Alice Ancona shares with Global Supermarket News how the Miami-based event is fueling global food trade, connecting regional buyers with international exhibitors, and shaping the future of the industry.
What is the Americas Food & Beverage Show?
The Americas Food & Beverage Show is one of the most important international B2B food trade events in the Western Hemisphere. Held in Miami, it serves as a powerful platform for companies aiming to expand across borders — especially in the North American, Latin American, and Caribbean markets.
In this exclusive interview, Alice Ancona, Chief Executive Officer at the World Trade Center Miami, shares with Global Supermarket News what makes this event so impactful for exhibitors, buyers, and global trade professionals.
1. Vision and Purpose
Q: When you look at this year’s event, what’s the bigger picture?
This year’s Show is about unlocking global trade opportunities and providing tangible ROI for companies ready to expand across borders. With over 700+ exhibitors, 10,000+ buyers, and participation from 120+ countries, our goal is to fuel the next wave of international food and beverage trade—especially between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Q: What role does the Americas Food & Beverage Show now play for the companies that exhibit?
The Show has become a strategic launchpad for food and beverage producers aiming to penetrate the U.S. market or expand globally. For many small and mid-sized businesses, it’s the most cost-effective, turnkey way to meet serious buyers, build brand awareness, and close deals quickly. The Show is not open to the public, so exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with industry professionals – maximizing their ROI.
2. What Buyers Want
Q: Are you seeing any shifts in what buyers are coming to the show looking for this year?
Yes—there’s strong demand for health-conscious, sustainable, and innovative products, especially plant-based items, functional beverages, and clean-label snacks. Buyers are also more focused on sourcing ethically and navigating efficient supply chains.
Q: How do you help connect the right people — especially international exhibitors and regional buyers?
Through our digital exhibitor platform, mobile app, and New Product Showcase, we enable exhibitors to connect with targeted buyers before, during, and after the show. Pre-scheduled meetings, searchable product profiles, and real-time messaging make it easy for high-value connections to happen efficiently.
3. Exhibitor Experience
Q: What can first-time exhibitors expect that might surprise them?
They’ll be surprised by how accessible and impactful the Show is—even for first-time participants. The all-inclusive booth packages eliminate guesswork, and the international buyer presence provides access to serious purchasing power. Many exhibitors are amazed at how much business they can do in just three days.
Q: Are there any changes or new sections on the show floor for 2025?
Yes, we’ve expanded our Beverage Demo Stage and Center Stage live cooking demonstrations. We’re also placing a larger spotlight on the New Product Showcase, giving innovative products greater visibility both on-site and online.
4. Behind the Scenes
Q: Putting together a global trade show is no small task. What’s something people don’t see that makes a big difference in how the event runs?
The World Trade Center Miami is the owner and organizer of the Show. We are first and foremost a trade association. What many don’t see is the year-round relationship-building that powers the Show which is tied to our mission — from trade missions and international partnerships to curated buyer outreach. Behind every booth is a carefully crafted ecosystem designed to create real business opportunities.
5. Market Trends
Q: What themes are shaping this year’s edition — sustainability, sourcing, speed?
All three—plus wellness, ethnic fusion, and traceability. Today’s consumers want transparency, bold flavors, and better-for-you choices. Our Show reflects these themes through the exhibitor mix, speaker topics, and product activations.
Q: Have you noticed any interesting trends in the types of products or regions represented?
We’re seeing strong representation from Latin America, the Caribbean, and more and more from Asia, along with a rise in exhibitors offering functional ingredients, dairy alternatives, and culturally inspired snacks. The U.S. Hispanic/Latino market is also increasingly influencing product development.
6. Miami as a Gateway
Q: What makes Miami a uniquely strategic location for this event?
Miami is the logistical gateway to the Americas and its commercial hub. With its unmatched access to Latin America and the Caribbean, bilingual workforce, and world-class logistics infrastructure, it’s the ideal setting for a hemispheric trade show. Over 60% of U.S. trade with Latin America flows through Florida.
Q: Do you see the city’s global reach growing in food trade?
Absolutely. Miami’s international airports, seaports, and proximity to high-growth markets make it a fast-growing node in global food logistics and commerce. Miami is an indispensable trade center for perishable trade for the hemisphere. It’s also a top destination for international buyers, adding even more value to the Show. Port Miami is the #1 cruise port by passengers in the world, Port Canaveral near Orlando is #3, and Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale is #5. Most of the cruise lines at these ports source from distributors and foreign trade zone operations in Miami. Miami has also established itself as a top culinary destination boasting 14 Michelin star restaurants. The Michelin Guide included Miami in its new list, “Where to Go in 2025: 10 Exciting Foodie Destinations to Explore” – with Miami being one of only two U.S. cities in the world to make the list.
7. Looking Forward
Q: What’s your long-term vision for the show?
To continue positioning the Americas Food & Beverage Show as the leading trade event for the Western Hemisphere—where global brands, regional buyers, and future food trends converge. We aim to expand strategic partnerships and grow our impact across every edition.
Q: If you had one piece of advice for an emerging brand thinking about exhibiting, what would it be?
Come prepared and think beyond the booth and be export ready! Use our platform, engage with the media – especially social media, take advantage of the New Product Showcase, and leverage Miami’s international visibility. This Show isn’t just about exhibiting—it’s about opening doors to the future of your brand.
