Discovering the latest in consumer trends, sampling the newest products and taking part in numerous educational opportunities are just some of the benefits that come from attending the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show. The show will be held May 7-9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, along with four other important food industry events — All Things Organic; the Spring Fancy Food Show; the U.S. Food Export Showcase; and the United Produce Conference & Expo.

The FMI Show is the premier global marketplace for food industry leaders. Each year, supermarket retailers and wholesalers come from around the world to receive the latest information on the food industry, see top exhibitors and sample the newest products to hit the shelves.

The show will feature about 40 educational sessions, an exhibit floor with thousands of consumer products, three awards programs and the unveiling of data from FMI’s two annual benchmark reports, Grocery Shopper Trends and Food Retail Industry Speaks.

Private-label products are expanding rapidly across all supermarket aisles, providing retailers a valuable tool for differentiation. The demand is growing so much, that the FMI is taking several steps to help key retail executives meet with private-label suppliers. For the first time, the FMI Show will feature a Private Label Pavilion. A special preview of the exhibit area will be on May 6, so that private-label exhibitors can connect directly with senior-level retail executives before the show starts.

Prior to the FMI Show on May 5 and 6, the Daymon Worldwide Forum, “Partnering in a Smaller World,” will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel. The conference is targeted at senior-level executives from Daymon Worldwide retailer and supplier partners from around the world.

During the show, the Pavilion will feature a series of activities, educational programs, product demonstrations, special displays and private-label marketing information, designed to involve retailers with participating private-label exhibitors. Along with the Pavilion, a series of seminars, learning labs and workshops will enable attending retailers to earn an FMI Education Certificate in private-label marketing.

One of the returning features to the FMI Show will be the fourth annual New Product Showcase and the Retailers’ Choice Awards. The Showcase will feature products in 14 different categories, including entrees/prepared foods/meal solutions, equipment, ethnic/international foods, private label, processed and fresh meats and seafood products, and technology. Companies with the most popular products in each Showcase category will be presented with the 2006 Retailers’ Choice Awards. The awards will be decided by votes from retailers and wholesalers attending the show and will be announced on Tuesday, May 9, during the opening general session. NP

Saturday, May 6:

1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 7:

10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 8:

10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9:

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.