US-based event organiser Emerald has strengthened its position in the B2B food and beverage sector with the acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo.
Emerald will work in collaboration with Abasto Media to develop the B2B event in the US.
The expo joins a portfolio of leading brands, including International Pizza Expo, International Artisan Bakery Expo, and SIAL America (co-produced with Comexposium).
According to research by Nielsen, the Hispanic market represents $1.9 trillion in buying power in 2023, an increase of 87% over the last decade. This sector also accounts for 50% of the growth in the US food and beverage industry between 2005 and 2020, and was valued at $21bn at the end of that period, according to data released by Statista.
Latin food and beverage suppliers will now have access to a new, focused audience of retailers, allowing for business growth.
The Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo’s inaugural national debut will take place 26-27 September, 2023, at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.
“It’s an honour and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide event, which will drive new business and educational opportunities for the passionate, rapidly growing Latin food and beverage community,” said Andrea Fletcher, Cocina Sabrosa brand leader. “Between Emerald’s expertise in building connected communities and Abasto’s industry knowledge and relationships, we’ll be perfectly poised to deliver the resources, content, and connections Latin food service leaders need to prosper.”
Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo will also showcase a conference programme with more detail released in the coming months.
“We have been envisioning a national Latin food and beverage event for some time by creating an event that will bring our partners and readers together under one roof,” said Gus Calabro, director of Abasto Media. “There is high demand within this segment to create an event like this and partnering with a world-class company and leader in the events industry like Emerald is now making this a reality.”
