"The ability to connect with other brands,
with suppliers, with customers. We
were really struggling during COVID …
[the SFA] facilitates those connections and
its invaluable for growing our brand."
—Henry Kasindorf, co-founder, Remedy Organics
"My favorite thing has to be the food shows …
We have met some really great retailers and
other founders here. I am super excited to
continue doing Fancy Food Shows."
—Lin Jiang, founder, Yishi Foods
"There are so many benefits. Even just displaying
products at the Fancy Food Show, you get so much
exposure, and we get a lot of support from the
Specialty Food [Association] as well. Specialty Food
[Association] has built this community, basically,
so we are very thankful to be a part of it."
—Chitra Agrawal, founder, Brooklyn Delhi
"The resources that the SFA provides. There
is a lot more than there used to be, which
we really appreciate as manufacturers."
—Alexandra Groezinger, president, Alexian Pate
"Making connections. We made a connection
at the Winter Fancy Food Show that ended up
[leading to] a wonderful connection with a retailer
that is now starting to bring in our products.
It's an opportunity to meet with other like-
minded businesses and help each other out."
—Kristie Middleton, founder, Rebellyous
"I like the opportunity to network. It
seems like an endless opportunity."
—Ray Dukes, co-founder, Rosella Bakes Goods
"The SFA provided a platform for minority-owned
businesses at their show, and we had a center
platform. It was the opportunity of a lifetime
because I got to meet hundreds of buyers. That's
not just something you get on a regular day."
—Thereasa Black, founder, Bon Appésweet
"The Specialty Food Association allows companies
to post press releases. It's been a really great way
for us to get our brand out there on a limited budget
and raise awareness about what we're doing."
—Caroline Cotto, co-founder and COO, Renewal Mill
How does the SFA benefit your business?
SFA's Spill & Dish: A Specialty Food Association podcast features
the stories of SFA members: the entrepreneurs, makers, and buyers
behind specialty foods and beverages. Listeners can discover
the inspiration, recipe, craft, culture, ingredients, and production
methods that make specialty food special and get a deeper
understanding of the people and motivation behind the products.
During the podcast, hosts ask the guests how the SFA helps
benefit their business. Following are some responses.
COMPILED AND EDITED BY GEORGE HAJJAR
WINTER 2023 53
industry voices
