A physical or online retail business that sells food products from multiple food and beverage brands directly to consumers. Businesses that exclusively sell their own branded products do not qualify under this category, please refer to the Food Manufacturer/Producer category. If you are an e-commerce platform provider, please refer to the Business Services category.


If you ONLY SELL ONE MANUFACTURER'S PRODUCT LINE, see Manufacturer/Producer.

If you are an E-COMMERCE PLATFORM PROVIDER, see Business Services.

Primary Business Sub-category

Convenience Store
Department Store
Discount Retailer
Drug Store/Pharmacy
E-tailer/Mail Order
Independent Grocer
Mass Merchant/Wholesale Club
Natural/Organic/Health/Co-op
Specialty Stores
Supermarket Chains
Retail: Gift Baskets, Corporate
Retail: Candy, Confections
Retail: Coffee, Teas, Etc.
Retail: Bakery, Etc.
Retail: Deli or C-Store
Retail: Wines/Liquors
Retail: Cookware/Housewares
Retail: Other - Specify Retail Business Type

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) 
• Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

 

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:
- Active website link that directly sells finished consumer-ready food products from multiple manufacturers products to a retailer or foodservice company.
- Product catalog showing brand selection as well as multiple product lines
- Two (2) recent wholesale invoices billed to registered company from within the past 180 Days (6 months) which includes your company name and address, as well as the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. Purchase orders and handwritten invoices are not accepted. Waybills, consignment shipping and pro-forma Invoices are not accepted. Invoices billed by your company to another entity are also not accepted.
You may omit pricing information (Optional).

Please note: we may verify your submitted documentation by contacting vendors you identify in your registration.

A business that sources finished, consumer-ready food products from international markets for resale in the domestic market. To qualify under this classification, you must be a third-party importer of multiple manufacturers’ product lines, beyond any brands owned by your company.

If your business produces or distributes food-related commodities, ingredients, spices, or unfinished products, please refer to the Food Manufacturer/Producer category.

If your company offers transportation, warehousing, or logistics services, see Business Services.

If your company provides support with regulations, licensing, or compliance, also refer to Business Services.

Primary Business Sub-category

Distributor (Foodservice)
Distributor (To Retailers)
Exporter
Grocery Wholesaler

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active website link that directly sells finished consumer-ready food products from multiple manufacturers products to a retailer or foodservice company.
• Product catalog showing brand selection as well as multiple product lines
• Two (2) recent wholesale invoices billed to registered company from within the past 180 Days (6 months) which includes your company name and address, as well as the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. Purchase orders and handwritten invoices are not accepted. Waybills, consignment shipping and pro-forma Invoices are not accepted. Invoices billed by your company to another entity are also not accepted.
• You may omit pricing information (Optional).

Please note: we may verify your submitted documentation by contacting vendors you identify in your registration.

A business that sources finished, consumer-ready food products from international markets for resale in the domestic market. To qualify under this classification, you must be a third-party importer of multiple manufacturers’ product lines, beyond any brands owned by your company.

If your business produces or imports food-related commodities, ingredients, spices, or unfinished products, please refer to the Food Manufacturer/Producer category.

If your company offers transportation, warehousing, or logistics services, see Business Services.

If your company provides support with regulations, licensing, or compliance, also refer to Business Services.

 

Primary Business Sub-category

Importer

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active website link that directly sells finished consumer-ready food products from multiple manufacturers products to a retailer or foodservice company.
• Product catalog showing brand selection as well as multiple product lines
• Two (2) recent wholesale invoices billed to registered company from within the past 180 Days (6 months) which includes your company name and address, as well as the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. Purchase orders and handwritten invoices are not accepted. Waybills, consignment shipping and pro-forma Invoices are not accepted. Invoices billed by your company to another entity are also not accepted.
• You may omit pricing information (Optional).

Please note: we may verify your submitted documentation by contacting vendors you identify in your registration.

An individual, business or institution engaged in the preparation and sale of prepared food directly to the end consumer. This classification includes restaurants, caterers, and hospitality businesses, as well as institutional foodservice providers in settings like schools, hospitals, government facilities, and corporate dining operations.

Primary Business Sub-category

Caterer
Full Service Restaurant: Chain
Full Service Restaurant: Fine Dining
Full Service Restaurant: Independent
Hotel and Lodging
Institutional/Commercial Dining Services
Limited Service Casual
Limited/Quick Serve Restaurant
Meal Kits
Foodservice: Hospital/Healthcare/Military
Foodservice: School/School Distric/University
Foodservice: Resort/Casino/Cruise Ship/Airline
Foodservice: Corporate Dining Services/Private Chef
Foodservice: Clubs: Country/Membership/Health
Foodservice: Other - Specify Foodservice Buisness Type

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active website link to menu or catering services provided
• Current Food & Beverage License (must be a copy of the document itself)
• Two (2) recent wholesale invoices from different manufacturers billed to registered company from within the past 180 Days (6 months) which includes your company name and address, as well as the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. Purchase orders and handwritten invoices are not accepted. Waybills, consignment shipping and pro-forma Invoices are not accepted. Invoices billed by your company to another entity are also not accepted.
• You may omit pricing information (Optional).

Please note: we may verify your submitted documentation by contacting vendors you identify in your registration.

An individual or business involved in producing and developing food, beverage, or related products within the specialty food industry. This includes companies that manufacture finished goods, produce or distribute food commodities, raw ingredients, or semi-finished products (including import/export), brand owners using co-packers or private label, and farmers or growers supplying raw agricultural products. Contract manufacturers producing for third-party brands also falls under this classification.

 

Primary Business Sub-category

Manufacturer/Producer
Startup Manufacturer
Brand/Private Label
Ingredient Supplier/Distributor

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

Active Business Credentials

• Active Website describing manufacturing process, brand or product.
• Product catalog
• Letter of Intent from Lawyer or Bank-must state business type as well as anticipated open date. (Only acceptable for new businesses - Startup Manufacturer)

 

An individual or business operating within the food industry on behalf of others providing advocacy, industry resources, business development support, and market access services to food producers and brands. This category includes food brokers/sales reps, government and trade agencies, non-profit associations, and incubator kitchens.

Primary Business Sub-category

Association/Non-Profit
Food Broker/Sales Rep (Specialty, Grocery, Foodservice, Gift, Military or Other)
Govt/Trade Organization
Incubator Kitchen
Pavillion Organizer

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

 

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active Website that provides information detailing primary business activity and function(s)
• Business License - must be a copy of the document itself. (Not acceptable: EIN or Tax ID, or company formation documents)
• Current brokerage agreements from multiple manufacturers signed and dated by all parties.

An individual or business that offers products or services supporting the operations and commercial activities of retailers, distributors, foodservice providers, and/or manufacturers in the food industry. This category includes, but is not limited to, packaging, logistics, marketing, brand development, and consulting services.

Primary Business Sub-category

Advertising/PR
Brand Management
Consultant (Business or Individual)
Equipment/Machinery
Facility Service & Supplies
Financial Services/Insurance/Legal
Food Safety/Labs/Product Testing
Logistics/Warehouse/Freight
Packaging/Printing
Marketing
Media/Publications
Food Delivery Service
Technology/Software
Business Services: Other

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

 

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active Website that provides information detailing primary business activity and function(s)
• Business License - must be a copy of the document itself. (Not acceptable: EIN or Tax ID, or company formation documents)

An individual or business primarily engaged in funding and supporting other businesses, typically through venture capital, private equity, or angel investing. Your core function involves funding businesses in exchange for equity or financial return. To qualify under this classification, you or your company must be the principal investor not advising on or facilitating investments on behalf of others.
 

Primary Business Sub-category

Investor

Acceptable Employment Credentials

Must be current and include one of the following:

• Business Cards are NOT accepted.
• Company email address (i.e. attendeename@companyname.com)
• 2 Recent Paycheck Stubs (Please redact sensitive information.) - Handwritten paycheck stubs are not acceptable.
• Company Identification Card (must include company name, your photo, and full name) - Digital renderings of your company identification card are not acceptable.
• Company insurance card with employee’s name (Please redact sensitive information.)

Acceptable Business Credentials

Must be current and include at least one of the following:

• Active Website that provides information detailing primary business activity and function(s)
• Business License - must be a copy of the document itself. (Not acceptable: EIN or Tax ID, or company formation documents)

 

Student
An individual currently enrolled in an accredited higher education institution , with a concentration in the food industry or a related field of study. To qualify under this classification, you must register under your academic institution.

Faculty
An individual currently employed by an accredited higher education institution in a teaching or research capacity, with a focus on the food industry or a related field of study. To qualify under this classification, you must register under your academic institution.

Primary Business Sub-category

Student
Faculty

Acceptable Employment/Enrollment Credentials

Must be current and include all of the following:
Faculty

• School email address
• School ID

Students

• School email address
• School ID
• Official Enrollment Verification Letter or Current Transcript/Schedule showing matriculation

Acceptable Business Credential

• Active School Website detailing primary business activity and function(s)