2008 PRESS RELEASES

March 7, 2008
VIRGINIA FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXPO RETURNS MAY 14, 2008
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

The Virginia Food and Beverage Expo is back. After a two-year hiatus, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will present the popular culinary trade show on May 14, 2008 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, in downtown Richmond , Virginia . Open only to food industry professionals, the Expo will showcase the wide variety of food and beverage products from all parts of Virginia . The show is not open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

More than 100 exhibitors will continue Virginia ’s longstanding tradition of taste with favorites such as Virginia hams and peanuts as well as innovative products and creative fare including snacks, soups, sauces, wine, meats, candies, desserts, drinks, condiments, cheeses, and more.

Buyers for the food and beverage trades recognize the Expo as an efficient and essential survey of the new and noteworthy in Virginia cuisine. The Expo gives them a convenient one-stop opportunity to discover, sample and purchase Virginia processed products from classic to cutting edge, as well as explore fresh produce options and other commodities from Virginia farmers. 

Hundreds attended the 2006 Expo, representing gourmet and specialty food retailers, supermarkets, gift and museum shops, gift-basket and mail-order companies, hotels, bed and breakfasts, foodservice, brokers, distributors, chefs and caterers. They praised the show: “. . . A wonderful way to view exciting product lines.” “Great ideas and products!” “I will definitely attend the next one.”

VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore has issued his personal invitation: “I invite food industry buyers to experience for themselves the outstanding quality and diversity of locally grown, produced and processed products at the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo. When they see what our exhibitors have to offer, I think they will find dozens of reasons to include Virginia ’s own in their menu and product mix.”

The Virginia Food and Beverage Expo will take place on May 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 300 North 5 th Street , Richmond , Virginia . It is open only to buyers in the food and beverage trades. The show is not open to the public and there is no cost to attend. To register or receive additional information about the Expo, go online, contact Lisa Lloyd at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 804.786.4278 or e-mail lisa.lloyd@vdacs.virginia.gov.