Local Food Trade Show
The Local Food Trade Show
Planting the Seeds for the 2026 Local Food Trade Show!
We are thrilled to announce we are opening registration for the 15th Annual Local Food Trade Show, Tuesday, January 27th (snow date 2/3), again at Russell’s Garden Center, with its beautiful lighting and welcoming atmosphere. The 2025 Local Food Trade Show was our biggest trade show since COVID, bringing together an incredible gathering of local food producers, buyers, and advocates. We had nearly 100 exhibitors from rich and creamy clam chowder to bold and spicy kelp relish, liquor-infused ice cream to wholesome farm-baking mixes, and African-imported cashews to decadent mini-cheesecakes, the air was filled with the delightful aromas of exhibitor samples, drawing attendees in for a taste of New England’s finest local offerings.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Attendees: We are looking for New England’s buyers! Whether you are purchasing for retail or grocery, distributors or dining, hospitals or schools, or more, we want to support you finding amazing products and brands from across New England. Our exhibitors represent a vast array of foods and products, from fishing to chocolates, from apples to za’atar. Our exhibitors also represent businesses at every stage of the wholesale journey from newly wholesale-licensed to well-established and ready for the big time. We vet every exhibitor to make sure they are wholesale ready, and work to match buyers and exhibitors for an ideal experience for all. Until November 3rd, buyer registrations are free. Register today!
Exhibitors: Are you ready for wholesale? Do you have your wholesale license (according to your product and state)? Do you know your logistics and capacity? We are here to help you springboard into wholesale, or expand your existing wholesale market. We bring in buyers from across industries and scale, from farm stores and specialty shops to large distributors and grocery chains. We offer several wrap-around workshops and programming to maximize your trade show experience and match you to buyers that are looking for what you sell. Early Bird Discount of $25 is in effect until November 15th. Register today!
WHAT IS THE LOCAL FOOD TRADE SHOW? A networking event that connects New England food producers with wholesale buyers.
WHO IS AN ATTENDEE? All wholesale buyers! Big grocery stores and distributors, specialty food stores and specialized distributors, cafes and restaurants, K12 through college dining halls, farm stores, and CSA managers — the Trade Show is an opportunity to meet some of the best local food producers and new-to-the-scene products!
PRICES
Early Bird Discount: FREE! Only until November 3rd
Full Price (11/4/25-1/20/26)
$50 SBN Members for up to two guests ($25 each additional guest)
$75 Non-Members for up to two guests ($38 each additional guest)
Last Minute Price (1/21/26-At the door)
$70 SBN Members for up to two guests ($35 for each additional guest)
$80 Non-Members for up to two guests ($40 for each additional guest)
WHO IS AN EXHIBITOR? Farmers, fishing folks, food makers, and value-added producers based in New England. If you have your wholesale license* (as needed for your product and state) and are ready to grow your wholesale presence. Registration includes table and chair, promotion and wrap-around workshops, and listing in the program and opportunities to be in the Swag Bag and Raffle Prize. Additional optional costs for electricity, purchasing a program ad, and boxed lunches. You will also need to get a Temporary Food Service Permit from the town ($35) if you don’t already have one in Wayland.
PRICES
Early Bird Discount: $25 off only until November 15th
$125 Members
$150 Non-Members
Full Price (11/16/25-1/9/26) ** Or until we sell out**
$150 SBN Members
$175 Non-Members
AGENDA
8:00-9:00 AM: Exhibitor Check-In
9:00-10:00: Exhibitor Networking
10:00: Attendee Check-In
10:00-3:00: Trade Floor Browsing
11:00: Opening Remarks
12:00: Lunch
3:00-4:00: Exhibitor Load-out
BE A SPONSOR! By giving food entrepreneurs the platform to showcase their products, and buyers a venue to explore these industry-changing offerings, we are tilling the soil for a new future of food. Your sponsorship will uplift our region’s sustainable economy, while tying your organization to this crucial effort. Please join us in making the 2026 Local Food Trade Show successful!
Trade Show Workshops
All registered exhibitors have the option to participate in any/all of the following workshops. According to prior participating entrepreneurs, “Those workshops set me up to really grow. … I’ve been telling everyone about the trade show and all the support you give!” Attendees are invited to participate in workshops as well as industry experts.
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Perfect Your Presentation for Buyers - Wednesday, January 14th, 9-10am
An impactful workshop about your pitch, presentation, packaging, and presence. How can you make the most of the few minutes you have the ear of a buyer?
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1-on-1 Consultations - Wednesday, January 21st, 9-11am.
Meet with up to six industry experts in Marketing, Sales, Finance, Legal, Food Safety, Working with Distributors, and/or Waste and Energy Reduction. Thanks to the generosity and expertise shared by area industry experts, you can get 20 minutes of dedicated time for your business’s next steps or challenges.
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Wholesale 101: Regulatory Compliance and Wholesale Logistics - Friday, January 23rd, 9:30-11am
A quick rundown of the most important numbers and information you want to know and be able to articulate before you sign a wholesale contract. Make sure that as you expand, you are doing it wisely.
2025 EXHIBITORS
Last year we had more exhibitors than ever before. Each exhibitor brought an exceptional uniqueness to the experience, making the event a true celebration of local food innovation. From rich and creamy clam chowder to bold and spicy kelp relish, liquor-infused ice cream to wholesome farm-baking mixes, and African-imported cashews to decadent mini-cheesecakes, the variety of offerings was nothing short of incredible. Attendees were delighted by the flavors, creativity, and passion each exhibitor showcased. The swag bags were a standout feature, filled with wonderful goodies and fantastic promotions, making them the first thing people eagerly grabbed upon arrival. Each item inside represented the outstanding quality and diversity of our exhibitors, further enhancing the experience for everyone in attendance.
2025 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We are immensely grateful to the generous sponsors whose dedication and support brought the 2025 Local Food Trade Show to life. Your commitment to strengthening New England’s food community fosters innovation, collaboration, and lasting connections. This event would not have been possible without your leadership and belief in a resilient local food system. Russell’s Garden Center, as always, brought the community together in their rustic greenhouse, providing a beautiful environment for networking. The Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center partnered with us to support the Wholesale Readiness Program, helping small food businesses take the next step toward scaling up. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks and continues to support the Buy Local movement across the state. The Massachusetts Health Connector plays a key role in supporting emerging businesses by providing essential resources for their growth and stability. Farm Credit East not only tabled at the event but continues to provide invaluable financial support to New England’s agricultural community. Hannaford showed their commitment to quality and local sourcing through their attendance and engagement. Longfellow Health Clubs remains a steadfast supporter of our mission, as always, helping strengthen our regional food system. EdibleBoston continues to be an unwavering advocate for New England food, amplifying the voices of our local producers and food businesses. Century Leasing continues to keep businesses energy efficient with their cold storage trailers. CET/RecyclingWorks tabled at the event and reinforced the importance of reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices. Costa Fruit & Produce played a key role in connecting buyers with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Basil Tree Catering provided delicious lunches that kept our attendees fueled and ready for meaningful conversations. Thank you all for your sponsorship and support to keep doing what we do.
