NGA’s Supermarket Synergy Showcase is an annual exhibition of suppliers and services held during the convention. This year it was enhanced by food sampling and tasting stations, in addition to product demonstrations. No one went hungry at this food event.
A New Product Showcase featured entries ranging from spice grinders to tortilla chips.
Meanwhile, there were lots of positive stories relayed on the show floor. One of them was from Emile Breaux, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge. He told how the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl victory energized a region still feeling the impact of Katrina.
“It was a great win for our region, which has been so beat up,” he said. “Our business had a banner week due to the celebration.”
The sales lift started a few days before the Super Bowl and spilled into the following week. Business was further boosted by Mardi Gras, which included participation of the Saints.