The Ultimate List of Food Trade Shows for Logistics, Freight & Supply Chain Professionals

Nick Terry • February 14, 2023

Blog Post CTA

Food Trade Shows for Logistics, Freight & Supply Chain Professionals

It takes the right ingredients to make a great meal. The same holds true for food logistics and supply chain shows. If it all goes to plan for you at a food trade show, you can gather up all the right fixings to help you feast on a great 2023. Attending these conferences is a great opportunity for shippers of food, dairy, deli, bakery, and frozen goods to learn about the latest industry developments, network with other professionals, and gain valuable insights into food logistics best practices. So it’s time to offer a tantalizing list of the important trade shows that will be going on around the country this year. We will look at two different groups — the shows that Entourage Freight Solutions are scheduled to attend and then the other notable food logistics and supply chain shows that shippers should know about.

Shows Entourage Freight Solutions is Attending

It would be hard to find anyone more expert at knowing which food trade shows to attend than the folks at Entourage Freight Solutions. Since starting out as a produce company in 2011, EFS has become one of the leading third-party logistics companies in the world with expertise in navigating refrigerated freight. So let’s take a look at the shows the people in the know are going to:

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) Conference, Feb. 25-28, 2023, San Diego — The AFFI Conference, which draws thousands of attendees and more than 500 companies, is one of the largest events in the food industry. Shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and other industry professionals are all there. This food trade show is the launching pad for the year. Attendees can plan out and lock down the entire chain of what they need to do for the upcoming year. The average attendee will sch 20-plus private meetings to help lock down details for their entire year. They can also learn from industry experts, see the latest products, and participate in discussions about the industry's most pressing topics. https://affi.org/affi-con/
The Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, May 2-4, 2003, Orlando, Florida — Southern Exposure, an annual meeting for the produce industry, is having a theme based on a famous sci-fi television show, so you can expect this food trade show to be out of this world. At Southern Exposure, you get a chance to see the best products and services the produce industry has to offer from hundreds of exhibitors. Among the attendees are buyers, agricultural leaders, and product innovators. Shippers have the opportunity to meet with growers and retailers, attend educational sessions, and network. It is a great event to get up to speed on the latest trends in the fresh produce industry. https://seproducecouncil.com/events-networking/southern-exposure/
Food Shippers of America’s 67th Annual Conference, March 5-7, 2023, Palm Desert, Calif. — The Food Shippers of America (FSA) is the premier association for food and beverage shippers and provides a forum for members to exchange ideas and best practices. FSA also hosts this annual conference, which is a great opportunity for food and beverage shippers to learn about the latest industry developments and network with fellow shippers. There’s also a “Golf Grab and Go Breakfast” and a “Supply Chain Afternoon Tea.” https://www.foodshippers.org/
North America Seafood Expo, March 12-14, 2023, Boston — This is North America’s largest seafood trade exposition. With exhibiting suppliers from 50 countries under one roof, this exposition provides North America’s seafood buyers with a one-stop shop to access everything seafood in a face-to-face environment, including sampling and sourcing products. Attendees can also meet with current or new suppliers and network with industry colleagues. A new product showcase is planned, as well as the Seafood Excellence Awards ceremony. https://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/
The National Restaurant Association Show, May 20-23, 2023, Chicago — The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. It has more resources, information, and connection opportunities than any other industry event. It’s a great opportunity for shippers to meet restaurant operators, manufacturers, and other industry professionals. They can also learn about the latest trends, garner critical industry insights, find out about new technologies, and attend educational sessions. https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association show, June 4-6, 2023, Anaheim, Calif. — As the leading trade organization for the dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice industry, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) puts on an annual show specific to those industries. This food trade show is an excellent opportunity for shippers to learn about the latest industry developments, meet with retailers and manufacturers, and network with industry professionals. It allows the companies in these industries who off their brands and what they have to offer. Hundreds of exhibitors are already listed as attending this middle-of-the-year event. https://www.iddba.org/
International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 19-21, 2023, Anaheim, Calif. — This is the premier event for the produce and floral industries. The show, put on every year by the International Fresh Produce Association, provides inspiration with the latest trends and allows you to make lasting connections with everyone in the global produce and floral supply chains. There will be plenty of exhibit booths, including many in which companies will be launching products. There will even be a high-traffic display area, called the Fresh Ideas Showcase, that is open to attendees before, during, and after show hours to highlight your new product or service at the Anaheim Convention Center. https://www.freshproduce.com/events/

Other Notable Shows That Food & Beverage Shippers Should Know About

The world of food logistics and supply chain shows doesn’t just end with the above list. There are plenty of other events throughout the year to consider. Maybe some are at a venue near you or they are on a weekend that suits your schedule.

GCCA European Cold Chain Conference, March 20-22, 2023, Barcelona Spain — The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) will host its 26th annual conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Barcelona. Over 150 cold chain professionals representing temperature-controlled third-party logistics, warehousing, transportation, technology, equipment, distribution, and construction are expected to attend. There will be educational programming to provide attendees with a better understanding of market trends, industry challenges/opportunities, and business solutions.
International Foodservice Distributors Association Expo, Sept. 10-13, 2023, Fort Worth, Texas — More than 150 exhibitors are expected to be at this event at the Fort Worth Convention Center. There will be workshop sessions, innovation labs, an executive leadership summit, and the Truck Driver Hall of Fame dinner. https://www.ifdaonline.org/events/distribution-solutions-conference/expo
Cumulus 2023, Sept. 11-13, 2023, Las Vegas — This food trade show is expected to have 250 world-class speakers and 500 agtech and foodtech startups over the three days at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. There will be industry leaders, innovators, and investors in a showcase that will include technologies creating and supporting the sustainable future of food. https://cumul.us/#subscribe
GFSI Conference, April 24-27, 2023, Atlanta — Put on by the Global Food Safety Initiative, this show is an industry who’s who that brings together the global food safety community to reaffirm the continuous commitment to addressing the challenges we face today. There will be plenary sessions, speaker presentations, and tech talks at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta.
Viva Fresh Expo, March 30 through April 1, 2023, Grapevine, Texas — Held at the Gaylord Texan Resort northwest of Dallas, this is the largest fresh produce trade show in the Southwest. It features exhibits from growers, shippers, distributors, packers, commodity boards, and industry suppliers while also bringing together the fresh produce industry. A golf tournament kicks off the event on the first day. www.vivafreshexpo.com
Seafood Expo Global, April 25-27, 2023, Barcelona, Spain — Almost 30,000 buyers, suppliers, and other seafood professionals from more than 150 countries are scheduled to be at the world’s largest seafood trade show. The expo will host more than 20 educational sessions that will discuss the most important and timely issues. There will also be chances for attendees to meet face-to-face with suppliers from around the world. www.seafoodexpo.com
Food Tech Summit & Expo, Sept. 27-28, 2023, Mexico City — The latest developments in food tech will be the focus of the 14th edition of this show to be held at the Citibanamex Center. For logistics, freight, and supply chain professionals in the food and beverage industry in Mexico and Latin America, this is a must-attend event. It features more than 35 free conferences and food innovation workshops along with a large exhibition floor. https://expo.thefoodtech.com/
Refrigerated Foods Association, Feb. 28-March 1, 2023, Kiawah Island S.C. — The 42nd annual installment of this show will cover current trends in chilled foods, food safety information, and the newest packaging and equipment options.
ProMat, March 20-23, 2023, Chicago — Over 150 educational supply chain seminars, including deep discussions on food logistics, are scheduled.
SIAL America, March 28-30, Las Vegas — This event features food and beverage information for companies, importers, distributors, retailers, and wholesalers alike.

EFS Can Show You the Way in Logistics World

It appears like 2023 will be a busy season for food logistics and supply chain professionals. With all of these food trade shows to attend, you can learn plenty about the industry. It can all be overwhelming but remember you can always turn to experts like Entourage Freight Solutions. With one-stop third-party logistics solutions for foodservice and more, EFS is one of the leaders in the industry. Using a cloud-based platform and increased visibility, the EFS team can provide the best service possible at an affordable rate. To request a quote, visit our website.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Tariffs, Trade Policy, and the Great Freight Fallout

By Nick Terry • April 28, 2025

In 2025, trade policy is no longer something that the freight industry can leave on the back burner. Trade policy today is shaping strategy at every level. From tariff escalations and retaliatory duties to sweeping regulatory changes and targeted maritime fees, supply chain leaders are navigating a freight market in which unpredictability is the only constant. Sourcing decisions are shifting, pricing dynamics are unstable, and long-standing operational models are being rewritten in real time. This edition brings together key stories highlighting the growing pressure across logistics channels. Each development points to an industry moving fast, and often reactively, to keep pace with volatile policy decisions. Tariffs Stall US Freight Recovery as Shippers Pause Orders The recent move by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose entrance fees on Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports has only added to the confusion and uncertainty gripping global supply chains and freight operations. Shippers are pausing plans and slashing orders, with truckload volumes, containerized imports, and manufacturing output all showing signs of contraction. Ocean freight spot rates have collapsed: Asia-U.S. West Coast rates have fallen 61% since January to $2,050 per FEU, while East Coast rates have dropped 53.7% to $3,100 per FEU . Blank sailings are rising, with vessels leaving Asia half-empty. Amazon and Five Below are among the major retailers reducing orders from Asia. Container imports jumped 15.3% in 2024, but forecasts now predict a 20-27% decline through the summer. Exporters, particularly agriculture and forestry suppliers, are also squeezed, facing 125% retaliatory tariffs from China. Truckload and intermodal rates remain stagnant, while U.S. factory output fell sharply in March. US Apparel Importers Brace for Long-Term Volume Declines According to Trade Partnership Worldwide, a 124.1% tariff on Chinese clothing and footwear is expected to reduce U.S. apparel imports by 1.6% annually . China still accounts for 41.7% of apparel shipments, leaving limited flexibility for diversion. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) is warning of price hikes and mounting infrastructure stress as sourcing pivots toward Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. A looming May 2 deadline for de minimis exemptions could further complicate flows and delay deliveries. Even with a temporary 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs, the policy uncertainty already affects long-term planning. AAFA CEO Steve Lamar calls the shifting policies “chaotic,” and warned that high tariff pressure will hit both importers and U.S. manufacturers reliant on Chinese components. Port and rail capacity limitations at larger gateways are adding to concerns. Retailers now face rising costs, shrinking margins, and operational delays — all while consumer demand continues to shift rapidly. Freight Pricing Gains Lose Momentum According to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, Q1 truckload rates rose 5.9% above the 2018 baseline, but are expected to decline slightly in Q2. Shippers are responding to tariff threats with aggressive front-loading and shorter-haul routes, driving per-shipment costs to three-year lows. LTL carriers remain focused on profitable lanes and high-quality freight rather than chasing volume. The index forecasts a 0.7% year-over-year increase in LTL rate per pound for Q2 , despite sustained demand softness and macro uncertainty. A key driver behind the softening spot market conditions is a shift to shorter hauls and regionalized distribution, pushing per-shipment costs to their lowest point in more than three years. This trend reflects how retailers and manufacturers are repositioning inventory in response to tariff volatility, as NRF’s Jonathan Gold and DAT analyst Dean Croke noted. Meanwhile, the LTL sector is seeing a 4% rise in fuel surcharges, offsetting lower weights and shorter hauls. With the freight market still under pressure after 26 months of contraction, optimism remains subdued as we enter the midyear period. US Truckload Freight Spot Rates Continue to Fluctuate National benchmark rates have experienced a decline across all categories. As of April 18, dry van decreased by 4 cents to $1.62, reefer by 2 cents to $1.88 , and flatbed by 3 cents to $2.16. This marked the first overall decrease since late January, signaling potential shifts in market dynamics. These changes can be attributed to factors such as tariff uncertainties and tighter capacity, especially affecting the flatbed market. Flatbed rates rely heavily on manufacturing activity in the country, which has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing trade war with China, and to some extent, with the rest of the world. US Finalizes Tiered Fee Plan Targeting Chinese Ships The U.S. is moving forward with a revised plan to levy voyage-based fees on Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships calling at American ports. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the measure as part of a broader Trump administration effort to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding and logistics while reigniting domestic ship construction and port infrastructure investment. Starting in six months, Chinese operators will be charged $50 per net ton, with an annual increase of $30 for three years . Non-Chinese carriers using Chinese-built vessels will face lower rates, beginning at $18 per ton or $120 per container, with annual increases. The USTR capped fee applications at five voyages per vessel annually, scaling back its original, more punitive per-port-call proposal after intense industry pushback. The fees are tied to findings from a USTR investigation, which concluded that China’s shipbuilding dominance — producing 29% of global fleet capacity and 70% of all container ships on order — stemmed from unfair trade practices. Exemptions apply to ships arriving empty, those in the Great Lakes or U.S. territories, and some bulk exports. LNG vessel transport restrictions will phase in over 22 years to support U.S. production. China’s largest container carrier, Cosco Shipping Lines, has sharply criticized the USTR’s plan. In a strongly worded statement, Cosco labeled the move as “discriminatory,” and warned it would disrupt global industrial and supply chain stability. Cosco denied allegations from that USTR investigation that claimed China manipulated its shipping and shipbuilding sectors to gain an unfair advantage. The carrier said it upholds “integrity, transparency, and compliance” in global competition and remains committed to ensuring the resilience of international trade. Walmart Investing $6B in Mexico, Central America Store Expansion Walmart of Mexico and Central America will invest $6 billion to open new stores across the region , reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth in Latin America. The expansion will include Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Express formats, building on a robust network of 3,200 stores across all 32 Mexican states. This latest move echoes Walmart’s earlier $1.3 billion investment in 2016 for regional distribution and operational upgrades. The retailer entered the Mexican market in 1991 with a Sam’s Club in Mexico City. In a statement, Walmart said the new expansion reflects confidence in the region’s economic potential and consumer demand. Globally, Walmart continues to invest aggressively in infrastructure and store development. The company has pledged about $4.5 billion for its Canadian operations and $1.3 billion in Chile to build 70 new stores and a distribution center. In the U.S., Walmart is executing a five-year plan to build or convert more than 150 stores while modernizing 650 existing locations under its “Store of the Future” initiative. Experience Seamless Shipping with Entourage Freight Solutions Entourage Freight Solutions believes in total transparency in the shipping process. That is why we invest in tech solutions that track every shipment extensively, monitor every driver, and extract every bit of efficiency without sacrificing quality. Our state-of-the-art platform utilizes cloud-based GPS tracking to keep you informed, reroutes shipments on the fly to avoid delays, and even responds to real-time market changes to ensure you receive your shipment on time and as soon as possible. Our Services Full Truck Load (FTL): When you need a truck all to yourself. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): Efficient solutions for multi-stop shipments or combining smaller loads to save on costs. Refrigerated Trucking: Keeping your temperature-sensitive products fresh and safe. Cross-Docking: Strategically located facilities in Shelby, Ohio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Romulus, Michigan, for streamlined consolidation, storage, and distribution. Ready to experience a new level of service and control in your freight shipping? Request a quote today to see how Entourage Freight Solutions can help with your freight movement and other supply chain needs.