GSF 2025 By Numbers
- Network
- Learn/Get new ideas
- Find new products
- Look for business opportunities
- New Exhibitors / Products
- Attendee Quality
- Business Opportunities
“(At GSF) there are always interesting products and you start to see the trends on what’s happening, where products are moving to. There’s been a real push towards more ethnic, natural, organic, the last couple of years, but there’s still the mainstream grocery innovation that’s very important to our business to continue to grow our sales.”
Jamie Nelson, President, Pattison Food Group
“GSF it’s great to see the innovations to differentiate ourselves from the chain stores. If you’re sitting on the fence you need to be here at GSF… I don’t think there is a better value in 48 hrs you can accomplish so much. If you’re not here you’re missing out (as an independent retailer) and doing yourself a disservice.”
Brian Bradley, President, Stong’s Markets
“There is so much opportunity to network and see products in person, live, see the trends and get ahead of that…we’ve missed the face to face… and getting to make that connection.”
Debbie Unick, Director of Ag & Consumer Business Transformation, Federated Cooperatives Ltd.
“I would say this is a really great opportunity to market your products to some key decision makers, also being able to network and go to workshops that really help expand your business. It’s a 0-60 introduction to what new innovative products are out there and what the retail industry is looking for and what consumers are looking for, so if you’re on the fence, just do it, it’s a great opportunity!”
Annie Sirois, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
“It is a must if you want to be in the food industry – for all representatives of the food business, to be in this show. The organization is great to work with, and I think there are many opportunities to work with stakeholders and businesses in the food industry. It’s a great place to be right now.”
Maria Elena Lanzafame, Italian Trade Agency
“Give it all you got, go for it! Especially if you are a BuyBC local, there is no harm in coming down this aisle, it’s been nothing but the best for us”
Jessie Paloposki, Mamacita’s Empanadas
“Just having somewhere to show that innovation just changes the game completely for us, unveiling new products and launching new products”
Matteo Tiberia, Kruger Products Inc.
“Met new buyers, and [had the]opportunity to talk to our major account buyers, and able to preview new products.”
-Nawaz Mawani, Vice President, Nana’s Kitchen & Hot Sauces ltd.
“As a startup CPG brand, exhibiting at the GSF Show for the first time was a game-changer. It significantly helped us to connect with retailers and build meaningful
industry relationships. The experience was not only productive but also genuinely enjoyable. We highly recommend the GSF Show to any emerging CPG brands looking to grow their presence and network in the
market.”
-Min Huang, Founder, Bites of Tang
“We really enjoyed the format of the Category Connect Networking event as it provided enough time for an authentic conversation with retailers to determine if our
product was a fit or not for their marketplace. We’d participate in this again. The show was excellent for the quality of buyer that was present…”
-Chuck Arcand, National Sales Director, Big Chief Meat Snacks
“Well run and very professional Trade show and a great audience that attended. A good mix of Nationals and Independents.”
-Zane Lowell, VP Sales, Future Technology
“Attending the GSF show as an exhibitor was a great experience. Ample time to make meaningful connections with potential business partners in multiple categories and regions. Highly recommend attending,either as an exhibitor or a retailer.”
-Brian Dewit, Co-Owner, THE BOG Riverside Cranberries
“The grocery show group was so welcoming and amazing to us, being from the pet specialty sector!”
-Amanda Moore, Wufers (Bosco and Roxy’s)
“GSF provided a solid platform for industry networking and brand exposure. The event was well-organized, and we appreciated the opportunity to connect with a diverse
range of attendees. We’re looking forward to seeing how the show continues to evolve.”
-Rave Sadiklar, President, Creation Foods Company
“GSF was a fantastic opportunity to meet new retailers and connect with other vendors. The quality of products and obvious passion for local in the BuyBC pavilion
was outstanding!”
-Diana McKenzie, Owner and Soda Crafter, Callister Craft Soda
“Participating in the GSF show in Vancouver was a valuable experience for us. It provided a great platform to showcase authentic Italian products and connect with
key players in the Western Canadian market. We’re proud to support Italian companies in expanding their presence abroad, and this event marked an excellent first step. We look forward to future editions with an even larger group of businesses and continued opportunities to promote the excellence of Made in Italy.”
-Katiuscia Masini, Trade analyst, ITA Italian Trade Commission
“Great place to meet new and existing customers! Looking forward to the show next year!!!”
-Steve, National Account Manager – Canada, Arneg Canada
“It feels like the show was a sort of rocket booster for us to find contacts and get into the retail space.”
-Jessie Paloposki, Owner, Mamacita’s Empanadas
“GSFW is a fantastic event for small businesses trying to network in the grocery industry. There are a lot of incentives that GSFW offers to first time exhibitors to help them succeed!”
-Levi Meyers, VP Sales and Marketing, RM Essentials
“The Best show I have ever attended in terms of quality leads.”
-Mark Whitmore, CEO, Owner, Dennis’ Horseradish
“One of the best industry events for food processors and grocers. Lots of innovation, aspiration and energy! Highly recommend.”
-Tiffany Guan, Food Processing Specialists, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
“Exhibitors on the Value of the New Product Showcase Program: A few retailers mentioned they saw our products there and it inspired them to come to our booth. …”
-Chuck Arcand, National Sales Director, Big Chief Meat Snacks
“[Top 10 in Grocery winner]We won Best Home Meal Replacement – I think lots of people found out about us through the [New Product Showcase program].”
-Jessie Paloposki, Owner, Mamacita’s Empanadas
Thank You for Joining Us at GSF 2025 – Rebook Now for GSF 2026!
We appreciate your participation at GSF 2025! Secure your spot early for GSF 2026 and continue building valuable connections, discovering new innovations, and driving your success forward. Don’t miss out on another incredible year.