Local Food Trade Show

The Local Food Trade Show

Thank you for joining us!

Thank you to every food maker and buyer, every industry expert and supporter who came out and joined the sunshine, community, tasty flavors and great connections. Despite the storm that would not end and bitter cold temperatures, we were honored to host a great 15th Local Food Trade Show! With nearly 100 local food vendors representing the breadth of Massachusetts and all six New England states, across food types and flavors, the buyers enjoyed a multitude of one-on-one conversations with entrepreneurs and tastings of their amazing products. With nearly 200 attendees, most of them buyers across industries, scale, and the region, there was a connection (or several) for every exhibitor. Most of all, the joy of bringing people together, celebrating the local food economy, and the innovative emerging New England brands, are at the heart and soul of the work we do every day. Thank you!

If you are interested in joining us January 2027, please fill out the following form, and follow us on Instagram or Facebook for when we announce opening registration, most likely in October.

ATTENDEE INTEREST FORM

EXHIBITOR INTEREST FORM

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!

WHO IS AN EXHIBITOR? Farmers, fishing folks, food makers, and value-added producers based in New England. If you have your wholesale license* (as needed for your product and state) and are ready to grow your wholesale presence. Registration includes table and chair, promotion and wrap-around workshops, and listing in the program and opportunities to be in the Swag Bag and Raffle Prize. Additional optional costs for electricity, purchasing a program ad, and boxed lunches. You will also need to get a Temporary Food Service Permit from the town if you don’t already have one in Wayland for the 2027 Winter Season.

2026 AGENDA

8:00-9:00 AM: Exhibitor Check-In
9:00-10:00: Exhibitor Networking
10:00: Attendee Check-In
10:00-3:00: Trade Floor Browsing
11:00: Opening Remarks
- Commissioner of MA Dept of Agricultural Resources, Ashley Randle
- State Representative, Carmine Gentile
- State Representative, James Arena-DeRosa
- Brewing the American Dream Representative, Jennifer Glanville Love
12:00: Lunch
3:00-4:00: Exhibitor Load-out

Image of Holyoke Hummus provided by Ling Messer

Image of Wicked Bess provided by Ling Messer

Image of The Madras Flavors provided by Ling Messer

Image of Nussli118 provided by Ling Messer

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 uplifts our region’s sustainable economy, while tying your organization to this crucial effort. Please join us in making the 2027 Local Food Trade Show successful! For more information, explore our Sponsorship Booklet below, and/or contact us (kerry@sbnmass.org).

2027 Sponsorship Booklet

Trade Show Workshops

All registered exhibitors have the option to participate in any/all of the following workshops. According to prior participating entrepreneurs, “Those workshops set me up to really grow. … I’ve been telling everyone about the trade show and all the support you give!” Attendees are invited to participate in workshops as well as industry experts.

Perfect Your Presentation for Buyers

An impactful workshop about your pitch, presentation, packaging, and presence. How can you make the most of the few minutes you have the ear of a buyer?
1-on-1 Consultations

Meet with up to six industry experts in Marketing, Sales, Finance, Legal, Food Safety, Working with Distributors, and/or Waste and Energy Reduction. Thanks to the generosity and expertise shared by area industry experts, you can get 20 minutes of dedicated time for your business’s next steps or challenges.
Wholesale 101: Regulatory Compliance and Wholesale Logistics

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. Make sure that as you expand, you are doing it wisely.