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Winter Show Welcomes Diverse Suppliers

Nearly 30 brands will participate in the Supplier Diversity Pavilion at the Winter Fancy Food Show, kicking off this Sunday in Las Vegas. Nine of those makers will debut as Specialty Food Association members. They are part of the (included) cohort.

(included) is a mission-driven collective of BIPOC founders and executives dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Members of the (included) are:

Barlow’s: a woman- and BIPOC-owned maker of breakfast foods, the brand specializes in pancake, biscuit, and waffle mixes as well as syrups.

Frescos Naturales: the Denver-based beverage brand makes traditional aguas frescas with a twist, featuring classing flavors like tamarind, hibiscus, and mango. Its founder recently participated in a podcast episode of Spill & Dish, the Specialty Food Association podcast. Listen here.

Funky Mellow: the woman- and diverse-owned snack maker offers a plant-based snack pack called Dippsterz, which includes pretzels and marshmallow dipping creme. 

Grumpy Ginger: the woman- and Asian-owned maker of Malaysian red curry blends provides products that are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and all-natural.

Krack’d Snacks: the snack maker specializes in indulgent treats that are keto and vegan. Some products include Dark Chocolate Aloha Caramel and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch bars.

Myles Comfort Foods: the BIPOC-owned frozen food maker provides a convenient mac & cheese offering in three flavors: Homestyle, Buffalo Style Chicken, and Philly Steak & Cheese.

Sobo: the Asian-American-owned frozen food brand is focusing on making classic east-Asian food items plant-based. The brand has a Chinese-inspired Plant Based "Pork" & Chive Dumpling, a Japanese-inspired Curry & Potato Dumpling, and a Korean-inspired Kimchi & Mushroom Dumpling.

Todo Verde: the woman- and Latina-owned spice and seasoning brand offers authentic seasonings to make tacos, soups, fajitas, veggies, and more. The brand has three products: Al Pastor Seasoning, Tinga Seasoning, and Carnitas Seasoning.

Tuyyo: a woman- and diverse-owned beverage brand that offers instant Colombian coffee and traditional agua fresca powders.

Also in the Pavilion are diverse-owned businesses at all stages of operation, from emerging to veteran. They include:

Aki Foods Japan: a first-time exhibitor offering samples of matcha and kombu powder, mochi, tea, and more.

The Busha Group: maker of Slawsa, a healthy cabbage-based relish, the woman-owned brand has been featured on Shark Tank, the Today Show, and Food Network.

John Kelly Chocolates: the specialty chocolate maker offers a variety of chocolate products including Rocky Road Truffle Fudge, chocolate-dipped fruits, and Truffle Fudge bars.

Cajun Two Step: the woman-owned low-sodium seasoning and hot sauce brand is a first time exhibitor at the Show.

Coaslink Corp.: woman- and Asian-owned, the New Jersey-based distributor will be showcasing its MushGarden brand of shiitake mushroom chips in assorted flavors.

Cooper Street Cookies: the family-owned cookie brand features nut- and dairy-free offerings. The brand specializes in cookies and bars, and will be sampling its Twice Bakes Cookie product.

Get Cultured Box: the woman- and Asian-owned brand produces Vietnamese pho and soup kits and other east Asian offerings to provide authentic flavors to its products.

Haig’s Delicacies: the maker of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern offerings specializes in dips and spreads including Tzatziki, Baba Ghannouge, and Muhammara.

Hanuman Chai: a first-time exhibitor, the brand makes Ayurvedic chai and herbal teas. The products are organic, Fair Trade, and vegan.

Lollys Frozen Grapes: a first-time exhibitor, Lollys is a maker of chocolate-covered frozen grapes in Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate + Almond, and Dark Chocolate + Coconut flavors.

Melissa’s: a distributor of specialty produce based in Los Angeles, the brand specializes in fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, and healthy snack options.

MyThreeSons Gourmet: the woman-owned cheese maker produces three types of spreadable pimento cheese: Emmy’s Original, Fiery Jalapeño, and Spicy White cheddar.

Peanut Butter & Co.: the LGBTQ+-owned peanut butter company offers myriad flavor experiences, including Cinnamon Swirl, Dark Chocolatey Dreams, and White Chocolatey Wonderful. The brand also makes hazelnut spreads and peanut and almond butter powders and cookies.

The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley: the woman-owned puree, concentrate, and zest brand sources fruits globally. 

Success Import USA: the woman- and Asian-owned importer offers authentic East Asian food experiences, including chicken floss cakes, dried fruits, and noodle bowls.

Sun Tropics: the Filipino-American-owned brand is a maker of Mochi Snack Bites in Sea Salt, Thai Bird Sriracha, and Tamari Teriyaki flavors.

Torn Ranch: a maker of chocolates, baked cookies and biscotti, and nuts, the brand is woman-owned.

Related: (included) Cohort to Take Part in Supplier Diversity Pavilion; Winter Show to Feature International Pavilions