OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Foodservice represents both a great opportunity and a great challenge, not just for convenience stores, but all the numerous retail channels getting into on-the-go foodservice. "We [the c-store industry] don't really have the knowledge that we need to have about foodservice," said Greg Parker of The Parker Cos.
That's why Parker, president and CEO of the Savannah, Ga.-based c-store chain, is one of hundreds of retailers, distributors and suppliers registered to attend CSP Information Group's Foodservice at Retail Expo (FARE) August 11-13 in Schaumburg, Ill.
With [image-nocss] a goal of bringing several channels together to address a single category they have in common—grab-and-go foodservice—FARE is a unique conference experience that will have all segments of the category learning from each other. Never before has such a variety of retailers gathered in one place to discuss and learn about a single in-store category, said Jane Berzan, CSP's vice president of strategic initiatives, who has led the planning for the event.
"This show is multi-channel, focused on one product category, and it happens to be the one category that is growing the fastest in the food industry right now," said Berzan. "FARE is a terrific opportunity for retailers to take advantage of 20 hours of focused educational sessions, an exhibit hall showcasing the latest foodservice technology, food products, food programs, and equipment, plus excellent networking opportunities with peers from multiple retail formats. Plus, our partnership with the American Wholesale Marketers Association ensures that we cover critical supply chain issues. AWMA is hosting a full-day educational program specifically to educate their members on how to either get into the fresh-food area or grow their foodservice programs."
The agenda includes three general sessions that will cover some the strategic issues facing the on-the-go food industry, as well as a multi-channel panel presentation on the state of the foodservice industry, bringing together information on how on-the-go foodservice is working in a variety of retail formats.
Registration of retailers, foodservice operators and distributors is strong, according to Berzan, and CSP anticipates more than 300 retailers—from c-stores, drug stores, college/university stores and mass merchandisers—will attend the show. FARE's tradeshow will feature more than 100 foodservice manufacturers and suppliers, filling 150 exhibit booths with a variety of foodservice products, services and equipment.
"FARE brings together an important segment of the food industry; the on-the-go industry is growing in new and interesting ways in all forms of retail, said Berzan. "There are so many common issues across channels, from c-stores to supermarkets to travel centers, drug chains, mass merchandisers, military stores and college/university settings, that it just makes sense to share challenges and discuss opportunities together."
"I'm delighted that CSP is doing this," said Parker. "I personally am excited and I intend to be there."
The Foodservice at Retail Expo (FARE) will be held August 11-13 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, Schaumburg, Ill. For more details, registration and hotel information, go to www.foodserviceatretail.com. Retailers and foodservice operators are invited to attend FARE complimentary. Manufacturers who are interested in exhibiting at FARE should contact Berzan at jberzan@cspnet.com.
Oak Brook, Ill.-based CSP Information Group, publisher of CSP and CSP Independent magazines, is a business-to-business communication company specializing in the convenience and retail petroleum industry. Other business units include the CSP Daily News e-mail newsletter, CSPNetwork CyberConferences, CSPTV, CSP Leadership Conferences and Events, 24-7 Connect Virtual Expo and CSP Consulting.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.