Brooklyn's Progress
December 2007/January 2008

BY YUK LO

More than 550 exhibitors showcased their products to the over 5,000 buyers at this year’s Kosherfest food show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Nov. 11 and 12 – but five of them were Kosher-certified, Brooklyn-made, and under the Brooklyn Goes Global (BGG) banner: 4C Foods Corp. (http://www.4c.com/); Acme Smoked Fish Corp. (http://www.acmesmokedfish.com/); Angel’s Bakery (http://www.angelsbakery.com/); Grampa’s Mints (212-956-0881); and King of the Sea (http://www.kingoftheseatuna.com/).

Although it is too soon after the show to get back tangible sales data, exhibitors were happy with the turnout.

“This year’s show was Angel’s Bakery’s first time exhibiting at Kosherfest,” said Bill McNamee, vice president of sales and marketing for Angel’s Bakeries. “The show was great. We received contacts from dozens of potential buyers that we will continue to follow-up with in the weeks to come.”

This year also marked the launch of 4C’s newest product, which was awarded “Best New Beverage” in the 2007 Kosherfest New Product Competition for its “Totally Light Energy Rush Berry.”

Chris Quinn, vice president of sales at 4C Foods, said “We would be challenged to find an advertising vehicle which gives the amount of exposure that we gained by participation in Kosherfest. This event has proven to be a very effective way to educate the kosher community about the 4C brand. The level of interest in our drink mixes this year was incredible!”

Participation at Kosherfest and other major food shows are made affordable to Brooklyn food manufacturers through Brooklyn Goes Global (BGG), a program of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce that helps manufacturers by purchasing a large trade show space, finding interested exhibitors, and dividing the space between the businesses at a deeply discounted price. Savings for participating businesses under the BGG banner average 60% less than the costs of participating on their own, dependent on exhibit space and other factors.

If you are interested in showcasing your food products at the next major food show or to obtain more information about the BGG program, contact Steve Kaplansky at 516-241-1521 or at skaplansky@brooklynchamber.com.