Debut at the 2008 Global Food and Style Expo in Chicago

Sano Villa took to the rode in April 2008, making our way to Chicago for our very first food show. We packed up our rental with cases of PistachiOats®, brochures, flyers, banners, and our nerves and drove from New York City, headquarters of Sano Villa, to Chicago, with a stop in Cleveland. On our drive, we prepared for what was to become a pivotal moment in our emerging business’ career. As new Member Candidates of the National Association of Specialty Foods Trade (NASFT), we understood that our presence at the food show would be important in launching our product into the market.

The experience was overwhelming, to say the least. Admittedly, it was hard to focus on work, work, work, being in one of the most beautiful cities in America and in a mecca of art, entertainment, and fabulous restaurants, but we had come with the purpose of gaining industry insight and exposure, which helped us to focus amidst all the pleasures of Chicago.
While at the show, we attended various seminars, ranging from business basics to the insides of marketing. We also met with many Chicago retailers and manufacturers and learned more about the ins and outs of the food industry. The most encouraging part of our experience was in meeting so many new, small business owners, just like us, who were experiencing a food show for the first time. Some of the wonderful small business entrepreneurs that we met were:

Chris at Shaggy Dog Marinade
Sharissa at Anthony Grace Collection

Judy and Dale and Splendid Spreads
Sam at How Do You Take Your Coffee?
Lucy and Paul at Dr. Lucy's

Our deepest gratitude goes out to each and every one of them and we wish them all the best!

A very special thanks also goes to Erika from the NASFT for allowing us the opportunity and providing us the resources and invaluable support that made our first food show experience a success.

Sano Villa is now taking its experience and preparing for our next big NASFT Food Show here in NYC at the end of this month. Be sure to check our website regularly to find out how our next big show goes!

To see our complete album from the Spring Fancy Food Show and tour of Chicago, follow the link to:

http://picasaweb.google.com/PistachiOats/2008GlobalFoodStyleExpo