Fresno Food Expo organizers say the event could sell out

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno Food Expo is underway in Downtown Fresno. It's already on tap to be a record breaking year.

It's almost go time at the Fresno Food Expo and businesses are setting up their booths with the same enthusiasm as kids have on the first day of school. Traina Foods is new to the show this year and is showcasing Sirarcha Sundried Tomato Ketchup.

"Madly in love with it," said Marybeth Brandabur with Traina Foods. "Amazing reactions, strong positive reactions. I kind of tease, I call it guy ketchup because the guys that see it that see the Sriracha, their eyes really light up."

The Patterson Farm sells Sriacha ketchup at Sams Club. The new product is one of the many creative ideas at this year's expo.

Fresno Food Expo Director, Amy Fuentes, said, "We're super excited. We're bringing some record numbers to the Fresno Food Expo, as well a number of new products that will be hitting the marketplace this year."

Some of those new products include everything from Molucca Chocolate to iced coffee. Clovis based Wawona Frozen Foods is no stranger to the show and new products.

Blake Smittcamp with Wawona Frozen Foods added, "We're partnering up with P*De*Q and they are presenting a gluten free sweet gem, that will have three or four different flavors: peach, mixed berry, blueberry and apple."

More than 850 buyers are coming from around the world and country to see and taste the bounty of the Valley. Exciting news for the owner of Deb's Gourmet.

Debi Franklin of Deb's Gourmet said, "Last year I was able to get in with a major distributor Kahe, which is across the nation and I'm looking at renewing those contacts again and getting new ones."

The expo is also open to the public and gives them a chance to wine, dine and get to know their growers.

Local foodies can try food, produce and beverages at the Fresno Food Expo. Tickets are $40 and organizers say the event could sell out.

FRESNO FOOD EXPO (Public event)

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Fresno Convention Center & Entertainment Center

5 p.m. -- 8 p.m.

$40

For more information, visit www.fresnofoodexpo.com.