Gourmet News: Bozzuto's readies for show

LEDYARD, Conn.-Independent wholesaler Bozzuto's Inc. takes over Foxwoods Resort Casino Pequot ballroom for its 2005 Independent Retailer Conference April 5 and 6.

The tradeshow hours are 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 9, and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 10.

More than 150 Bozzuto's suppliers are expected to exhibit and between 500 to 600 independent retailers are expected to attend, according to Kristin Manning, director of marketing for Bozzuto's.

"The show is really an opportunity for people in the industry to interact and network and learn from one another," she said.

Bozzuto's is a wholesale distributor to retailers in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Cheshire, Conn.-based distributor provides retailers with an opportunity to learn more about the expanded merchandising programs offered at the show, including a regional merchandising program designed to help retailers tailor merchandising based on their neighborhood demographics, said Manning.

This year's theme for the show is "Game On" in honor of the NCAA College Basketball tournament culminating during the same week. The concept is designed to inspire team unity and support the representatives "on the street working to get their fair share of the market," said Manning.

After the debut of the Annual Retailer Achievement Awards last year, Bozzuto's is introducing awards for suppliers this year. Six supplier awards include categories such as: meat, dairy, produce, deli/bakery, frozen and grocery; they are given at a reception on the show's first night. Three suppliers have been nominated per category. Manning expects more than 1,000 people to attend the reception where a total of 18 awards are presented.

"In this industry you get very few opportunities to feel like a rock star," said Manning. "We try to make the presentations really exciting with lighting and sound-it's like our Oscars."

Established in 1945, Bozzuto's is headed by Michael Bozzuto, president and chief executive officer.