NASFT CANCELS SPRING FANCY FOOD SHOW AT GFSE

       The Board of Directors of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc., (NASFT) voted last week to discontinue the spring Fancy Food Show in Chicago, which, in 2008 was part of the Global Food & Style Expo (GFSE) in partnership with the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) All Things Organic event and NASDA's U.S. Food Export Showcase (USFES).
       According to Ann Daw, president of NASFT, NASFT's research indicated that the show was "no longer providing the majority of our members with the most effective means by which to grow their businesses in the Midwest."
       NASDA President and North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson noted that NASDA’s immediate reaction to the new, GFSE, event was positive.
       According to Johnson, "NASDA has commissioned detailed research on GFSE exhibitors and attendees. We intend to use that information in consultation with our membership and our partners at the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of USDA, as part of the process of examining all options. The NASDA Board will be meeting next on July 24 to consider options for the next several years."
       NASDA also produces the American Food Fair, held annually in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association's Show in Chicago, and the U.S. Pavilion at the IFE Americas Show held annually in Miami.  (Contact: DeWitt Ashby, 202/296-9680)