Fresno Food Expo features flavorful favorites

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- 1,200 people were able to sample some of the newest Valley creations at the Fresno Food Expo.

125 local food and beverage producers were hoping to catch the eye of national and international food industry buyers.

Somewhere in the crowded Exhibit Hall could be the next big thing. The goal at the Fresno Food Expo was to somehow stand out amid the sea of sweet treats and tasty valley products.

Here people met Lorenzo Pagani who makes 40 different types of Italian meats for Busseto Foods.

Pagani enjoyed the attention. He said, "You know it's a good feeling. I like it. It's like when you have a new girlfriend more or less."

This is a big party where people came to taste new items and listen to pitches.

Some came to taste the grape which is what brought Cardella Winery in from Mendota.

Nathan Cardella said, "The thing is everyone has different taste. They're looking for something different so we didn't want to miss out on anything."

Setton Pistachios introduced five new flavors - pistachios like you've never tasted before.

Kristin Dodd explained, "So we have our chipotle BBQ, garlic onion, salt and pepper, jalapeno and chili lemon. We also have our chocolate covered pistachios."

Retailers always want to be ahead of the food trend. Debi Franklin's sweet smoky and simply smoky jalapenos sold under the "Deb's Gourmet" brand were a big hit.

Franklin said, "Von's locally in Fresno has said that I would be in seven stores local. Save Mart literally just left my table and said we're going to help you out and get you here in Fresno."

That's what it's all about - whether it's a retailer or a school or just something new for shoppers to look out for.