The 4^th annual Feast! Local Foods Marketplace is now accepting applications for food and beverage businesses from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota to attend the event at the Mayo Civic Center on Dec. 1-2, 2017.

Feast! 2017 will cap off a ‘food week’ in Rochester that includes the Feast! Restaurant Week—showing off Feast vendor products in local restaurant specials—and the large annual convention of the Midwest Food Products Association (MWFPA) that features over 150 vendors from equipment manufacturers to packaging and labeling suppliers.

Special free entry to the Feast tradeshow will be granted to MWFPA registrants, and likewise for Feast exhibitors to attend MWFPA Thursday morning (lunch ticket available for purchase).

After Feast! 2016, one exhibitor said they intend to return for Feast! 2017 because it is a “Great way to make contacts with local customers, find new locations (stores) to sell our product, networking, great workshops.” Another exhibitor said, “I love the focus on local. I had no idea that our region produced so much diverse and delicious food!”

The show is a great way for regional stores to find local products: 75% of Feast! 2016 buyers surveyed said they purchased products from vendors they met at Feast, while others took samples to share and consider for purchase; 44% increased purchases from vendors they were already buying from.

Feast awards also draw attention to popular regional brands. "We're looking forward to having several awards given again this year, including the People's Choice Award," says Tim Penny, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation President and CEO. The 2016 People’s Choice Award went to newcomer K-Mama Sauce, and awards for each state went to O’Brien’s Own Gourmet Granola (Iowa), B&E’s Trees (Wisconsin), and Kakookies (Minnesota). The 2017 People’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the festival this year. 

Exhibitors registering this year will want to take advantage of the Early Bird Discounts, in effect now through August 15th. Check out the EXHIBITORS page now and let us know if you have any questions!