The show was scheduled for June 28-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. However, given the pandemic and the crucial role played by the Javits Center in fighting said pandemic, SFA feels that the show had to be canceled.
Phil Kafarakis, SFA President, said in the release: “As the leader in the future of food movement, our responsibility is to serve our members through good times and bad. Our legacy is one of connecting the global specialty food industry—makers, buyers, and distributors—and we’re assessing ways to create an engaging environment for that, outside of the Fancy Food Show.”
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SFA is evaluating alternative formats for later in the year. It is currently running webinars, including one on the CARES Act, in an “Ask-The-Experts” series. All content is recorded and available on theSFA Online Learning Center.SFA’s current priority is to guide member exhibitors and registered attendees through a process of receiving refunds or credits for the show. An outreach campaign is underway.
SFA is also developing their Product Marketplace resource center, which will allow manufacturers and buyers to connect.
Kafarakis added: “Our mission remains getting specialty food makers and their amazing products in front of buyers and consumers.”