One of the main precautionary measures that health authorities are recommending to avoid the risk of contagion with the coronavirus (COVID-19) is to prevent large events and mass gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in their most recent guide, is recommending that for the next eight weeks, organizers (be they groups or individuals) cancel or postpone public events that can gather 50 or more people.
Throughout the year, the food and beverage industry holds major trade shows, where billions of dollars are traded, and tens of thousands of people participate, to learn about the latest trends, products, and services.
Measures to control the coronavirus are affecting the occurrence of a large number of events in the United States and Mexico.
For this reason, many organizations in the food and beverage industry have decided to postpone or cancel their massive events. However, others continue with their plans, monitoring the situation, and the authorities’ recommendations.
One of the most important trade shows in Latin America that takes place in Guadalajara, Mexico, Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria, announced that due to the coronavirus, it postponed its event, initially scheduled for March 31 to April 2.
The Expo, which brings together more than 50,000 visitors and more than 1,800 exhibitors in the food and beverage industry, issued the following statement:
“With the intention of solidarity with the strategy that favors the health of the community, in an exercise of awareness and responsibility to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among collaborators, suppliers, and exhibitors who favor us with their participation during Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria Mexico 2020, ANTAD Associates have decided to postpone the event. The new date will be from July 22 to 24, at Expo Guadalajara.”
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The organization explained that “in light of the current international situation, this measure has been adopted with the aim of guaranteeing a successful edition for its exhibitors and visitors, from many countries around the world and Mexico.” Hundreds of US food companies also participate in the Expo.
List of food and beverage industry events impacted by the coronavirus
Until Friday, March 13, this is the list of the main events that have been postponed or canceled.
- New England Food Show, March 22-24, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- Future Food Tech Summit, March 19-20, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, March 17-18, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- Dairy Farmers of America Annual Meeting, March 16-18, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- National Pasta Association Annual Meeting, March 15-17, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- PMA Fresh Connections, March 25-26, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- CGT Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conferences, April 26-27, event postponed, new date to be determined.
- International Artisan Bakery Expo, March 31 – April 2, event postponed for June 26-28.
- International Pizza Expo, March 31 – April 2, event postponed for June 26-28.
- Supply Side East, April 20-22, event postponed for June 23-24.
- SNAXPO, March 22-24, event canceled.
- IRI Growth Summit, March 30 – April 1, event canceled.
- Tortilla Industry Association Annual Convention, May 1-2, event canceled.
Events that are still scheduled on their initial dates
- GEAPS Exchange 2020, March 21-24.
- NYIFT Section Suppliers Day, March 25.
- Safe Food California, March 30 – April 2.
- American Bakers Association Convention, April 19-22.
- Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference and Expo, April 26-29.
- Food Safety Summit, May 4-7.
- Food Edge, May 6-7.
- The NAMA Show, May 6-8.
- National Association of Flour Distributors Annual Convention, May 13-17.
- National Restaurant Association Show, May 16-19.
- Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 18-21.
- International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association Show, May 31 – June 2.
- United Fresh Convention & Expo, June 16-19.
- IFT Food Expo, July 12-15.