Local Food Trade Show
The Local Food Trade Show
Harvesting Connections: Highlights from the 2025 Local Food Trade Show!
The 2025 Local Food Trade Show was our biggest trade show since COVID, bringing together an incredible gathering of local food producers, buyers, and advocates. We had nearly 100 exhibitors from rich and creamy clam chowder to bold and spicy kelp relish, liquor-infused ice cream to wholesome farm-baking mixes, and African-imported cashews to decadent mini-cheesecakes, the air was filled with the delightful aromas of exhibitor samples, drawing attendees in for a taste of New England’s finest local offerings. Each bite was as delicious as the next, and the energy in the space was electric. Attendees were not only enthusiastic but deeply engaged, asking insightful questions and forging meaningful connections with the food producers. The event kicked off with opening remarks in the community room, where the passion for local food, sustainability, and community was brilliantly evident. It was inspiring to see such dedication and enthusiasm in one space, reinforcing the importance of strengthening our local food system. Russell’s Garden Center, with its beautiful lighting and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complemented the vibrant energy of the day. The 2025 Local Food Trade Show was truly a celebration of our local food community, and we are grateful to all who attended and contributed to making it such a success. We can’t wait to continue growing and supporting the local food movement together!
Please Take Our Survey
A crucial part of making the show a better experience for everyone is finding out how your experience was. In addition, this event is heavily subsidized to keep the bar to entry low. Those funders need to know about the impact of our work. You can significantly contribute to next year's trade show with just a few minutes of your time. Please click on the link below and share with us your feedback!
WHAT IS THE LOCAL FOOD TRADE SHOW? A networking event that connects New England food producers with wholesale buyers.
WHO IS AN ATTENDEE? All wholesale buyers! Big grocery stores and distributors, specialty food stores and specialized distributors, cafes and restaurants, K12 through college dining halls, farm stores, and CSA managers — the Trade Show is an opportunity to meet some of the best local food producers and new-to-the-scene products!
PRICES
Full Price (12/2/24-1/21/25)
$40 SBN Members
$60 Non-Members (+ $20/$30 for each additional guest)
Last Minute Price (1/22/25-At the door)
$50 SBN Members
$75 Non-Members (+$25/$37.50 for each additional guest)
WHO IS AN EXHIBITOR? Farmers, fishing folks, food makers, and value-added producers based in New England. If you have your wholesale license* (if/as needed for your product and state) and are ready to grow your wholesale presence.
PRICES
Full Price (12/2/24-1/10/25)
$125 SBN Members
$150 Non-Members
AGENDA
8:00-9:00 AM: Exhibitor Check-In
9:00-10:00: Exhibitor Networking
10:00: Attendee Check-In
10:00-2:00: Trade Floor Browsing
11:00: Opening Remarks
12:00: Lunch
2:00-3:00: Exhibitor Load-out
BE A SPONSOR! By giving food entrepreneurs the platform to showcase their products, and buyers a venue to explore these industry-changing offerings, we are tilling the soil for a new future of food. Your sponsorship will uplift our region’s sustainable economy, while tying your organization to this crucial effort. Please join us in making the 2026 Local Food Trade Show successful!
Trade Show Workshops
-
NEXT UP: Virtual Wholesale Matchmaking Webinar - May 2025
Based on your capacity, product, and location, be matched up with up to 4 wholesale buyers. This workshop will take place later in the spring (in May).
-
Perfect Your Presentation for Buyers - Friday, January 17th, 9-10am
Preparing for the trade show and all wholesale buyer conversations.
-
1-on-1 Consultations - Wednesday, January 22nd, 9-11am.
Meet with up to six industry experts in Marketing, Sales, Finance, Legal, Food Safety, or Working with Distributors.
-
Preparing for Wholesale: Cost of Goods, Contracts, and Distribution - Friday, January 24th, 9-10:30am
A quick rundown of the most important numbers and information you want to know and be able to articulate before you sign a wholesale contract.
2025 EXHIBITORS
This year we had more exhibitors than ever before. Each exhibitor brought an exceptional uniqueness to the experience, making the event a true celebration of local food innovation. From rich and creamy clam chowder to bold and spicy kelp relish, liquor-infused ice cream to wholesome farm-baking mixes, and African-imported cashews to decadent mini-cheesecakes, the variety of offerings was nothing short of incredible. Attendees were delighted by the flavors, creativity, and passion each exhibitor showcased. The swag bags were a standout feature, filled with wonderful goodies and fantastic promotions, making them the first thing people eagerly grabbed upon arrival. Each item inside represented the outstanding quality and diversity of our exhibitors, further enhancing the experience for everyone in attendance.
2025 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We are immensely grateful to the generous sponsors whose dedication and support brought the 2025 Local Food Trade Show to life. Your commitment to strengthening New England’s food community fosters innovation, collaboration, and lasting connections. This event would not have been possible without your leadership and belief in a resilient local food system. Russell’s Garden Center, as always, brought the community together in their rustic greenhouse, providing a beautiful environment for networking. The Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center partnered with us to support the Wholesale Readiness Program, helping small food businesses take the next step toward scaling up. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks and continues to support the Buy Local movement across the state. The Massachusetts Health Connector plays a key role in supporting emerging businesses by providing essential resources for their growth and stability. Farm Credit East not only tabled at the event but continues to provide invaluable financial support to New England’s agricultural community. Hannaford showed their commitment to quality and local sourcing through their attendance and engagement. Longfellow Health Clubs remains a steadfast supporter of our mission, as always, helping strengthen our regional food system. EdibleBoston continues to be an unwavering advocate for New England food, amplifying the voices of our local producers and food businesses. Century Leasing continues to keep businesses energy efficient with their cold storage trailers. CET/RecyclingWorks tabled at the event and reinforced the importance of reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices. Costa Fruit & Produce played a key role in connecting buyers with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Basil Tree Catering provided delicious lunches that kept our attendees fueled and ready for meaningful conversations. Thank you all for your sponsorship and support to keep doing what we do.
