Veneto Food Expo Draws 30,000 Visitors and Industry Participants

There were over three hundred exhibitors present at the twenty-fifth edition of the national specialized exhibition dedicated to food, equipment, supplies, and services for hotels and public establishments, mostly coming from Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, and, of course, Trentino.

This recently concluded event was met with the usual great public success. It is estimated, pending the final figures, that nearly thirty thousand people crossed the gates of Palafiere alla Baltera, a modern and welcoming venue equipped with large free parking areas.

The venue and the audience of Expo

The geographical and seasonal placement of the Expo, during a low tourist period for the Garda area, significantly contributes to the event’s success by attracting not only industry professionals but also entire school groups and casual visitors.

Many are drawn by the possibility of sampling food products for free at the stands located on the ground floor of the Palafiere. Long queues form in front of exhibitors of well-known brands of ice cream, beers, and wines, where tasting the quality of each product is a must.

The same routine repeats at stands offering bites of cheeses, cured meats, and mini pizzas. With a bit of patience and a little boldness, it becomes easy to enjoy a full meal starting from an aperitif and ending with a coffee.

A reflection on economic returns and testimonies

The only inconvenience, if it can be called that, is the slow walk from one stand to another. But does this have any financial benefit for the exhibitor? Aside from image, is there an actual increase in business?

We posed this question to several Verona-based companies, 51 businesses participated in the fair, and most gave similar responses. “It’s important to be there for meetings with clients,” says Massimo Ravanini from the eponymous food company in Villafranca.

“Even the results are modest regarding new supply contracts. However, one of the most important aspects is the opportunity to communicate calmly, without the summer hurry, with regular clients.”

The participants’ testimonials

Upholding the same view is Umberto Zanconte, owner of Ca’ del Monte farm in Negrar, who has been present with his stand for six years. “It is an important showcase, and not just for the deals concluded at the event,” he states.

“Nearly everyone comes to visit you, and Verona residents make up the majority. It’s an opportunity for a family outing to find new products to add to their own business activities.”

Also worth repeating is the experience of Dino Di Carlo from Ferrari-Bk in Grezzana, a company specializing in outdoor paving. Among the veterans of the Trentino fair is Walter Prati’s Furnitures for Environments, Verona.

“We have been exhibiting at Expo for 15 years now, an important fair for the entire Garda area, but not only. Riva has succeeded where Verona has always failed.

In the early years, I only came here to serve my clients. Now, beyond this primary aspect, important contacts are made that then turn into real business,”

The costs of stand setup

But how much does it cost to set up a stand? “It depends on the size, the number of booth staff to pay, and the products going out,” explains Eugenio Pasqualini from Bardolino, who has been a regular presence at Expo for 20 years.

“As distributors of beverages in general and beer in particular, we join forces and ensure our presence at the stand, which is frequently crowded with young people.”

Streams of beer are distributed for free. “Of course, but the effort is worth it. It’s mostly young people who influence market flows and determine the success of one beer brand over another.”