Central California’s Innovative and Entrepreneurial Food Companies Gain Market Exposure and Buyer Access through Fresno Food Expo Award Programs

Food and beverage innovators and entrepreneurs from throughout Central California are encouraged to submit applications for the fifth annual Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards, presented by Baker Peterson Franklin, CPA, LLP, and the third annual Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award. Applications can be submitted at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com. Deadline for submission is Friday, June 30, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Designed to build buyer and consumer awareness, the New Product Awards serve as a strategic platform to launch new products and packaging concepts debuted at the Expo’s annual trade show, putting a spotlight on the innovation and collaboration happening in Central California, and helping exhibitors establish product placement in stores, restaurants and through foodservice distribution channels. With more than 160 new products launched since the program began in 2013, the Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards include two distinctive awards: the Buyer’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award.

“The New Product Awards add a critical element to the Expo, highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Central California, and helps us tell the story about what makes our region truly unique,” said David Nalchajian, General Manager of the Fresno Food Expo. “Since the inception of the Awards in 2013, participants have benefitted from invaluable marketing exposure, helping to launch and position their new products, increase company sales overall and have opened the door to domestic and international distribution.”

Also returning in 2017 is the Fred Ruiz Entrepreneurial Award. This award recognizes innovation in business by honoring companies who have the same vision and qualities that took Ruiz Foods from a small, family start-up to the largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer in the United States.

"It is our pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedicated spirit of entrepreneurs through this annual award,” said Kim Ruiz Beck, Chairman, Ruiz Food Products, Inc., “As my father and grandfather demonstrated when they started Ruiz Foods in 1964, entrepreneurs are the foundation of America’s future – they are dreamers and innovators, hard workers and risk takers – providing jobs and opportunities for others.”

The 2017 Fresno Food Expo will take place July 26-27, 2017. Tickets to Expolicious, will be available to the public starting June 1 for $50 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster Box Office, online at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com or at Cumulus Broadcasting, while supplies last. For discount ticket information, you can Like the Fresno Food Expo on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter. For more information on the Fresno Food Expo, visit www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.

Read the full release here.

Cohen CommunicationsChristy Viramontes, 559-222-1322Cell: 559-630-4800