilion colours
Booth ID sign with company name (18″ x 44″)
Wastebasket
Booth carpet
6-foot draped table
2 side chairs
Free company listing in the official printed Show Directory
Comprehensive Exhibitor Planner for pre-show planning
Exhibitor E-News Updates (up-to-the-moment show activity)
5 complimentary exhibitor badges (per booth)
Material handling from the loading dock to booth and return
Removal, storage, and return of exhibit crates
24-hour professional security
Complimentary ice and clean-up areas
