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Join the NASFT
Connect with the industry year-round.
Membership in the
NASFT gives you total access to the innovative hub of the global food
and
beverage marketplace. Only NASFT members are allowed to exhibit at the
Fancy
Food Shows and submit entries to the prestigious sofi™ Awards. Members
also
receive valuable services and discounts on NASFT products and programs,
which
are all designed to help our members succeed in the $70 billion
specialty food
industry.
NASFT Membership Benefits
All members receive access to the following benefits:
- Two Fancy Food Shows annually, with 42,000 attendees and
260,000 specialty food products
- Specialty
Food Magazine, the premier specialty food trade publication
- Specialty
Food News, the email newsletter that reaches 45,000 trade specialists each
day
- Ground breaking industry research and
statistics through the
annual State of the Specialty Food
Industry and Today’s Specialty Food Consumer report
- Educational Programs, Exclusive discounts on Sessions at the Fancy Food Shows designed specifically for the specialty
food trade
- Online Resources: Discounted archived and live webinars, downloadable educational content, free industry supplier lists, an online Vendor Search tool, and access to Member-Only online social Groups.
- Regional Share Groups: NASFT hosts MEMBER ONLY Share Groups
throughout the year and across the country to help members forge bonds
within their communities and learn from each other in the process.
For a complete overview of NASFT Program & Services, click
here
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NASFT Membership Types
NASFT has three membership types to meet the needs of all levels of the
specialty food trade. A variety of services and programs are geared for
each specific type:
MEMBER
Eligible companies are manufacturers,
importers, distributors, brokers,
accessory suppliers, publications,
trade organizations, local and state
agencies, foreign manufacturers,
consultants. * Must be active sellers in
the specialty food trade
for a minimum of one year. FAQ's about Exhibiting Member Don't yet meet the requirements to
be an Exhibiting Member? Check out the Member Candidate program below. | Included Benefits:- Ability to exhibit at Fancy
Food Shows, the premier marketplace for reaching the
specialty food trade
- Showcase opportunities with
What’s New, What’s Hot!,
targeted displays at the
Shows, in print and online
- Business Builders 1-to-1
Program: Private meetings
with retailers, distributors
and foodservice buyers
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MEMBER CANDIDATE
These are companies
not yet qualified
for Exhibiting Membership. They
must currently have a
finished product
for resale and meet labeling criteria
(lists company name,
ingredients and
origin), and have been in the specialty
food business less than
one year
and/or have fewer than five retail
references prior to the time of
application.
FAQ's about Member Candidate | Included Benefits:- Feedback from the Member
Candidate Admissions
Committee on your products
- Participation in New Brands
on the Shelf Pavilion tabletop display or special program at a Fancy Food Show
- Business and application assistance from a dedicated
NASFT staff person
- Free 30-minute consultation
with NASFT’s Washington
cousel or trademark advisor
- Member Candidate status
limited to a maximum of 2
years for companies who
have been in business less
than one year and/or have
fewer than five retail accounts; Candidates must currently have a finished product for resale meeting labeling criteria (company name, ingredients, origin)
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RETAILER NETWORK
Consists of specialty food stores,
supermarkets, health/natural food
stores, wine/liquor stores, caterers
and bakeries. Members receive early
access to the Fancy Food Shows,
exclusive Retailer Network tours, extra
passes and access to the Retailer
Network Lounge during the shows.
Most buyers in the food industry are
eligible for membership.
FAQ's about Retailer Network
| Included Benefits:- Early access to the Fancy Food Show starting at 8 a.m.
- Six free Show passes for each Fancy Food Show
- Up to 40% discount on NASFT-designed Educational Programs
- Exclusive access to the NASFT Retailer Network
Lounge and special events
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Application Requirements
All applicants must provide the following:
- Customer list (references)
- Descriptions of company and products
- Declarations page of the Commercial
General Liability (CGL) insurance policy (in particular, product liability
coverage), with the NASFT as an additional insured under the same policy
- Non-refundable $100 application fee
- In addition, Exhibiting
Members and Member Candidates must provide sample products. The NASFT
Admissions Committee reviews all products to make sure they qualify as
specialty foods. If the products consist of large display units, e.g.,
manufacturing equipment, or if the company markets services, the applicant may
submit literature, photos or other descriptive material representing such
products or services.
- Membership Dues (Required by all applicants except Member Candidates.)
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